Getting the LGBTea in New Orleans

At the Windsor Court hotel in New Orleans, the LGBTQ community is both welcomed and celebrated. The property is in the French Quarter, mere steps from where the Southern Decadence event is held every Labor Day Weekend. Windsor Court offers a Suite Decadence package, where guests can enjoy a two-night stay in a premium suite, tea service for two during the LGBTea event on Saturday or Sunday and a 15 percent discount on spa services.

Windsor Court's Le Salon also hosts a variety of themed tea services including their popular LGBTea, which takes place on September 1 and 2. To make things even more fun, cocktails are served in true prohibition style-in teacups. We spoke with Megan Uram, Director of Sales & Marketing at the property.

TP: Tell us why the LGBTQ market is such an important demographic for the Windsor Court.

MU: The location of Windsor Court, being so close to the historic French Quarter, Warehouse District with its beautiful museums and surrounded by hundreds of restaurants and fun things to do in New Orleans, makes it the perfect destination for the most experienced traveler, including members of the LGBTQ community.

TP: You run a "Celebrate Southern Decadence" special at the hotel. Can you explain why that's a big event for the property, as well as what other specific marketing programs you have that are aimed at the queer traveler?

MU: This is not just a big event for the property, it is a huge event for the city. New Orleans is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. In fact, we have the fourth largest gay population of a metropolitan city in the country. Southern Decadence is the official Gay Mardi Gras that always falls over Labor Day Weekend; it has dozens of great events to attend and a fantastic parade that goes through the French Quarter. We offer a special rate over those dates, so guests can enjoy all the festivities and come home to our beautiful luxury hotel, take a dip in the pool or enjoy some spa time. In conjunction with Southern Decadence, we offer our very fun filled LGBTea in celebration of worldwide LGBTQ culture and community.

TP: I love the idea (and name) of your LGBTea event. Can you describe what it entails, as well as how it first started and grew?

MU: During the Labor Day weekend of LGBTea events, LGBTea consists of tea-time cocktails, diversity and drag queen performances. We are well-known in town and in the tea world for our tea service. We have been doing themed teas for years and this idea just came up in discussions between our various partners (like Communify) and our associates. Drag Brunches have become wildly popular in town, so we knew would have a hit.

TP: What internal programs or training do you have in place to make sure that hotel associates are sensitive to LGBTQ guests?

MU: All staff is trained during initial orientation on how to treat ALL guests equally and many of our associates are gay and in New Orleans where the LGBTQ community is prevalent and very well-accepted.

TP: New Orleans is such a queer travel mecca-how do you as a property stand out among so many hotel options? What's your marketing secret?

MU: From arrival to the hotel, you sense the luxury. Our beautiful courtyard offers an amazing sense of arrival and then you are greeted by 144 roses upon entering the lobby. All of our rooms have bay windows, some with balconies with glorious views of the city. We have a great bar loved by locals, The Polo Club Lounge which offers a wonderful sense of European service.

TP: Has your wedding or honeymoon business developed since same sex marriage became legal in all 50 states?

MU: There has been an increase of LGBTQ weddings in the city; however, it has not created an impact for us, as of now. To date, we have had one wedding and it was a beautiful event in our Presidential Suite.

TP: Do you work with or partner with any local LGBTQ groups?

MU: We work with the LGBTQ Forum and Communify, that work hand in hand with New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau and NOTMC. One of our sales team members is on the board and we partner with both agencies to bring in influencers in to the market to experience the city and culture for firsthand.

TP: Why do you think queer travelers keep returning to New Orleans? Do you have any regular queer guests? What keeps them coming back to the Windsor Court?

MU: The love food, fun, history. We have so much to offer, we are a small city with Big Fun. Because of that and our understanding of luxury, we have many regular guests, some of which are a part of the LGBTQ community. For 300 years, New Orleans has made a name for itself in terms of all things decadent and out of the ordinary. A place where music, art, history, food and people of different ethnicities, nationalities and sexual orientation mix and mingle, which is why the #1 southern destination for LGBTQs in the U.S. is New Orleans.

TP: Based on your experiences, what do you think queer travelers are most looking for when choosing a hotel or resort?

MU: To feel welcome, safe and comfortable in their surroundings. Like most savvy travelers, everyone is looking for a great deal and want to be in the heart of the action which is what we offer, with added luxury.

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