Kimpton Hotel Wilshire GM Justin Henry discusses the intersection of Pride and travel

Speaker A: Foreign.

Speaker B: Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Next Gen in lodging. I'm Chris Henry. I will be your host today. Our show is brought to you by Costar News. Today we're joined by Justin Henry. No, uh, relation to me, uh, just a good friend. He's the general manager at Kimpton's Hotel Wilshire in Los Angeles. Justin, welcome on the show.

Speaker A: Hi, Chris. Thanks so much for having me.

Speaker B: Yeah, no, and Happy Pride to you.

Speaker A: Happy Pride to you as well. It's been a, uh, fun month and a lot going on. Of course, in the LA area, we take Pride seriously. So, yeah, it's been a lot of fun getting involved with it.

Speaker B: That's great. Every year we do this Pride episode, uh, and uh, it's always interesting having different perspectives and people on the show. We've had folks like yourself who are property level and we've had folks from international brands like Goop and Jaguar Land Rover on here talking about their travels and experiences. So it's fun on the Pride episode just to hear about what people are doing. So I appreciate you being willing to take some time to tell us about what you, your property and, uh, other adventures during the Pride month you've been up to.

Speaker A: Yeah, absolutely. So, uh, as you may or may not know, um, LA is now home to two different Pride celebrations. There used to be one that was just kind of an all encompassing LA Pride. Um, and then post Covid, uh, they wanted to move that out of West Hollywood, of course, being a major LGBTQ hub in the LA market. Um, so West Hollywood came back by saying they don't want it to leave their neighborhood. So ever since then, starting in 2021, WeHo does its own pride and then LA does its own separate pride the week after that. So, um, specifically with Kimpton, there are actually quite a few Kimptons in the LA market, um, four in LA proper, and then there's one in Orange county, there's one in Palm Springs, there's one in Santa Barbara. So a lot of presence just overall with Kimpton in the area. Um, Kimpton is actually, as of 2017, a brand of, um, IHG hotels, but we still operate quite independently and really kind of focus on, um, you know, just local culture and really being true to the brand of just being more boutique and less, you know, corporate structure. Um, so really with all four of the properties, we're, um, you know, very happy to be a big part of Pride. Um, we have a West Hollywood location, Kimpton Lapeer, um, that, you know, you know, really gets a lot of that business as well. But the other three of our properties in the area, um, you know, do a lot of fun packages for Pride and coming into town. Um, you know, it's really great just to see kind of that tourism m in the local area. Um, and then just this past weekend, we actually were involved with the, um, Pride March and, um, parade in Hollywood. So that was really fun having just kind of colleagues from all of our properties in the area get together, um, and just, you know, take some time to celebrate the community. Community.

Speaker B: I appreciate that and appreciate you guys putting yourselves out there to, uh, to support and celebrate. Tell me what's. What's the process like when you're putting together a group to go march in the parade? What did you guys have to go through? Because, uh, I think it's curious to know what. What hotel steps have to take to, uh, be participants?

Speaker A: Yeah, that's a great question. Um, luckily for us, it came to us a little bit easier than, uh, than I would say most businesses do, getting invol. Um, but our Hollywood location, the Kimpton Everly, was actually the official hotel of Los Angeles Pride. So they hosted quite a few people, um, the grand marshal as well, that were in town for Pride itself. So, you know, that was a really great connection. So, you know, good piece of business and partnership on a kind of work sense. But as well, you know, building that connection and getting us involved, um, was actually pretty easy. Just, you know, getting registered and, um, you know, once we got the word out there to our various properties, everybody was really excited to be involved.

Speaker B: And how many people, uh, I guess from your property, specifically, how many people participated?

Speaker A: So I have the smallest of the four properties. Uh, so we had eight from my property. And then in total between the four, uh, close to 40. 40 colleagues, uh, marched in Pride.

Speaker B: Wow, that's great. Uh, that's a. That's a good contingent group, uh, there.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: And so tell me a little bit about your. You were saying that the different properties did packages at. At Hotel Wilshire. Uh, what were you guys offering during the Pride, uh, weekend?

