Gay Hotel In Carlow

cyperplex

Hey every one , this is just a post about the new gay hotel in carlow that is attempted too be opened , i just wanted peoples opinions on the issue , Personally i think the concept is brillent , just not the place or the time , Carlows residents have acted angrely against the proposal ( no surprise there) but the location of the venue is in my opinion a very bad choice , it is located oposit another Club called the foundry and this area is known for being very rough late at nite when the clubs doors open to let its customers out , my biggest concern is for the safety of the clients that will be using the gay venue . Carlow is a growing town but also it is not yet open enough to have a gay hotel on its main street.

Any one have any opinions on this issue !!!

especially people from carlow town its self !!

Stephanos

I don't really have much of an opinion, but if the reports are true, I think it is very tasteless to paint it pink. The gay hotels in the UK are just very plush and well-decorated - not potential homes for a certain coloured panther.

Hmm_Messiah

As I understand it the place is doing no business so this is an attempt to increase some revenue. From the little I've read it doesn't seem very well thought out though. I guess local reaction is not a reason to not go ahead but as a business venture it seems unwise, location, potential numbers etc.

And I am not sure what a gay hotel offers thats different than a regular hotel (other than apparent pink decor) ; any hotel I've stayed at seem to "not bat an eyelid" at gay customers, in fact most hotels seem over run with gay ro erm.. "gayfriendly" staff.

Stephanos

Hmm_Messiah wrote:

And I am not sure what a gay hotel offers thats different than a regular hotel (other than apparent pink decor) ; any hotel I've stayed at seem to "not bat an eyelid" at gay customers, in fact most hotels seem over run with gay ro erm.. "gayfriendly" staff.

Some of the places are types that you would go to if you were looking to meet someone. The same thing as the a "gay cruise" offers. Lots of gay men on a boat looking to unwind in whatever way they see fit. Gay friendly hotels are important but I am guessing the gay hotel would be more orientated towards gay men to the extent that lodgers would interact with eachother.

Hmm_Messiah

never really had a problem "interacting" in regular hotel.

what you described makes sense I guess but to me makes this new venture even more doomed to failure.

Stephanos

Hmm_Messiah wrote:

never really had a problem "interacting" in regular hotel.

what you described makes sense I guess but to me makes this new venture even more doomed to failure.

Why would it fail? They are successful in other countries. The way they are going about it - location etc. - mightn't be the best but such a venture is far from doomed. If something like that were to open in Dublin it would do well with non-Irish nationals. It might even attract gay individuals who don't have problems "interacting" with eachother.

dave101

i run a small company and the method for any buisness is

supply and demand. and im sure it will be a hit.
jsut the old foggies in the town may have to get used to this type of thing..
hope it all works out for the owners.

Zillah

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..."

Stephanos

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.

Sapien

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..."

It's more or less the same principle as a gay bar, though with a marginally smaller expectation of scoring. Would you consider gay clubs to be bad marketing gimmicks?

Oracle

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.

damien

I love the fact it brought out so many of the homophobes but why the feck would I want to:
1) Stay in Carlow for anything.
2) Stay in a hotel that could seriously damage my eyes with pink everywhere.
3) Pay the usual "gay tax" that every venue adds on when catering to gay clientele.

It's the rare hotel now that turns down gay couples.

Stephanos

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.

CiaranC

damien.m wrote:

I love the fact it brought out so many of the homophobes

Thats just silly.

Some people might just think that a hotel catering for a specific sexual orientation is about on par with a hotel which targets a particular race, ethnicity or religion. i.e not the direction we want society to go in.

The whole thing has the uncomfortable feeling of 'separate, but equal' seggregation. There were plenty of black people who went along with the idea of self-imposed seggregation, rather than the (much more difficult) notion of changing society itself to an integrated one.

damien

CiaranC wrote:

Thats just silly.

Some people might just think that a hotel catering for a specific sexual orientation is about on par with a hotel which targets a particular race, ethnicity or religion. i.e not the direction we want society to go in.

You obviously didn't hear the various "concerned" locals saying they didn't want that type of place there as it would ruin the image of such a nice street or the fact that some politician said that gays would be better off in some other city and why did they have to come to a nice town like Carlow where they are trying to make it more family orientated or some bollox like that.

lostexpectation

damien.m wrote:

It's the rare hotel now that turns down gay couples.

hmm that not something I've ever thought of, have people got second looks when arriving to a doublebed room with a same sex partner at a hotel?

aaronquigley

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.

CiaranC

damien.m wrote:

You obviously didn't hear the various "concerned" locals saying they didn't want that type of place there as it would ruin the image of such a nice street or the fact that some politician said that gays would be better off in some other city and why did they have to come to a nice town like Carlow where they are trying to make it more family orientated or some bollox like that.

Apologies, I thought you were referring to people in this thread who had doubts about the idea.

damien

CiaranC wrote:

Apologies, I thought you were referring to people in this thread who had doubts about the idea.

Oh christ no. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

johnnygroup

It's the rare hotel now that turns down gay couples.

Well it is illegal

Stephanos

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

damien

johnnygroup wrote:

Well it is illegal

Naw, tisn't is it?

Sapien

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

Stephanos wrote:

The hotel exists for people who might want to be stay in 'gay orientated' accommodation that the hotel aims to offers.
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. .

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

Sapien

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?

Stephanos

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

Boards has a separate web page where gay people can come and discuss things. But I am guessing the creators of Boards did not for a moment think that all gay/lesbian/bisexual people are the same. Your fisherman argument is a farce. If fishermen wanted to stay in a hotel that was 'fishermen orientated' then I am sure they would exist. Some entrepreneur would definitely be on to that by now. There is a bit of chicken and egg syndrome going on. Gay hotels exist for the simple fact that they are in demand. Gay hotels do well in the UK and on the continent. It is not too far out and idea to think that they might go down well in Ireland. You are referring to the idea as if it is some ridiculous notion created on a whim. It is a venture that might work.

