PALM SPRINGS
For many travelers, desert is the new beach, and Palm Springs leads the desert-chic movement across the country. This quiet desert retreat two hours from Los Angeles has recently blossomed into a world-class resort town, even if famous gay men like Rock Hudson, have been visiting for close to a century. With the recent, ongoing openings of hip hotels, notable restaurants, trendy bars, and major festivals (like Coachella, Palm Springs Film Festival, Stagecoach) fueling its growth, Palm Springs mostly attracts a slew of millennials that now mix with old-time gay residents who have called it home even before its renaissance. Travelers are obsessed with the desert’s low-key, laid-back, chilled-out vibe, and it’s where most bachelor parties that want to avoid the glitz, glam, stress, and expensive price tags, flock east of LA.
While there are few resorts that haven’t spawned a bachelor party buzz (like Ace Palm Springs, Parker, Colonial Palm, and the new Arrive), Avalon reigns as a gay group homebase. The gay-friendly resort, formerly Viceroy, has inexpensive rooms, as well as larger villas with kitchens and backyards, which is an excellent way to have everyone in your group gather in one private spot for intimate toasts. With two outdoor pools at the resort, there’s no shortage of social activities, and Palm Springs’ most famous chef, Tara Lazar, is spearheading the food scene.
Scoot Palm Springs
Another option, Sparrows Lodge, is like having your own private pad, as long as you don’t mind sharing it with other hip travelers. The 20-room boutique is intimate, designed to feel more like an al fresco barn than a midcentury modern masterpiece. Think vaulted ceilings and shutters on windows, and most rooms are equipped with their own patios. The rustic appeal is a major draw for the lumber sexual type who like to veg out at the central, saltwater pool. With the resort’s no-children policy, and no staff after hours, it’s as private as an adult would want for late-night soirées.
Eight4Nine is all about the fabulous. This gay-owned restaurant with eclectic menu and colorful interiors right on Palm Canyon Drive is a hit for gay locals and travelers alike. Martinis constantly flow and inventive, California coastal-inspired bites hit the right spot. It’s more about the vibe than the food here, and the buzzing outdoor patio with contemporary art is perfect for pets, if you bring Fido in tow.
Just as casual as Eight4Nine are the gay bars along Arenas Road, where gays in tank tops and flip-flops bar hop from midcentury modern inspired lounges to funky dive bars. Most travelers end up at Hunters Nightclub, known for live DJs, go-go boys, a fun atmosphere, and pretty boys on the prowl. The beats are heavy on techno and gay anthems, but the diverse, shirtless dancers are as unique as they come.
Head to Workshop Kitchen + Bar, a stylish, progressive restaurant with industrial design (it’s in a former cathedral and recently won a James Beard Award for design). Award-winning New American cuisine features stellar bites, from fresh-tossed, wood-fired pizza to honey-lavenderglazed black cod, and no one needs to twist your arm for their perfect, seasonal craft cocktails, including punch bowls perfect for bachelor party groups. If you want to tap into your inner Mad Men, don the suit and head to Melvyn’s, a 1920’s supper club establishment where waiters wear tuxes and the cocktails are reminiscent of a bygone era. With an air of Old Hollywood (and frequent celebrity guests like John Travolta), Melvyn’s is a dashing timewarp where you’ll feel like Frank Sinatra will magically appear to serenade your bachelor party.
L as Vegas
LAS VEGAS
The most iconic party city in the world, Las Vegas has been bachelor party approved since the first casino on the strip opened in 1931 (the building of the Hoover Dam and proximity to Grand Canyon also helped it flourish with tourism). Now, chockfull of luxury resorts, casinos, theater, excellent restaurants, pampering spas, world-class shopping, and unrivaled nightlife, Las Vegas is a fantasy destination for bachelor party groups. Sin City speaks for itself, offering a place where guys can bond during a once-in-a-lifetime weekend. In order to fully live out the unhitched life to the last minute, a groom must not resist the temptations of Vegas but embrace it, the way Vegas was meant to be visited. Before the party, the groom and his friends can also enjoy a leisurely time with casual strolls on the strip, art museums, fine restaurants, and visually engaging performances (like Cirque du Soleil).
Check in at W Las Vegas, the newest resort on the strip. The 289-room party pad (taking over one of the towers of SLS Las Vegas) opened to much fanfare for the gay traveler, and with good reason. It’s stylish (rooms and public spaces are designed by popular firm AvroKO; E-Wow Suites designed by Lenny Kravitz); there’s a concentration of lively, high-end restaurants (Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres, Katsuya, Cleo, Umami Burger); swank cabanas at the buzzing rooftop pool; and even party bus transportation for a wild night out. If you need more room to sprawl and splurge, book a room at The Palazzo. The Palazzo now allows the public to book their most high-end inventory, accommodations that, up until last year, were only reserved for high rollers. Now, these exceptional suites (from Chairmans to Penthouses) are open for anyone to book. Equipped with butler service, private massage rooms, steam rooms, electronic toilets, private theaters, massive outdoor balconies, and multiple bedrooms, these suites (starting at $4,000 a night when available) are highly sought-after accommodations for intimate bachelor party groups.