Speaker A: So we did less of packages and more kind of welcome cocktails. Um, Kimpton is very well known for its social hour, which is a really great aspect of the brand. So every Kimpton property worldwide hosts a cocktail hour or wine hour from 5 to 6pm and it's really just a great way of getting guests to mingle with one another. But also for various leaders in the hotel who may not be as guest facing as, say, somebody at the front desk, um, to really get to kind of know our guests on a more personal level and get to know more about their purpose of stay or anything that we can do to make their experience even better. Um, so we. We don't typically do welcome drinks for that reason, because we have that for our guests in the afternoon. But we decided we kind of make it fun. And we did, um, some fun colored margaritas for check in, and then we also did, uh, some additional snacks and some Pride pins and things like that for our social hour.

Speaker B: I didn't know the gays needed help socializing. I was going to say. I thought we all did that pretty naturally.

Speaker A: That's a good point.

Speaker B: Um, and was. Was the property pretty busy for the. For the Pride weekend?

Speaker A: It was, yeah. All four properties actually were. Were fully committed. So it was a really great, great weekend for us. Um, you know, I think with LA Pride, I think a lot of that was probably less of a Pride crowd and, you know, just happened to be that it's been a busy weekend for us. But, um, for WeHo Pride, yeah, all four hotels were pretty booked up, which

Speaker B: was really great to see because between the two Pride. So the LA Prides in downtown.

Speaker C: Right.

Speaker A: So it used to be they've actually moved it to Hollywood, so a little bit closer. Okay. But yes, it was downtown for, I think, a couple of years, and they moved it to Hollywood. So I think the fun thing about that is that it still kind of, you know, appeals to the same, um, I don't want to say same demographic, but maybe same people who would come to West Hollywood, being that it's, you know, the neighbor of Hollywood. Um, but obviously, you know, very different, um, vibe and atmosphere to it.

Speaker B: Yeah, I know they, they were sort of, um, really trying to position the two not against each other, but certainly, you know, offering different kinds of activities and entertainment. Um, it definitely seemed like, you know, uh, I don't want to say two different worlds, but certainly two different crowds. They were, they were angling towards between the. Between the events.

Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, I think, you know, with West Hollywood, obviously a lot of people do get involved with that as well. Um, but the big draw to that is you big music festival and the bars are all, you know, busy and doing a lot of activities for that. Um, I think the thing that I appreciate about LA Pride is that, ah, it's really a little bit more focused on community rather than entertainment. Um, which, of course, both are great. Both are very important to the LGBTQ community. But, um, you know, this is always great to see. Of course, you Know, it's a stereotypical thing. You know, come June, all The businesses on LinkedIn changed their. Their photos to the, you know, Rainbow Pride photos and all of that, which, of course, it's nice to see. Um, but until we actually see what their, um, I guess, investment is to the community and giving back to our community, it doesn't mean as much until, you know, you see these companies, you know, front and center at these events, which I think just really goes a long way and just kind of shows a lot of support across the board. So, um, I. Personally, I think that's what I really appreciate about LA Pride.

Speaker B: Now, I know you travel quite a bit. Um, at least I see that on your Facebook. But tell me, from your travels, have you done, uh, or celebrated Pride anywhere else outside of la?

Speaker A: I have, yeah. I'm definitely not someone who kind of goes around chasing Pride in different areas, but I always think it's really fun when you can experience that, because there are so many different cultures, even within our community. Um, so I have had the pleasure of going to Puerto Vallarta for Pride, which was really great. I've been to San Francisco Pride, New York Pride. Um, I'm originally from Florida, so I've been to, you know, Tampa, Orlando, um, Miami. So it's been, you know, really great to kind of see that, uh, I do travel quite a bit. You are correct on that. Um, but, yeah, I mean, I. You know, that's the biggest thing when I do travel. I really. I kind of nerd out on just the community and culture piece of the LGBTQ community. So it is something that I look at. You know, when I travel, I want to always check out the gayborhood. I want to learn a little bit more about the. The gay history, gay and lesbian history. Um, so it is something that's usually at the kind of forefront of my attention when I do travel.

Speaker B: So, out of curiosity, I know it's a little bit off topic for our American audience, but I know Puerto Vallarta has become very popular with the LGBT community. I have not been, um, but it seems like everybody else has.

