Preferred Hotels & Resorts Enhances Preferred Pride Program

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (June 2017) -- Pride celebrations are in full swing worldwide, and, as the LGBT travel market continues to grow, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, is having a celebration of its own. Now in its sixth year, the brand’s Preferred Pride program has expanded its global portfolio to include more than 160 gay-welcoming independent hotels. From the beaches of Nicaragua and the city streets of Madrid, to the canals of Amsterdam and Aegean Sea views of Mykonos, all of these properties celebrate diversity and many are part of TAG Approved® or adhere to the standards of IGLTA.

“We are so proud that Preferred Pride continues to be one of the top programs worldwide specifically designed to cater to the LGBT luxury travel market through the delivery of one-of-a-kind, authentic independent hotel experiences,” said Rick Stiffler, Vice President of Leisure Sales for Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “Whether travelers are seeking a gay-welcoming hotel for a business trip, a romantic getaway, or a long weekend of Pride celebrations in in a new city, they can rest assured they will find the best fit hotel in the Preferred Pride portfolio.”

Just in time for Pride season, Rick Stiffler shares his Top 5 Preferred Pride Picks for 2017 summer travel in a new video, available online now.

Every hotel within the portfolio invites guests to book the Preferred Pride package, which offers the best available rate and a celebratory amenity. Exciting new additions to the Preferred Pride portfolio include:

EAST, Miami – Miami Beach, Florida

With artfully designed common spaces and a location on top of the Brickell City Centre - EAST, Miami connects travelers to popular districts such as Wynwood, the Design District, and South Beach. Opt for an authentic Uruguayan beachfront restaurant at the hotel’s Quinto La Huella, or explore the cultural, arts, wellness, and culinary scene that Downtown Miami is known for.

• #PreferredPride Tip from Rick: For those looking for some live entertainment, enjoy dinner and a show with Susanne Bartsch’s Bareback Follies at the El Tucan on Tuesday nights.

Las Terrazas Resort – Belize

Located on Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, Las Terrazas Resort offers travelers a relaxing and secluded getaway along glistening, white sand beaches and the Caribbean Sea. The resort’s location is ideal for the adventurous with diving, snorkeling, and parasailing to name just a few of the activities available to guests keen to explore the region’s natural beauty.

• #PreferredPride Tip from Rick: Book the third floor Penthouse, featuring a private plunge pool or Jacuzzi tub on the balcony to soak up the scenery from the comfort of your room.

The Hotel Pulitzer – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Architecture aficionados will swoon over the Hotel Pulitzer in Amsterdam. The historic property is comprised of 25 interconnected canal houses dating back to the 17th and 18th century, blending traditional and modern Dutch craftsmanship. With a prime location along the canals, the hotel is the perfect destination for travelers celebrating Pride in Amsterdam.

• #PreferredPride Tip from Rick: Put your feet up and relax in style as you cruise down the canals in Pulitzer’s classic hotel boat “the Tourist” from 1909 – one of the best ways to see the city.

Only You Hotel Atocha – Madrid, Spain

For travelers with love for the city, visit the Only You Hotel Atocha in Spain’s capital. Steps away from the famous Retiro Park in Madrid and the Puerta de Atocha train station, travelers can enjoy sweeping views of the city from the hotel’s rooftop terrace after a day of exploring the city’s nearby restaurants, museums, and countless shopping destinations.

• #PreferredPride Tip from Rick: Explore the downtown grid of narrow streets in Chueca, the heart of gay Madrid, filled with bars, boutiques, and the largest Pride parade in Europe.

Mykonos Blanc – Mykonos, Greece

Whether looking for a romantic retreat or a family getaway, the Mykonos Blanc Hotel provides a luxurious all-white backdrop for water sports and seaside relaxation on the famous Ornos Beach in Mykonos. With 40 spacious rooms and suites that each offer stunning sea views from a private balcony, the hotel is the perfect escape for travelers celebrating Pride at XLSCIOR Festival, one of the top circuit parties in the world.

• #PreferredPride Tip from Rick: Enjoy lunch a Kiki’s Tavern in Agios Sostis Beach which some consider the best food in Mykonos. The restaurant is open from 1-7PM daily so get there early because there are no reservations - first come, first serve. Some wait hours for a table while they have a swim at the beach below.

Mukul BEACH, GOLF & SPA – Rivas, Nicaragua

Situated along the Emerald Coast of Nicaragua, Mukul BEACH, GOLF & Spa offers a rich assortment of activities for travelers seeking endless options both by land and by sea.

• #PreferredPride Tip from Rick: To truly elevate your Spa Mukul experience, deepen the bond with your loved one during a couples' experience with the hotel’s resident healer, Yamuna.

About Preferred Pride
Preferred Hotels & Resorts launched the Preferred Pride collection in June 2011. To be eligible, hotels are encouraged to be either TAG Approved® (Community Marketing’s Travel Advocacy Group) or belong to IGLTA® (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association). Both organizations are universally recognized to set the standards for LGBT travel. Hotels that participate in Preferred Pride are offered diversity training to provide insight in best practices in serving the LGBT community from check-in to check-out. Participating hotels may choose to assign an internal ambassador who has completed the training and will champion the activity within the hotel. For a list of all Preferred Pride hotels and to book, visit PreferredPride.com.