The night is always young in Vegas, and groups head to Beauty & Essex, Tao Group’s latest offering at Cosmopolitan. Half pawn shop, half restaurant/bar, Beauty & Essex (second location after NYC’s Lower East Side) has a very Vegas vibe with swank interiors, late-night DJs, decorative and intricate cocktails, diners dressed to the nines, and celebrities like Ciara and Madonna dining in.
Even if you’re not obsessed with Britney Spears, the pop icon continues her dramatic, theatrical performances at Planet Hollywood, where everyone ends up having a blast. The performance sets the stage for wild shenanigans later in the night, pumping up gay groups with the infectious high you’ll experience during the show. End the night at Flair, the newest gay nightclub that opened this past New Year’s. While gay venues historically have short lifespans in Vegas, Flair (ten minutes from the Strip) has shown promise with two dance floors, three bars, hot bartenders, a stage, and an expansive outdoor patio. Sure, the name may be cliche, the cocktails steeply priced, and the entrance fee unnecessary, but it’s a gay club in Vegas. Thanks to the intimate dance floors (rather than large spaces, which can make crowds look slim), Flair is already one step ahead, and live DJs prove they can get crowds moving.
If you’re coming from Los Angeles, JetSuite, a private jet company, launched JetsuiteX, a public charter with daily direct flights from Burbank. It feels like you’re taking a private jet (and some resorts pick you up straight from the runway) for a fraction of the private jet price (it starts at $129 one-way on weekdays).
KEY WEST
As the southernmost city in the United States, Key West likes being off the radar, yet it’s not completely removed from the world. In fact, here, you would think they perfected life. The low-key pace is perfect during the day, and the nights are as wild as a gay scene gets. With its far-left liberal attitude, Key West doesn’t bat an eye to nudity (there are clothing optional resorts, bars, and even boat charters), embraces gay culture (it’s been thriving here since the 1970s), and beer is comsumed like water (a strong beer culture makes life easy). Every night there’s a party thanks to the iconic sunset party at Mallory Square where hordes of locals and tourists alike congregate and enjoy fun street performances to boot.
Check in at Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort that sits on one of the best beaches along the shore. There’s a variety of room types, but the best ones are the suites with patios facing the beach. The 1920 hotel offers a stylish pool, beach bar, and even massages right on the golden sand. They also rent cruiser bikes to all guests, which is the best way to get your bearings of the bite-size city. If you’re feeling adventurous, round the boys up and rent mopeds at The Moped Hospital, a historic scooter rental company that’s been renting out a variety of wheels (including their famous mopeds) since 1979.
For a stay that won’t burn a hole in your wallet, Hyatt Centric Key West recently unveiled a multi-million renovation with 120 guest rooms that all have patios, with the majority touting ocean views. It’s become a hot spot for celebration trips (like birthdays, wedding parties, etc), and it’s already one step ahead with champagne at checkin. The location is ideal, right in Old Town and two blocks from Duval Street, so it may feel like a bohemian flash back with the centuries-old attractions nearby like Audubon House & Tropical Gardens (a stunning, well preserved 19th-century home and garden of famed naturalist John James Audubon), and Curry Mansion, the home of Florida’s first millionaire, William Curry, which displays exquisite antiques and ornate furnishings (though it’s not uncommon to just awe at the exterior).
When the commanding sun sets, make a beeline to Aqua, a legendary venue for drag performances, including the house girls, the Aquanettes, and perhaps one of the most “modern” bars on the island (no thatch roofs here). They even offer karaoke two nights a week if you want to belt your favorite show tunes, as a full bachelor party group of course. It’s called bachelor “party” for a reason, and not one of the boys should be left off the hook, especially the groom-to-be.
Creating lasting memories and sharing experiences before the big day is the priority, and there’s no better bonding experience like a destination bachelor party.
Hyatt Centric Key West
Gay Bachelor Party Resources
NEW ORLEANS
Cari Roy, New Orleans’ most famous psychic. www.neworleanspsychic.com
Corner Pocket, 940 St. Louis Street, Tel: 504-5689829. Lively gay strip joint and bar with go-go dancers. www.cornerpocket.net
Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal Street, Tel: 504-5292860. Off-the-beaten-path gay bar in the French Quarter that serves cheap booze and tons of fun.