Speaker A: What.

Speaker B: What is it? What has made it such a popular and safe destination for. For LGBT travelers?

Speaker A: Yeah, I mean, well, for one, I think you're missing out. You definitely need to go check it out. It is. It's absolutely beautiful. I kind of describe it as. It's sort of become kind of the new Mykonos, to be honest with you. You know, Mykonos being this massive gay travel destination. Um, and I actually, that's One place I have not been to, but I hear amazing things about it. I think, um, the big difference here, though, is really just, of course, proximity to the U.S. um, but also the, the price as well. Of course, you know, going to Mexico, it's quite a bit less expensive than going to Greece. So I think that's really what kind of like, picked up steam. And now you just really see a lot of, um, I mean, there are just so many gay bars and restaurants there. There's, um, you know, gay neighborhoods that are just kind of similar to, like a mirror of. I don't want to say a mirror, um, of a similar vibe as West Hollywood or the Castro M. So you do see a lot of just that community as well. Um, personally, I think it's great because you do get a very kind of true Mexico, um, experience where you get that authentic food, but at the same time, um, you know, you're still kind of in your community and it's, you know, it's just kind of a fun, you know, not just party, but relaxation as well. So I highly recommend it. You should definitely go check it out. They're actually, you know, kind of blowing up now with a lot of different hotels that are going up there. Um, I know the trist is one I haven't stayed there yet, but, um, from what I hear, that's really great as well. And, you know, an actual LGBTQ plus hotel, um, resort. So.

Speaker B: So as a hotelier, tell me what I. I know there's a couple of very specific properties down there that seem to be at least what I see on social media. The, the hangout sp a. If you've stayed at one, you know, what, what about them succeeds at catering to the LGBT community? Is there certain amenities or programs or room offering? Like, what is it? What are they doing that's different from, you know, your typical, you know, heads and beds property?

Speaker A: So, um, I don't know that I've really seen things that are anything outside of just kind of, you know, regular hotel offerings. But the biggest thing, and this is something that I think is just important hotels globally, is the safety and security of just going there and feeling accepted and not feeling like anyone who's checking you in at the hotel or cleaning your room or anything like that has an issue with a same sex couple in the room or, say, a transgender person in the hotel. Um, I am one who, like you said, I love to travel. And when I do travel, it's always really important for me. And I always recommend people research and find out what their Laws are, like, in those countries and cities that they're in to make sure that, um, you know, it is gay friendly. If it's not gay friendly, you're not doing anything to, um, you know, offend anybody that's there, um, and, you know, just being safe as well. So, um, of course, Mexico is a very, um, gay friendly country, which is great. Um, but it's still always just really important to make sure that you're in a place that you feel respected. And, um, you know, I just had this, uh, an older lesbian couple that was just checking in at our hotel the other day, and I heard them talking to the front desk. And when they were checking in, um, she, you know, had to reiterate, okay, it's, ah, one king bed, but for. For two people, you know, because she didn't want that awkwardness of, oh, okay, I see, you know, two women. Do you need two queen beds? So I think just those kind of, like, you know, initial expectations of being able to go somewhere and not feel questioned or looked at in a certain way is really what just makes it, um, pretty key for me when I travel. And especially Puerto Vallarta is very much like that.

Speaker B: So thinking domestically, aside from West Hollywood saying somewhere you have to travel to, is there a particular LGBT destination that you prefer over others?

Speaker A: Oh, that's a great question.

Speaker B: So, like, I just did Provincetown for the first time about a month ago. And a month ago it was. Yeah, it was for Memorial Day weekend. And, um, it was an interesting experience. It was, uh, it was a real blast.

