Holiday Inn's "Swinger Convention" Scrutinized

(MoneyWatch)  The Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Convention Center in Grand Island, N.Y. booked a three-day swinger convention called, "Entice the Falls," which would have included a late-night Club Erotica with body painting, sensual massage and other events. (Swingers are typically couples who exchange partners.)However, the body painting and late-night club was against city code according to town elders, so it was canceled. Despite a lot of controversy and complaining, the convention still went ahead.

And why shouldn't it? In a rough economy the hotel was able to book a convention that filled the hotel. The Holiday Inn Grand Island, located on the upper banks of the Niagara River near Niagara Falls, sold out all 263 rooms for the weekend.

While there is a concern about public relations about a community's moral standards, most residents were quiet on the subject. While a few religious leaders voiced their complaints, general manager Scott Zeplowitz said that the event was "business as usual," and that the hotel doesn't discriminate against anyone. (The hotel asked that reporters not stand on the grounds or interview anyone to respect their guests' privacy. Many guests also refused to comment, citing privacy and the stigma attached to being in the swinger community.)

"The vast majority of people I've spoken to and have run into in public have been very positive and on our side," he told WBFO. And despite offering classes like Flogging 101, several posters said that the hotel should be allowed to book similar events.

Whats the big deal? People are coming to our small town that doesn't have much to offer, they are spending money here adding tax dollars.

People you need to grow up, this is bringing in tens of thousands of dollars to your area and hurts no one. But then some people just need to complain I guess.

Perhaps there's an untapped market here? Time will tell.

Photo of the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Convention Center courtesy of the resort