You asked if gay people have special needs. I have one! I have a need to be able to touch and kiss my boyfriend wherever I please. Although it is 2006 (thanks for the news flash) I still do not feel brave enough to do so in certain places. If I needed to go away with my fella to Carlow I might just consider booking a room.

Hmm_Messiah

The thought that any one would want to stay in a hotel in carlow is scary enough. Have you ever been in Carlow ?

being able to touch and kiss your boyfriend isn't a special need. That you count it as one, is like I said pathetic in 2006. It is an ordinary need, which ordinary places will facilitate. the analogy re fishermen is not stupid, I was thinking of a particular fishermens inn in fact.

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?

I never implied it was anything other than a difference in tastes to a great extent. My problem is with the concept of a "gay hotel", to me that would mean a hotel that ...fancies other hotels or something. I think I sound far from injured or righteous. You respond to some one giving their opinion in that way? a bit of a contradiction then within 2 sentences .

when hostility towards gay people has been completely eradicated such concepts as gay hotels will become redundant.

I think you will find "gay hotels" exist and will continue to exist but have little to do with gayness; instead they cater for a type of behaviour, or a sexual interest which is not exclusively gay but which will not easily be seen as normal/healthy/moral by the majority .

Many gay people feel more comfortable and at ease around others like themselves.

Like the mutants in the X-men perhaps ?

Jesus, when will people on this forum just acknowledge people have differing opinions, and might limit themselves to expressing their own rather than some crusade to change the others.

And when will "gay" be accepted in its simplicity by ...................... gay people?

CiaranC

Why stop at gay hotels and nightclubs? Why not gay restaurants, gay doctors surgeries, gay colleges and gay GAA clubs.

Segregation because its 'more comfortable' is the road to hell.

when hostility towards gay people has been completely eradicated such concepts as gay hotels will become redundant

Concepts like gay hotels only slow progress toward that day.

damien

Hmm_Messiah wrote:

My problem is with the concept of a "gay hotel", to me that would mean a hotel that ...fancies other hotels or something.

Ok, that's going into a signature or sign-in name or blog post soon. Brilliant.

damien

CiaranC wrote:

Why not gay restaurants

They're here already.

gay doctors surgeries

They're called STI/STD/GUM clinics

gay colleges

It's called Trinity.

gay GAA clubs.

There are loads of St. Marys

CiaranC

heh

damien

Stephanos wrote:

But I am guessing the creators of Boards did not for a moment think that all gay/lesbian/bisexual people are the same.

Actually they strongly opposed the creation of this forum for a long time for "our own good" and to protect us from evil nazis.

If fishermen wanted to stay in a hotel that was 'fishermen orientated' then I am sure they would exist. Some entrepreneur would definitely be on to that by now.

Maybe this will be the next last lurch before death of this guy who seems not to be able to rake in the cash by appealing to a greater majority of people.

You asked if gay people have special needs. I have one! I have a need to be able to touch and kiss my boyfriend wherever I please. Although it is 2006 (thanks for the news flash) I still do not feel brave enough to do so in certain places. If I needed to go away with my fella to Carlow I might just consider booking a room.

I still see a need for gay bars and gay resource centres for those who are closeted and do no want to be seen as being gay in the wider community and I see nothing wrong with people who choose this or in some cases have no choice.

But generally going to a hotel with a partner means a room to stay in. Most people don't stay in their hotel all day long, they go out and there and then there's that issue once again of not wanting to be affectionate in public. Unless you create a whole resort, a gay hotel isn't going to do much to help you being affectionate outside the blackened windows of the hotel.

Sapien

Hmm_Messiah wrote:

You respond to some one giving their opinion in that way?

I am as careful about interpreting tone from plain texts as anyone. The tone of your text was clearly dismissive and derisory. If you can't handle ungloved debate, try to be a little more circumspect.

Hmm_Messiah wrote:

Jesus, when will people on this forum just acknowledge people have differing opinions, and might limit themselves to expressing their own rather than some crusade to change the others.

Oh, my apologies. I didn't realise that your opinions weren't to be responded to. Though really, people should be more clear about it when they just want to post up their thoughts for everybody to read, but aren't prepared to have them challenged. There should be a little box one could tick, or something.

CiaranC wrote:

Segregation because its 'more comfortable' is the road to hell.

Well when you call it segregation - of course it seems ugly. Why not just call it apartheid, and be upfront about it. I, however, think the word specialisation is little more fitting, and a lot less shrill.

CiaranC wrote:

Concepts like gay hotels only slow progress toward that day.

In case you missed it, I questioned whether that day would, or should ever come.

damien.m wrote:

Quote:
gay doctors surgeries

They're called STI/STD/GUM clinics

Charming. Remind me to ignore you in future.

damien

Sapien wrote:

Remind me to ignore you in future.

I actually read that as english. Congrats on the decorking.

Stephanos

This argument has gone full circle at this stage. It has managed to encompass the usual debates that have arisen in this forum.

The simple equation is:

Gay Hotel + Need for Gay Hotel = Profit

Good points have been made by all parties but I think it is time to hand over to the hotel itself. Its outcome will be an interest to me.

Michigan

My perspective,and only mine,is that even in 2006,worldwide gay couples need a safe place to rest their heads at night.
So if an accomodation that caters to gay people and people who are not gay paranoid is available and it makes people feel comfortable I say Hip Hip Hooray!