Speaker A: Um, yeah, I've actually. I've never been. I've never been to P Town. I really want to go. M. Fire island is also on my list. I've never been, um, but I would have to say San Francisco. There's just something about it. I think it's the. The history and the culture of it. It's the understanding that that's just kind of like, you know, where. Where it almost all started. I mean, of course, outside of Stonewall, but, you know, it was just always such this progressive place that was almost like it was made for our community. Um, and even, you know, furthermore, looking at the history of how that became that, and it was really from a lot of military people, um, you know, naval officers who were discharged for being gay, and they were sent back to San Francisco where they're stationed, and they just made a home there, and it became this gay metropolis. So I really love that, and I love the architecture of it. That kind of, you know, when you're there, it sort of brings you back into time. Um, I understand it's obviously completely changed a lot now, but still having those establishments still up and running and still having a, ah, neighborhood where people feel safe, um, to be themselves and to be amongst their own community, I think is just so powerful. And I absolutely love that about San Francisco.

Speaker B: Yeah, San Francisco is always a blast. I, uh, you know, exploring the Castro, I feel like, you know, the bars are. Are. There's always a good crowd in all of them, to be honest. And, um, everybody's just very friendly and warm. It's. It's like, uh, you know, everybody's accepted. Everybody's, uh, welcomed. So, yeah, San Francisco, I think, is. Is sort of unique in that sense. There's no one set crowd.

Speaker A: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, it's very, very open and welcoming.

Speaker B: Is there a particular place in San Francisco you like to stay?

Speaker A: You know, not. Not really. I used to work for Hyatt, so whenever I would travel, I would stay at the Grand Hyatt up there. It's a great property. Um, but I've also stayed at a couple little. There's a. A company that I used to work for called Casa, and they do kind of like an apartment, heart hotel, I guess you can call it. Concept, where, you know, it's. You book it on an app and then you have an access code to get into the building. It's almost like you're like in a condo that is all completely, like, furnished and staged, um, but with like, hotel amenities. And there's this really great location right in the Castro that was just, I mean, so great. Just like waking up and coming outside in the morning to go get coffee. And you're right there in the Castro and. Yeah, just really great experience. But. But, uh, yeah, I don't have like a one set go to spot, to be honest with you.

Speaker B: I've stayed at that Grand Hyatt before. It is a good property.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: And also I. Historically, I do really like the Hyatt there in the Embarcadero area. From an architectural perspective, it's, uh, it's a cool building.

Speaker A: It really is. Yeah.

Speaker B: So, you know, tell me about the.

Speaker A: Your.

Speaker B: Your travels as you've been exploring overseas. I feel like I've seen a lot of Asia Pacific and I think some Europe stuff. What's been on your radar lately?

Speaker A: Yeah, so I have, you know, always been very into just traveling to Europe in general. Obviously. Really incredible history there. The architecture is beautiful. Um, but as of the past maybe five or six years or so, I've been traveling quite a bit to Asia, um, and specifically um, in the Philippines. So the plan is to eventually open a gay bar there. Um, I've actually kind of been going through just some um, market research and doing a lot of data and uh, to my findings, the Philippines is actually um, tied with the United States and Israel as the largest percentage of people who identify as lgbtq. Um, which was very shocking. But at the same time when you go there, you see that there really is a very large community. Um, however, there's not like a large, there's no gayborhood per se there. There are gay bars, um, but you know, nothing that's really outside of just kind of performative drag bars and which I absolutely love drag. And I can definitely, you know, like Friday nights, RuPaul's Drag Race are my favorite. Um, and even going to a bar, I love to just watch um, more local drag queens perform. But at the same time these are full on, you're there and they're like performing on a stage with pyrotechnics for like eight. Um, so I think really the goal would be to find somewhere that allows people to kind of um, explore themselves a little bit. Maybe they aren't out and they want to go somewhere where they can be amongst other people or maybe they are out and they just want to go and have a fun night dancing with their friends without having to, you know, watch full on shows and stuff. Maybe somewhere that's a little bit more intimate, um, you know, kind of a club vibe, but kind of loungey where you can, you know, take a date or you can go for a pre game or um, you know, nightcap after you've gone out. So that's the goal, but um, we'll see where it goes.

Speaker B: I have to agree with you that the drag scene in the Philippines is like on another level. It's, it's there and also in Bangkok and Thailand. It's like both, both places, it's, it's um, they take it to 11. It's unbelievable.

Speaker A: Yeah, it's incredible. I should be in m. The Olympics. The Olympics for sure.

