Bourbon Orleans Hotel Named Official Host Hotel for Southern Decadence-

The Bourbon Orleans Hotel was recently named the official Host Hotel of Southern Decadence by festival organizers. The Bourbon Orleans historic French Quarter Hotel is located on the corner of St. Ann and Bourbon Street where the main festival events will take place. This classic New Orleans French Quarter Hotel is offering special rates and packages to festival attendees. Click here for Southern Decadence rates.

Southern Decadence- Wednesday, August 27 thru Monday, September 1

Southern Decadence started thirty-seven years ago as a simple going-away party. As a top gay Labor Day Weekend destination, it has evolved into one of our world’s major annual events.  One of the largest annual celebrations in New Orleans, it has become known as the “Gay Mardi Gras.”  People begin to arrive on the Wednesday before Labor Day, and generally don’t even think about stopping or going home until the following Tuesday.  With over 100,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants, and an economic impact estimated to be in excess of $100 million,  the city has recognized its importance with an Official Proclamation to welcome the event. The city’s wildest neighborhood gets even crazier as the French Quarter is packed for the entire event; however, the big day is Sunday. That’s when the Grand Marshal leads the annual parade through the streets beginning at 2 p.m.  The 2008 Grand Marshals are Paloma and Tittie Toulouse.  The official theme for 2008 is “Decadence Does Disco” and the colors are silver, black and white.

The corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets, where The Bourbon Orleans Hotel is located is generally considered to be the epicenter of Gay New Orleans, and even more so during the Southern Decadence festival weekend.  At that intersection is the largest gay nightclub, The Bourbon Pub video bar and The Parade dance club, which is home to the hottest dancers in town. Across the street is Hit Parade Gift and Clothing store.  Most of the city’s main gay attractions are located within a few blocks of this intersection.