Las Vegas, known as the entertainment capital of the world, has seen its fair share of ups and downs. One recent downturn was the closing of the Blue Moon Resort, Las Vegas’ only gay resort, which closed its doors suddenly in October 2014 after 12 years of business. However, there is new hope with the upcoming opening of the Bent Inn, a welcomed addition to the city.

Located in downtown Las Vegas, the Bent Inn is a 33-room nongaming hotel on 11th Street and Ogden Avenue. The hotel promises a welcoming experience that bends traditional notions and is expected to be the only LGBTQ-owned and operated boutique hotel in Las Vegas. The owners, Greg Kafka and Mark Hunter, are excited to bring their latest venture in hospitality to the city. They have been successful in running two previous gay men’s resorts, Escape Resort and Desert Paradise Resort in Palm Springs, California.

The Bent Inn will offer playfully designed rooms, incorporating mid-century modern and industrial design with artistic features throughout the hotel, including wall murals and original posters of gay pulp fiction from the 1950s and 1960s. Additionally, the hotel will have a pool and 50-seat gastropub that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a shareable menu.

Escape Resorts Inc., the parent company operating Bent Inn, bought three adjacent Las Vegas parcels for $2.73 million in January 2020. The property was originally built in 1963 and operated as the Moonlight Motel, then an apartment complex. The owners cited the COVID-19 pandemic, permit issues and inflationary cost overruns for the years-long delay in the project. However, they are determined to extend the hospitality they previously offered at their former gay men’s resorts and cater to the LGBTQ community and its allies.

This new project provides an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community in Las Vegas to have a place to call their own. The closure of Blue Moon Resort was a significant loss, but Bent Inn is a welcomed project that will cater to the LGBTQ+ community in the area. This hotel is being established with an aim to provide a judgment-free resort where unforgettable experiences and friendships are formed. It is close to the historic heart of downtown Las Vegas, home to iconic casinos, fabulous Fremont street, trendy eateries, and cool attractions. Moreover, it is the only LGBTQ owned and operated boutique hotel in Las Vegas.

In contrast, The Patio Las Vegas was an LGBTQ+ hotel project that was announced for completion in May 2021, which was never completed. It was set to be constructed in the LGBTQ+ district known as “The Fruit Loop,” which was to be located at 406 E Naples Dr. The project was never completed, continuing a trend of LGBTQ+ businesses opening away from the “Fruit Loop” Paradise Rd. and Naples Dr area to areas further North and West with locations providing easier access to the Las Vegas strip.

The trend of smaller boutique bar and nightclub trends continues to capture the LGBTQ+ demographic, providing more diverse options for locals and tourists. The Bent Inn, with its unique concept, is sure to attract visitors from all over the world. The local community is hoping for a successful opening and completion of the hotel. It will provide a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals, their friends and allies, and will be a new addition to the ever-changing city of Las Vegas.
 

Virgin Hotel and Casino Las Vegas has recently been named as the Best Hotel / Casino at the 2022 Gay Travel Awards. This is a significant accomplishment for the hotel, which has only been in operation for a short period of time.

The Gay Travel Awards are held annually to recognize the best hotels, resorts, and other travel-related businesses that are LGBTQ+ friendly. The awards are voted on by members of the LGBTQ+ community and travel professionals. The winners are determined based on a variety of factors, including amenities, services, and overall customer experience.

Virgin Hotel and Casino Las Vegas opened in March 2021, making it one of the newest hotels off the Las Vegas Strip. Despite not being located directly on the Strip, the hotel has still managed to make a big impact in the Las Vegas hospitality industry, particularly in its commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests.

One of the standout features of Virgin Hotel and Casino Las Vegas is the hotel's entertainment offerings. The hotel has hosted a number of LGBTQ+ events and shows, including the annual Las Vegas Pride Parade. The hotel's nightclub, The Manor, has become a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers looking to dance the night away.

In addition to its entertainment offerings, Virgin Hotel and Casino Las Vegas also has a number of LGBTQ+ friendly amenities. The hotel has a rooftop pool that is open to all guests and features stunning views of the Las Vegas skyline. The hotel also has a number of LGBTQ+ friendly bars and restaurants, including the popular Commons Club.

The hotel's commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all guests has not gone unnoticed. In addition to winning the Best Hotel / Casino award at the Gay Travel Awards, the hotel has also received high praise from a number of travel publications, including Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler.

Overall, Virgin Hotel and Casino Las Vegas' recognition at the Gay Travel Awards is well-deserved. The hotel has shown a genuine commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests, and its entertainment offerings and amenities are truly exceptional. Congratulations to Virgin Hotel and Casino Las Vegas on this well-deserved honor!

The opening of the Urban Farm at James Gay Park is an important event for the LGBTQ+ community in Las Vegas as it promotes community building and addresses issues of food insecurity in the area. The community-based urban agricultural farming facility, which is funded by a $500,000 donation from MGM Resorts International to The Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE, aims to provide locally grown produce to the area and build community. The ribbon-cutting event, hosted by Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman and Councilman Cedric Crear, will also feature Jyoti Chopra and Anthony Williams from MGM Resorts International, who are instrumental in supporting the urban farm project.

The new local food source is expected to help tackle food insecurity in the area, which is a concern for many LGBTQ+ individuals who may face challenges accessing nutritious and affordable food. The Urban Farm at James Gay Park is the first of its kind in the city and will provide approximately 320 square feet of growing space, producing output equivalent to nearly 3.5 acres of farmland or eight tons of produce. The containers are capable of growing a variety of crops, including lettuce, leafy greens, herbs, vining berries, vegetables, rooted vegetables, and flowers, which are needed and desired by the Historic Westside residents.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 12, at 2 p.m. at the Urban Farm at James Gay Park, located at 1500 B Street near Jackson Ave. Suggested parking is available at the Historic Westside School across the street. The event will be attended by key officials from the City of Las Vegas and MGM Resorts International, as well as community members and supporters of the urban farming project.

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