Speaker B: I've uh. You know, the Philippines is a beautiful country and I do think that um, it sort of has been an overlooked destination. Um, but finally, since COVID it seems to finally be getting the attention it deserves on the, at least on the adventure tourist map. It seems to finally have been, uh, been discovered in that sense.

Speaker A: Yeah, it is really, um, it's kind of booming right now when it comes to tourism and hospitality and Manila in particular, I mean, it is, is the most densely populated city on Earth, which is pretty crazy when you realize how massive that is. Um, but I just think it's always been kind of overshadowed by a lot of these other massive tourist destinations. Tokyo, um, Bangkok. You know, there's just so many places in Asia. Um, so I think it's really kind of like finding its footing. And, um, you go there and there really is just like a wide range of types of cuisines that are offered now that, from what I hear, didn't used to be the case. Um, really cool concepts that you go there and it's like, wow, this seems like something that I could see in la. So I think it's definitely, um, you know, up and coming for sure. And then of course, all the islands as well, is really the main draw to the Philippines. There are just so many islands that are, you know, absolutely beautiful beachfront islands. Um, so, you know, great for that. But now kind of gives you a little bit more of a reason to kind of visit those places when maybe you would otherwise go to say, Bali or, or, um, Phuket or something like that.

Speaker B: Yeah, we used to asset manage a property in Boracay and it is amazing the, the pull and where it's, it's, you know, you think, okay, it's this destination. It's probably mostly domestic and it's really not. It's. It's become, you know, you get a lot of Australians, you get a lot of, of, uh, Singaporeans and Hong Kongers. Yeah, um, that it's really sort of really started to heat up. I know it's always been sort of a party destination, but it's now also starting to just, you know, become more of a chill beach destination. It's in, in diving, um, so it's been fun to see the, the market sort of mature.

Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, I see that they have been really kind of working on changing that a little bit just to really, uh, preserve the beach and take care of it a little bit more. Which I really respect, I think is, you know, it's great to have those places to go have fun and party and all of that. But at, um, the same time, it's so important to just take care of, you know, what we naturally have on the earth. So I'm happy to see that they're making these, these changes to kind of keep that tourism, um, without, um, you know, abusing it.

Speaker B: Yeah. I'm curious from between your travels and, and at the property you run in la, what kind of, I guess, sustainable? I know this is off topic from Pride stuff, but it just got me thinking. What kind of sustainable practices that do you think actually have an impact?

Speaker A: Oh, my gosh, so much. I, um, mean, I think just in general with just the use of carbon emissions in businesses in general, but really just kind of looking at your consumption on everything. So we've gone through in just the past year, um, and a half or so, and just replaced every single light bulb in our hotel to LED lights just to be more mindful of that. I, um, know this is a big topic in hotels in general, but specifically in California with just like the, um, single use, like, plastic containers and stuff that we just got rid of, um, water bottles, not being in plastic bottles and things like that, having water, uh, to refill your bottle while you're a guest at the hotel so that you're not having to go and purchase more, um, plastic bottles and things like that. So, you know, it's. It might not be a huge, huge, huge immediate impact, but I think those types of steps can also get. Get other people in that same mindset to make sure that we're, you know, taking care of the Earth and not overdoing things. We don't need to.

Speaker B: No. I appreciate you sharing that because I think there's always been a lot of talk about greenwashing and are the things we're doing really having a positive impact? Um, so anyway, sorry for the off topic from. From the product discussion. Um, so. So continue on with your travels. What do you. Where do you want to go next? As far as for. Whether it be World Pride or, uh, you know, your next sort of adventure? What. What's on your radar?

Speaker A: So World Pride has always been one. I actually, I wanted to go to World Pride when I was in New York. Um, I did not get to go. Um, so this one, though, is actually a little bit, um, maybe unexpected considering we're. We're talking pride and all of that. But one place that is on the very top of my list is Egypt. Um, so, you know, I. I hear it is absolutely beautiful. I have always been obsessed with ancient Egyptian culture, um, and history and all of that. So I would love to just go and see the pyramids. Um, but of course, I understand it's, you know, not the best place to bring a gaggle of gays to.

Speaker B: You know, I'm gonna. I mean, you haven't met my partner, but, um, he lived in Egypt for almost 10 years.

