This was published 9 years ago
Airbnb Sydney Mardi Gras float stay: Sydney’s new Big Gay listing
By Annie Dang
White picket fences: Airbnb's The Big Gay Stay.
Looking for a way to be part of the world's biggest Mardi Gras parade? Accommodation booking site Airbnb's Big Gay Stay could be your answer.
Airbnb is offering one couple a chance to spend an exclusive night in a giant pink-coloured Sydney Mardi Gras float in the Royal Botanical Gardens, before riding on the float in the Mardi Gras parade.
The float, a hot pink loft-style house will feature a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, TV, a porch with purple deck chairs and a classic white picket fence. At night, the house glows with neon-coloured lights and spits out glitter and confetti from its chimney.
Resembling something of a federation home in Wizard of Oz techni-colour, the house is a cosy 11 metres by 4 metres and comes with French-style planter boxes, attic windows and decorative awnings.
The one-off offering will include stays in a yet-to-be named penthouse from March 5 to 10, followed by one night (Friday March 6) in the Royal Botanical Gardens on the Mardi Gras float with dinner and breakfast included.
Once guests have checked-out, the float will be transported to Sydney's Oxford Street for the March 7 parade. The lucky couple will then join dozens of other parade performers, including drag queen Heather, who will feature on the Airbnb float at the parade.
Drag queen Heather will feature on the Airbnb float at the parade.
The winners are welcome to dress up for the parade or sport Airbnb Mardi Gras t-shirts.
Airbnb's offering is a nod to one of its most significant market – the LGBT community.
"The LGBT community around the world have been some of the first users of Airbnb, hosting and travelling with pride, so we're thrilled to support a community that has always embraced us," said Airbnb Australian country manager, Sam McDonagh in a statement.
Sydney is one Airbnb's top ten cities, with more than 10,000 local listings. Mardi Gras is the site's second busiest booking period of the year.
To enter, guests need to visit the listing and tell the host why they would like spend a night on the Airbnb Mardi Gras float in 25 words or less. Deadline is 11:59 pm on 3 March 2015.
Last year, Airbnb ran a one-night only stunt transforming showrooms at IKEA in Tempe, Sydney into a temporary home for three families. Guests were able to keep the bed sheets and linens used during their stay.
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