Gay Hotel In Carlow

Zillah wrote:

Wait wait. What the hell is a "gay hotel"?

Do they only let queers in?

Sounds to me likes its just some bad marketing gimic.

"Hmm, revenue is down. Time to go gay I suppose..."

There is so much more potential for the pink pound in this country.

Oracle wrote:

I think gay hotels are a terrible idea, why should there be a separate place for gays to stay? I agree with Hmm_Messiah's post, whats wrong with interacting in any hotel?

It's a bad idea from lots of angles; it separates and segregates people based on an irrelevant distinction; it creates a category of accommodation that is outside the usual hotel classifications (thus leaving the hotel to set whatever standard it wants); and it stigmatises everyone who stays or visits as "staying in a gay hotel". That's not the mention the sub standard, sordid and seedy reputation these places normally develop.

I'd like to wish this new venture all the best; there are probably exclusively gay places that are great places to stay and well run. What I'm expressing is a personal opinion, and I'm talking about most places of this type in Ireland and the UK.

I think everyone, regardless of their sexuality, should be able stay in any hotel of their choice, with whom ever they choose.

I want hotels that welcome guests of every creed, colour and sexuality.

That is one of the most daft things I have heard. Just because the hotel is gay hotel does not mean it is now the only place in Carlow that gay people can stay. Gay people can stay wherever they want. The hotel exists for people who might want to be stay in 'gay orientated' accommodation that the hotel aims to offers. There is no way a hotel would segregate and stigmatise. A hotel is incapable of doing that. I am sure straight people would be allowed to stay in the hotel but would they really want to?

I was saying to a friend yesterday that people with similar interests/characteristics have always grouped together - be it based on sexuality, gender, hobbies etc. It is a natural thing to do. The hotel is just a location for people with similar interests/needs/desires. It is a place that gay people will be comfortable in. Gay couples can go there and be intimate in a relatively public environment. If I were single and planning a weekend away it might be the type of destination I would consider.

At the end of the day the success of the venture will be the deciding factor.

I agree with CiaranC this isn't a great idea. I understand that back when there was a lack of legal protection this might have been needed but today with all the equality laws in place it seems a step backwards. If I went to a hotel with my partner and they gave me any grief I'd haul them across the coals via the media and the courts if I had to. (to be honest it's never even seemed like happening to us).

However, for this guy in Carlow I saw the article and photo and I even had a look at their website. It looks like a very nice refurb with an art deco edge. I would imagine his yuppie/preppy i.e.. costly business model might be letting him down in Carlow so he did this to a) drum up free advertising or b) stir up local interest in the place (isn't it trendy to hang-out with gay people these days?).

Finally, there are people who have an edgier gay existence than I. Trying to find a hotel in Amsterdam was an eye opening experience. I'm wondering if this is the type of hotel he plans for Carlow? http://www.blacktulip.nl/ If so I might make a trip to Carlow (to stay in a Classic room :-)

Aaron.

So do you think gay bars provide "separate, but equal segreation"?

Stephanos wrote:

That is one of the most daft things I have heard. Just because the hotel is gay hotel does not mean it is now the only place in Carlow that gay people can stay. Gay people can stay wherever they want. The hotel exists for people who might want to be stay in 'gay orientated' accommodation that the hotel aims to offers. There is no way a hotel would segregate and stigmatise. A hotel is incapable of doing that. I am sure straight people would be allowed to stay in the hotel but would they really want to?

I was saying to a friend yesterday that people with similar interests/characteristics have always grouped together - be it based on sexuality, gender, hobbies etc. It is a natural thing to do. The hotel is just a location for people with similar interests/needs/desires. It is a place that gay people will be comfortable in. Gay couples can go there and be intimate in a relatively public environment. If I were single and planning a weekend away it might be the type of destination I would consider.

(Just thought people should read that again.:) )

Hmm_Messiah wrote:

What is gay orientated accommodation ? Do gay people have special needs that i didn't realise? And yea people with similar hobbies etc might like a themed place to match their hobby; fishermen might stay at a hotel decked with stuffed trout, or fly displays etc. what exactly would be orientated towards gay people. Unless you think all gay people are the same. (suppose the fly displays might be appreciated )

I always thought being gay was about (broadly) the fact I had relationships (physical and otherwise) with other guys. How a hotel accomodates that in some special way is entirely beyond me (unless again you are talking of fetishes/behaviour that is not exclusively "gay") .

And the idea that in 2006 gay couples would need a special place where they can go and be intimate in a relatively public environment is pathetic.

It might work in some comedy where the long term residents find great amusement with the hapless heterosexual who book in unawares its "queer". In the 70s

So you don't find the idea of a gay hotel appealing. Fine. If this hotel is successful it will demonstrate that others do. Would you then accept that this is merely a difference in tastes, or would you continue to disparage this enterprise in that injured and righteous tone?

Here are some earth shattering facts for you, Messiah. A disproportionately great number of gay people share common interests. No, really! In terms of entertainment and music, hobbies and personal pursuits. Topics of interest, conversation and sense of humour. Another terrifying reality: gay people tend to enjoy each others company, often in entirely non-sexual and non-romantic ways. Many gay people feel more comfortable and at ease around others like themselves.

But, as you will no doubt respond, many gay people do not conform to the stereotype, or anything remotely like it. Many don't care about drag shows or cheesy pop or well-equipped gyms or beauty treatments. What's in it for them? How can a hotel cater for people with no specific interests?

How can a hotel make all gay people more comfortable? It can't really, beyond ensuring that its employees are friendly and unphased. The other guests, however, can make a huge difference. And the easiest way for them to do this in a society where homophobia is still acceptable and common, is to be gay themselves. In fact, all a gay hotel need necessarily do to cater to gay people would be to call itself a gay hotel.

Hmm_Messiah wrote:

And the idea that in 2006 gay couples would need a special place where they can go and be intimate in a relatively public environment is pathetic.

I agree. It is an unfortunate state of affairs. Perhaps when hostility towards gay people has been completely eradicated such concepts as gay hotels will become redundant. On the other hand, perhaps gay people will still elect to socialise preferentially with each other. Is that bad?

heh