Speaker A: Wow.

Speaker B: And there is, there's definitely. Hopefully the Egyptian government doesn't hear this, but there's definitely a very large underground, um, gay scene.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: But then also my partner's best friend, um, who we've actually had on the show previously a few years ago, runs a LGBT travel company to Egypt and they just cater to the LGBT community. They organize the cruises and uh, the tours, um, purely to address your concern of, you know, is it safe for an LGBT traveler to go there. So that's, that's who they're really focused on, on catering to.

Speaker A: Wow, that's wonderful.

Speaker B: Yeah.

Speaker A: I had no clue that there were any organizations out there like that. And you know, I think that's really great to know that, you know, probably something that's a little bit under, uh, discussed, I think, within our community. But that's really great. I'm going to have to connect with you to get his information at some point.

Speaker B: Yeah, I'll text you Gus's information. Gus is a good guy. Um, and he's been doing, doing very well with, with the group, I think. I mean their groups usually sell out and I think they do up to like 25 people because they essentially they charter the Nile boat, the cruise ship just for that group and um, do private sailings and stuff. So it's, it's uh, definitely a thing now.

Speaker A: Now that is so cool.

Speaker B: Um, they don't have Pride there, but you can go to Tel Aviv next door and certainly go to Pride there,

Speaker A: which was just going on just this past weekend actually. We saw everybody out and about there on Instagram.

Speaker B: I know that's like the uh, the hot place at the moment. So, you know, getting back to the LA area, um, did you see just that Curiosity this year? Did you see a lot of the other called large players in the local hotel scene be involved with the uh, Pride parade at either, at either uh,

Speaker A: event, you know, not, not really, no. I'm sure that there probably were, that maybe I just didn't see. But no, I didn't, I didn't really see any of the main, you know, Marriott, Hyatt Hilton, anything like that. So, yeah, kind of, kind uh, of crazy.

Speaker B: Do you feel that it's mostly tied back to the current political situation in, in trying to be under the radar again?

Speaker A: It's hard to say if that's the case here. I know, you know, like I mentioned, I'm originally from Florida, from uh, Sarasota, Tampa area and of course I'm still pretty well connected with just other hoteliers and that ah, market and all my friends are still there. So I do know that that's very much the case. There, um, I know that they were talking about canceling Tampa Pride altogether just because a lot of the political things going on. And then I heard that they kind of rescinded that cancellation. I don't know where they ended up. Um, so I do think that that's kind of the big thing. I think this whole, um, you know, attack on DEI and the workplace has also really made some companies a little bit afraid to be, um, out there, I think. Uh, so, you know, hopefully we still see just people kind of being involved. And I think that's what's so powerful about, you know, you have these, these corporations who obviously have so much money and resources, but at the same time it's the, the local people, the local community who can really go out and make a difference whether or not their overall, you know, corporation is doing the same. Um, I think it's, you know, still really powerful to have those people out on the streets and, and, um, you know, speaking well of things like DEI and just, um, you know, discrimination in our, our community and things like that that unfortunately continue to still happen these days. So.

Speaker B: And do you feel that there are ways in those places, um, that there are ways that the hotel community or the tourism community at large can support even, ah, you know, again, under the radar?

Speaker A: I do, yeah. I mean, I think like you said, actually some of the organizations, I think, like LA tourism and a lot of those organizations are always just really great about, um, bringing the community together, bringing people together, you know, outside of even just the LGBTQ community, of course. But, um, I think just in the way that they work and just kind of bring, bringing everybody together. Even though we're all competitors in this market for, you know, tourism and occupancy and adr, but you know, it's still kind of the focus on LA as a city, LA, as a group of people and community members. Um, so I definitely think it's very possible to still be involved and kind of still have, um, you know, a fight to, I think, what is right and both our, you know, day to day community life, but also in the workplace without having to kind of really put yourselves out there and any risk against any, uh, you know, repercussions from anyone.

Speaker B: So when you mentioned LA tourism, I assume you're referring to the local, uh, convention Visitors Bureau.

Speaker A: Yes.