Port of Call, 838 Esplanade, Tel: 504-523-0120. Popular burger joint short on frills but big on taste. www.portofcallnola.com
Ritz Carlton New Orleans, 921 Canal Street, Tel: 504-524-1331. Lavish hotel with fine service, gorgeous spa, and impeccable Ritz Carlton lounge. www.ritzcarlton.com
W New Orleans, 316 Chartres Street, Tel: 504-5811200. Hip hotel right in French Quarter. www.wfrenchquarter.com
PUERTO VALLARTA
Blue Chairs Resort, Malecon y Almendro No 4, Tel: 322-222-5040. Popular gay resort haven in Puerto Vallarta. www.bluechairsresort.com
Casa Kimberly, Calle Zaragoza 445, Tel: 52-322-2221336. Intimate boutique hotel that was Elizabeth Taylor’s former home. www.casakimberly.com
Casa Septiembre, Escorpion 2, Conchas Chinas. Gay-owned, nine-bedroom villa on quiet beach. Tel: 877-993-0100. www.luxuryretreats.com
Mantamar Beach Club, Calle Malecon 169, Tel: 52-322-222-6260. Gay beach club and bar. www.mantamarvallarta.com
Mr. Flamingo, Lazaro Cardenas 295, Tel: . New gay bar that’s taken the city by storm. www.facebook.com/flamingospvr
Paco’s Ranch, Ignacio L Vallarta 237, Tel: 52-322126-0071. Wild gay nightclub with jello shots. www.pacosranchpv.com
Wet Dreams, Lazaro Cardenas 312, Tel: 52-322222-8112. Tourist-friendly gay strip joint. www.facebook.com/pvwetdreams
PALM SPRINGS
Avalon Hotel, 415 South Belardo Road, Tel: 760318-30126. Affordable resort with two pools and good food. www.avalon-hotel.com/palm-springs
Eight4Nine, 849 North Palm Canyon Drive, Tel: 760325-8490. Contemporary eatery offering new American cusine. www.eight4nine.com
Hunters Nightclub, 302 East Arenas Road, Tel: 760323-0700. Late-night gay hot spot that’s a staple to the gay scene. www.hunterspalmsprings.com
Melvyn’s Restaurant, Ingleside Inn, 200 West Ramon Road, Tel: 760-325-2323. Old-school restaurant and lounge that Hollywood stars frequented. www.inglesideinn.com
Scoot Palm Springs, 701 East Palm Canyon Drive, Tel: 760-413-2883. The place for scooter rentals in Palm Springs. www.scootpalmsprings.com
Sparrows Lodge, 1330 East Palm Canyon Drive, Tel: 760-327-2300. Rustic, 20-room resort with saltwater pool. www.sparrowslodge.com
Workshop Kitchen + Bar, 800 North Palm Canyon Drive, Tel: 760-459-3451. Award-winning, contemporary American restaurant. www.workshoppalmsprings.com
LAS VEGAS
Beauty & Essex, 3708 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Tel: 702-737-0707. Vegas outpost for popular NYC LES haunt. www.beautyandessex.com
Britney Spears at Planet Hollywood. Amazing show by the legendary pop singer. www.britneyspears.com
Flair Nightclub, 1700 East Flamingo Road, Tel: 702-733-8787. New gay club outside the Vegas Strip. www.facebook.com/flairnightclub
JetsuiteX. Private jet company offering public charter on certain routes. www.jetsuite.com
The Palazzo, 3325 South las Vegas Boulevard, Tel: 702-607-7777, Tel: 866-725-2990 (Concierge). High-end resort that now offers previously unbookable high-roller suites to the public. www.palazzo.com
W Las Vegas, 2535 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Tel: 877-822-0000. The newest resort on the Strip and a famously gay-friendly hotel brand. www.wlasvegas.com
KEY WEST
Aqua, 711 Duval Street, Tel: 305-294-0555. The ultimate place for drag shows. www.aquakeywest.com
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, 205 Whitehead Street, Tel: 305-294-2116. Historic home and garden brimming with dozens of foliage and flowers. www.audubonhouse.com
Casa Marina, 1500 Reynolds Street, Tel: 305-2963535. Five-star, Waldorf Astoria Resort with pampering amenities like private beach and spa. www.casamarinaresort.com
Curry Mansion Inn, 511 Caroline Street, Tel: 305294-5349. This Bed and breakfast also inspires architecture and history buffs. www.currymansion.com
Hyatt Centric Key West, 601 Front Street, Tel: 305809-1234. Newly renovated boutique hotel right on the water. www.keywest.centric.hyatt.com
The Moped Hospital, 601 Truman Avenue, Tel: 866-296-1625. The oldest moped company in Key West. www.mopedhospital.com
