The Out NYC Hotel is still brand new to New York's Hell Kitchen. At less than a year old, the hotel is gaining ground at craving out a distinct personality among the crowded New York City hotel scene. Since its grand debut in March, the city's first straight-friendly urban resort is offering new amenities to complete your LGBT getaway to the Big Apple. Here's what's new.
The Spa
The Spa is the resort's new day spa catering to creature comforts of discriminating gay men. The spa offers massage and body treatments, facials, manicures/pedicures and a variety of grooming services. What's different about The Spa at THE OUT NYC are the signature treatments including sugaring hair removal, organic rebalance therapy, authentic Turkish hamam, and a detoxifying algae treatment qrap. Many of The Spa at The Out NYC's products use OSEA anti-aging skincare line—and is the only NYC hotel using this line. OSEA products are organic and has minerals derived from the earth and sea.
Completing the 5,000-square-foot spa is a well-appointed gym (better than most gyms offered by chain hotels in major metropolitan areas), two hot tubs, cabanas and steam room. To book an appointment, visit www.theoutnycspa.com
XL Nightclub
XL is more than a nightclub. It is a special event and performance space. While John Blair's Saturdays is all about the music and dancing, midweek is time to find Broadway Mondays, cabaret performances, comedy and entertainment. For a full list of entertainment, visit www.xlnightclub.com
KTCHN at the Out NYC Hotel
The Out NYC is a very comfortable, affordable hotel with great deals and free wi-fi, but a boy has gotta eat! Often, hotel restaurants seem to offer the same menu. At KTCHN, everything on the menu is tailored to the smart, urban LGBT crowd. Visit www.ktchnnyc.com to explore the fresh approach to the menu. To explain the menu, I interviewed Chicago native and executive chef Dale Schnell.
Jeff Guaracino: What is your philosophy on your menu?
Dale Schnell: KTCHN Restaurant's menu features composed dishes that are inspired by the seasons.
Jeff Guaracino: What makes your menu good for a LGBT-dominated clientele?
Dale Schnell: Many of our dishes take on a healthful approach by primarily featuring fresh vegetables and a protein. Starchy items are left to order as side options.
Jeff Guaracino: Having worked in San Francisco, you seemed to flock to gay meccas. Can you recount this experience?
Dale Schnell: I was led to San Francisco after having worked in Sonoma for a year because I wanted to experience the food scene. I found San Francisco to be exciting, challenging and, truly, a great city.
Jeff Guaracino: Sunday brunch: In a city where the Sunday brunch is legendary, what makes the brunch at KTCHN Restaurant different?
Dale Schnell: Execution—I believe our guests would agree. KTCHN Restaurant's quality level of food, paired with a truly fun atmosphere, makes it the ideal spot to grab a bite for brunch. On Sundays, the Haus of Mimosa drag duo joins us for brunch to add extra entertainment to the dining experience. KTCHN Restaurant's do-it-yourself "Mary Bar" gives diners the chance to customize—and truly spice up—their Bloody Mary cocktails.
Jeff Guaracino: Who has better pizza, NYC or Chicago?
Dale Schnell: I love New York and it is home, but Chicago has better pizza.
And be sure to try the signature KTCH Restaurant chocolate-chip cookie and bring home some of the special Out NYC bathroom amenities. They are better souvenirs than a T-shirt!
Jeff Guaracino is the author of Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing and the co-chair of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.