Speaker B: So shame, Shameful plug. But, you know, I sit on the board, um, committee, you know, I'd say so Pride was a big thing. You know, supporting Pride has been, uh, a big push that we've been doing through LA tourism, um, and really just trying to help support the local community, um, with tourism numbers down, you know, nationwide and certainly LAX is not back up to uh, pre Covid, you know, demand in capacity. Um, I think LA Tourism is a great example of an organization that is really trying to help drive room nights, um, for all different kinds of events, not just Pride related events. But uh, it is, yeah, it's great to see that or great to hear that you're seeing their uh, their impact.

Speaker A: Yeah, absolutely. And sorry, I think I, uh, my connection was a little weak so I think I lost a little bit of that. So, um. But yes, I, I did hear kind of you mentioning, um, just sort of, you know, our numbers, lax flights into the city and stuff like that are definitely down. Um, and I think that that's really where a lot of this kind of like community outreach and stuff really helps. Um, even just we're in a great location where we are partnered with um, both the Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce and then also the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and have met some really incredible people, just really great independent um, business owners or um, political figures and things like that in those areas that um, are just incredibly enthusiastic about just bringing travel and tourism back to this area, but also introducing us to each other. And there's, I mean, just random things. There's a really great coffee shop down the street from us. Um, and we've been having these really fun um, parties that they've been doing and coming to the hotel and renting out the space. Um, so it's just like a really great kind of like, you know, connection that we've got with our neighbors and the other people who really are striving to make la, um, even better?

Speaker B: Do you, do you sense that an organization like LA Tourism, can you see like actual room nights going on your books of from you know, guests who are finding you through LA Tourism or is through a group business that LA Tourism helped direct to you guys at,

Speaker A: uh, my property I'm at now, not a whole lot. And I think that that's partially due to um, just kind of our proximity to the convention center. I think that they do kind of focus a lot more on some of those larger scale, um, you know, citywide events and things like that. But um, really just like some of the connections that I've met through them though have been really great. So maybe not directly, um, but when I was working downtown, definitely we would get quite a bit of room nights, um, you know, directly from them. So that was really helpful. The goal is now though, with The Metro D line. Um, I know you've been out of LA for quite some time, but the, uh, um, what used to be the Purple Line has now been extended, kind of coming from Koreatown, and now it goes all the way up to Beverly Hills. So there's an actual Beverly Hill station now. And then the next phase of that will actually extend that all the way out to Santa Monica. So, you know, I think that that's really great for us, for potential, um, partnerships with organizations downtown or even convention center business, because now it really is just an easy, you know, walk across the street, you hop on the subway, and you're downtown in 15, 20 minutes. It. So I think that's really, um, great and promising as well. And that might be a different story once that's up and running, um, fully. But, uh, until then, though. Yeah, I mean, it hasn't been anything major. Direct numbers that we've seen.

Speaker B: Well, you know, as far as the subway goes, better late, Better late than never. They've been trying to build that darn thing for a long time.

Speaker A: Yeah, it's literally been like 10 years.

Speaker B: Back on. Back on LGBT, are there any other, uh, destinations that you're keen to. To explore at, you know, whether it be for Pride or just in general that. That are popular with. With LGBT travelers?

Speaker A: Yeah, I actually just missed the cut off on this one because their pride just went by a few months ago. But Taipei is supposed to be a really cool LGBTQ community there. Um, so I've heard really great things about it, and it's kind of one of those where I feel like. Like Taiwan is one of those places where, sure, you can go there and get kind of that fun, um, you know, Taiwanese gay culture experience, but you're also getting this really cool experience of a trip overall as well. Um, and then another one, Australia. I've actually never been to Australia, so both Sydney and Melbourne are very high on my list. So, yeah, I've got, uh, quite a bit to keep me busy still moving forward.

Speaker B: I've not been to Australia either, but I'm, um, not sure I'd ever come home if I. If I went there. I know all the pictures I see. I feel like, uh, I would just sit there with my jaw on the floor trying to figure out what's going on. So, um, so for Australia, that would be fun. And then Taipei, I've certainly. I've had quite a few friends who have done Taipei, and, um, they all seem to have loved it.

Speaker C: It.

