Last Updated on June 22, 2020 by Amanda Stancati
Cities around the globe are poised to welcome LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) proud crowds for the 2012 Pride Week. Hotels are gearing up for what is expected to be another jam-packed week of parties, marches and all around celebrations. Some hotels are going above and beyond to embrace visitors from all four corners of the world with special deals and Pride-themes. Here are a few that captured my attention:
NYC Pride 2012: June 16th
NYC’s W Hotel East Side is offering the “Primped and Pumped for Pride” package, including a suite from $449 nightly, two cocktails, a week-long membership to the David Barton Gym to get your heart pumping and your pulse racing, in-room tanning courtesy of GlowJob, a pair of VIP tickets to the 12-hour Menhattan Party at Roseland Ballroom (June 23), and—whew!—late checkout.
Toronto Pride 2012: June 22
Toronto hosts one of the largest Pride events in the entire world. Returning with its 32 annual event, this year’s festivities will begin on June 22 and will feature 10 days of world-class arts and cultural programming, community activities, one of the world’s largest street festivals, Pride Parade, Family programming and more.
The prestigious Fairmont Royal York is sharing in the city’s pride by offering a 10-day Pride Week Rate from just $159 per night.
Located near Church Wellesley Village, an LGBT community well known internationally for its shops, restaurants and entertainment, The Courtyard by Marriott will also welcome Toronto’s proud crowd not only for this year’s Pride Toronto 2012, but also for the World Pride 2014.
San Francisco Pride 2012: June 23
With more than 200 parades, 300 exhibitors and 20 stages, the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest LGBT gathering in the nation. San Francisco-based Joie de Vivre Hotels are offering a special 20% off their best available rate.
And a sponsor of the 42 annual Pride Celebration in San Francisco, the Clift hotel, is also offering special Pride Package rates from $205 per night (from June 20-25), which include two complimentary signature cocktails in Redwood Room.
Sitges, Spain Pride 2012: July 8
Pride Week kicks off in July in Sitges, Spain. This small town, which rests along the coastline just south of Barcelona, has a very special place in my heart. Ah yes, nearly 20 years ago, a fairy tale romance come true in a quaint ocean-side villa of Spain … good times, great memories!
Sitges is a popular gay destination, which now hosts its own Pride festival, featuring a street-wide parade and two all-night ‘Party in the Park’ events with DJs, dancers and fireworks.
Sidebar: Granted it’s been almost 20 years and my memories may be fading a tad, but I don’t remember thinking to myself, “Wow, Sitges sure is an LGBT hot-spot!” But then again … as a teen figure skater on tour with Walt Disney’s World on Ice, my perceptions may have been a little off kilter!
