LGBT Friendly Weddings and Travel are Embraced in the Washington, DC Area
TYSONS, VA (PRWEB) February 24, 2015 -- As acknowledgement of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights continues to grow, so do the ways to show support to the LGBT traveler. “We have always been a supporter of LGBT rights and our support for equality shows in our service and in how we celebrate diversity among our associates,” said Tim Bowes, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Crescent Hotels & Resorts, operator of over 100 hotels throughout North America including sixteen hotels in the Washington, DC area.
With same sex marriage gaining recognition in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, more couples are searching out wedding venues in the region. “We are proud to play a key role in supporting same sex marriages and glad to see other hotels are following our lead,” stated Bowes. “All Crescent Hotels in the Washington, DC area are TAG Approved, a designation that demonstrates our company’s commitment to the LGBT community. Also our LGBT website is an excellent resource, including a link to our wedding information. We have received great feedback from our wedding clients on these pages as they are a tremendous resource for wedding offers, online menus and many other details.”
The Sheraton Tyson Hotel, offering one of the largest ballrooms in Fairfax County, VA, has always been a “go to” venue for weddings. “We have hosted many civil unions and celebration ceremonies even before marriage equality was achieved last year,” said, Laura Mahon-Tinsman, Director of Catering of the hotel. In her capacity as an ordained minister, Mahon-Tinsman has also officiated over several weddings, including same-sex ceremonies.
Washington, DC is no longer the region’s sole preferred location for the area’s LGBT travelers. The Dulles Triangles, a social club for the LGBT community, has been meeting in the Sheraton Reston Hotel, located in the Washington, DC suburb, for over nine years thanks to the support of the property. “We are happy to have the Dulles Triangles call our hotel home once a week,” said Claudia Eggspuhler, the hotel’s general manager. “The fact that the group grows year after year shows the importance of these types of social networking events. We also now have the Metrorail Silver Line Wiehle-Reston East station serving the hotel, making it easier for Washingtonians to join the events. Additionally, we see many of our overnight guests plan their business or leisure travel around these social gatherings. It’s a great way to meet people while traveling.”
Crystal City, just over the bridge from Washington, DC is also a popular LGBT location. “We are located just a short walk from 23rd Street, and it’s collection of LGBT (and LGBT friendly) bars and restaurants,” said Harold Bassler, General Manager of the Hilton Crystal City at Washington Reagan National Airport. “Combined with the fact that we are walking distance to Metrorail, which gives our guests direct access to downtown Washington, DC, this makes us the ideal location for those that want to see the city like a local.”
While proximity to LGBT establishments is a plus, it’s far from a necessary. “We have seen an uptick in volume of LGBT travelers,” said Mark Nelson, General Manager of the Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center. “We have found the demographic has changed dramatically in just the last few years. We are seeing more LBGT families with kids and they are looking great service at a fair price. Being on the Red Line Metrorail stop is a large plus for us. We are a direct ride from Dupont Circle, an area known for its LGBT restaurants, boutiques and bars, and access to all the sights and sounds of the nation’s capital.”
ABOUT STAY IN WASHINGTON DC
Stay in Washington DC includes Crescent Hotels & Resorts’ hotels located in and around Washington, DC. These properties are internationally recognized brands including, Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, Westin, Wingate by Wyndham and Best Western. Many hotels are in walking distance to a Metrorail or offer complimentary shuttle service that links guests to the city’s world renowned Metrorail network. All locations offer various dining, shopping and entertainment options just minutes away via walking, complimentary shuttle or Metrorail. Several locations offer award winning restaurants right inside the hotels. For more information, visit http://www.stayinwashingtondc.com, like on Facebook, follow on Twitter and connect on Google+.
ABOUT CRESCENT HOTELS & RESORTS
Crescent Hotels & Resorts is a nationally recognized, top-5 operator of hotels and resorts. Crescent currently operates over 100 hotels and resorts in 36 states in the US and 4 provinces in Canada. Crescent is one of the few elite management companies approved to operate upper-upscale and luxury hotels under the brand families of Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, Hyatt and IHG. Crescent also operates a collection of legendary independent hotels and resorts. Crescent’s clients are made up of hotel REITs, private equity firms and major developers. For more information, please visit http://www.chrco.com.
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Ron Wallach, Crescent Hotels & Resorts, http://stayinwashingtondc.com, +1 202-957-1928, [email protected]
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