Speaker A: Yeah, I've heard very great things and, you know, what it is, it's very close to the Philippines. So if, you know, I ever end up opening that bar sometime soon, I'll definitely be making sure to make a quick flight over there.

Speaker B: Good, good. Well, you know, I, uh, I know we're getting closer to running out of time. You know, just in sort of wrapping up any last thoughts that you have on how to, I guess, support, you know, LGBT travelers and then also just to promote the community, um, during Pride season.

Speaker A: Yeah, absolutely. You know, I think the thing specifically with hotels, but of course this does kind of go with almost any business really, is that, uh, it's really just having that visibility or representation of your community into these positions that just really can be so impactful. And I think that just goes sort of. Of full circle in a hotel for, of course, your guests. And, you know, it is nice to see someone within your community, um, that, you know, is in a position, you know, somewhere that you like to be. It's a. A fun, engaging area, but also on the other side of that as well, for employees to see that maybe there's a younger person who's new to hotels, maybe someone who's not even out yet. I've actually, um, I had that. A previous property that I worked at. I, um, kind of spe. Headed a, um, LGBTQ network, um, for employees within that company to kind of get involved with local efforts. And, uh, because of that, an employee, not someone who directly reported to me, but was an employee in another department, uh, you know, talked to me and said that they think that they may be trans. And they officially came out to me and didn't want anybody to know about it. And, you know, few years later, um, he is now living his best trans life. And I'm, you know, so happy to know that that is something that, um, you know, I'm not going to take credit for it, but being in a healthy work environment where he was able to see somebody, you know, within a community like that, that he felt so compelled to let me know, um, that, you know, she at the time was trans, and now, you know, he's living lives, really great, happy, healthy life. So I think just. Just making sure that there is that visibility of our community and professional spaces as well as social spaces is just really key to our success.

Speaker B: And, uh, I think you're right. I think the trans community is definitely the. The group who we need to be focused on going forward because there are. Are, ah, you know, a lot of trans, you know, members, and they have every right to be as included and as comfortable as everybody else. And, um, they certainly don't always have it easy, unfortunately.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Um, all right, last question, last question. I'll let you get back to running your busy hotel. Um, any final plans for Pride this year that you're looking forward to?

Speaker A: You know, I'm still trying to make it back home for a Pride since I've moved away. I've been in LA now for, gosh, almost 10 years now, so just about a decade. So I have not gone to any Tampa Prides or Orlando Prides in that time. And the one thing with my group of friends, we have for years, years now, been talking about they really want to come and see what the gay community was like in Tampa. Um, Ybor City is the neighborhood there. And it's just really incredible architecture. And, you know, it is very Florida in every good and bad way possible. But, um, uh, you know, I think just maybe getting a group of my friends together and going back to see, you know, where I came from and seeing, uh, another Pride back home would be really great. So I would say that's probably next on my list.

Speaker B: Very cool. Well, hopefully you guys get to do it and have, uh, a fun and wonderful time with it. Uh, well, I appreciate you, Justin, for joining us. Um, we've had Justin Henry, the general manager of Kimpton's Hotel Wilshire in Los Angeles. Thanks, uh, again for joining, Justin.

Speaker A: Thanks, Chris. Always a pleasure. And Happy Pride.

Speaker B: Thank you. Happy Pride to you as well. Uh, this is Chris Henry signing off for Next Gen in Lodging. Uh, you will hear from us again next month. Thanks very much, everybody. Take care.

Speaker C: Hello, I'm Luke Haynes, People newsletter Editor, Costar News, and the host of Top Credentials, a monthly podcast exploring the colourful careers of those working at the top of UK commercial real estate. In the episodes, we discover the valuable lessons influencing the daily decision making of property sector leaders and hear about the aspects of their job that make it a little easier to get out of bed each morning. We'll also ask for their views on the latest news and policies shaping our constantly evolving industry, and even get them to share a famous quote or song title they think defines their career or the profession. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Speaker B: This episode was recorded in June 2026 and edited by Sean McCracken.

Speaker A: Find all of Costar News Hotel's podcasts

Speaker B: on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or your platform of choice and visit costar.com hotelnew news for the latest coverage on the global hotel industry.