Thu. May 5, 2005
Chicago, IL -
Kimpton Hotels has announced its 2005 Pride Packages for the gay and lesbian community. 24 hotels in 14 Kimpton cities have developed packages, including Boston, Cambridge, Chicago, Coconut Grove/Miami, Denver, New Orleans, New York, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Washington, DC.
In Chicago: Hotel Allegro, 171 W. Randolph; Hotel Burnham, 1 W. Washington (lobby pictured); Hotel Monaco, 225 N. Wabash.
Making a Difference for the GLBT Community
Pride is about more than partying in the streets. It is about recognizing the contributions and support of GLBT community leaders, and the transformations that result from their progressive actions. Kimpton is a leader in outreach to the gay and lesbian community, and the Pride Packages are an extension of the commitment.
In fact, in 2004, Kimpton Hotels was selected as one of the ten best companies for gay and lesbian employees by Advocate magazine. Kimpton received a 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, which evaluates GLBT personnel practices and community outreach activities of major companies across America.
Pride at Kimpton Hotels
The gay and lesbian community is a perfect fit for Kimpton. "Our genuinely gay-welcoming hotels are located in major urban destinations, which also happen to be the epicenters of many historic Pride celebrations. Our properties are stylish and unique with a sense of energy and fun that really appeal to the gay and lesbian community. They are ideal for locals and visitors alike to celebrate Pride," said Andrew Freeman, vice president of public relations and strategic partnerships, Kimpton Hotels.
Another reason Pride and Kimpton go together, is K-GLEN, Kimpton Hotels' Gay & Lesbian Employee Network. K-GLEN representatives from every region of the country meet quarterly to advise the hotel group on serving the interests and needs of the gay and lesbian community.
Andrew Freeman is the team leader of the K-GLEN group, and among the hospitality industry's highest-ranking openly gay executives. Freeman stated that "In addition to overall guidance of GLBT travel programs, the K-GLEN group assisted in the development of the Pride Packages, and works to assure that GLBT guests are always comfortable at Kimpton properties."
"Gay and lesbian travelers have been an important part of the success of our hotels, and Kimpton really appreciates their business and support," added Freeman.
For more information, visit www.kimptonhotels.com/glbt.aspx
For the complete article (non-reader view with multimedia and original links),
Tap here.
Head to the local LGBTQ news, events, directory and people network at ChicagoPride.com