#1 Kimpton offers packages for same-sex couples. Photo by Kingmond Young. #2 From left: Bill Bergfalk, Tracy Baim and Maria Pappas. Photo by Teresa J. Potasia. #3 Daniel Justus. Photo courtesy of Lisa Rock
Kimpton hotels'
gay-marriage
packages
Gay couples gathering in San Francisco to marry can now make special memories with an array of romantic touches offered by three of the city's hotels: Kimpton's Hotel Palomar, Hotel Triton and the Argonaut Hotel.
—The Tiffany's Turndown Engagement Surprise: The Palomar's Engagement Celebration includes a three night stay and in-room spa treatments for the future bride/groom, while his/her partner collaborates with the jeweler to select the perfect engagement ring. While the happy couple enjoys a romantic dinner, the hotel's 'romance artist' covers the room with roses, chills a rare vintage of Veuve Clicquot and places the engagement ring on the pillow for turndown. The price is from $1,500 ( excluding taxes or jewelry ) .
—Hotel Triton: A creative PDA ( public display of affection ) is in store with the Hotel Triton's 'Say it with Ink' package. Couple's looking to permanently show their commitment to each other will enjoy this unique romantic experience beginning with a bottle of premium tequila upon arrival to help provide liquid courage for a trip to one of San Francisco's finest tattoo parlors. Package includes deluxe accommodations, a $50 gift card to the tattoo parlor, bottle of tequila and a tattoo-inspired movie to take home as a souvenir. Prices start at $299 per night.
—The Argonaut Hotel: Let the allure of the high seas inspire on land with the Argonaut Hotel's exclusive nautical romantic adventure. A deluxe bay view suite serves as the backdrop for the passionate tale of two mateys. Welcomed by a bottle of champagne and aphrodisiac chocolates, lovebirds can partake in a private spa experience with their own basket of specialty massage lotions, oils, sea sponges and bubble bath. Breakfast in bed or at the restaurant is included daily as is parking, and a VIP guest pack to the famous PIER 39. Prices begin at $819 per night.
Johnston and Peña
mark 35 years
Life and business partners Art Johnston and Pepe Peña marked 35 years of personal bliss with a recent trip to Brazil. Johnston and Peña have, among other things, sponsored many men's and women's sports teams and are co-partners ( along with Chuck Hyde ) of the Boystown bar Sidetrack.
Out and Proud
honored
The book Out and Proud in Chicago and the Chicago Gay History Project Web site www.ChicagoGayHistory.org were both honored Oct. 9. Tracy Baim—the publisher of Windy City Times and who edited the site and the book—accepted a certificate from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.
Michael Feinstein
getting married
Singer Michael Feinstein and his companion of 11 years, Terrence Flannery, are planning to be married Oct. 17 in Los Angeles with their friend Judith Sheindlin, better known as Judge Judy, officiating, according to The Miami Herald. She will be assisted by Gabriel Ferrer, an Episcopal priest and a son of Rosemary Clooney. Clooney, who was a mother figure to Feinstein and to many other musicians, was the biggest influence on his style.
