With so many places to visit around the world it can be difficult to narrow down a choice. Of course, for LGBT+ people, the options are often narrowed by places that are more welcoming to the community. Have you thought of where to go on your next vacation? Perhaps you’re now dreaming of your future destination. You may have also listed down the activities you want to try, but for sure, one important part of your travel planning is choosing the perfect place to stay. You have the options to choose from apartment rentals, boutique hotels, large to small hotel chains and resorts, but can these accommodations offer the same experience that you can only get from a gay hotel?
If you happen to be looking for a destination that offers an LGBT+ specific accommodation option, here are 9 trendy gay hotels where you can stay on your next vacation. Note that these gay hotels don’t only offer various gay events and great comfort, above all, these are safe spaces where you can be yourself or be with your partner without the fear of being judged.
Axel Hotel Barcelona – Since 2003, Axel Hotel is the world’s only major gay hotel chain. As their first location in gay-friendly Barcelona, you will feel love at first sight with Axel Hotel since it is situated in one of Spain’s cultural capitals and the Eixample gay neighborhood. The hotel is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. If you are staying in one of their 105 modern and luxurious rooms after a long day of sightseeing, there is no need to head out again. You can go up for a rooftop cocktail at the Sky Bar or have a taste of the Japanese-Peruvian fusion food at Nikkei 103 restaurant.
Axel Hotel Madrid – Another flagship location of the Axel chain is located in Madrid. With the largest gay pride in Europe and a massive LGBT+ neighborhood, it’s no wonder why Madrid is considered the capital of Spain. The Madrid branch is a 4-star hotel showcasing a palatial 19th century façade with 88 rooms, a fabulous rooftop pool, a well-equipped gym on the top floor, and steam and exquisite treatment rooms. The hotel is ideal for staying during the Madrid Gay Pride and other LGBT+ festivals like MADBear, Sleazy Madrid, and WE New Year's Festival since it is just a 10-minute walk from Chueca, Madrid's gay district. It is also situated in the tourist city center, in the busy streets of Atocha, in the outskirts of the literary quarter, Barrio de las Letras. This neighborhood is well-known for amazing tapas crawl, which can be easily found in nearly every restaurant or bar nearby.
Two Hotel by Axel Berlin – Berlin is one of the most gay-welcoming cities in Europe. It does not disappoint, whether it is for art and history or for partying till the sun comes up. The best place to stay in the capital of Germany is in another trendy boutique hotel from Axel which has 86 modern rooms with cutting-edge technology, a rooftop fitness center, and other attractive amenities. The hotel is located in the streets of Bundesallee in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, a fabled neighborhood that blends leisure, shopping, and good food. Berlin’s most famous shopping street Kurfürstendamm and the first gay neighborhood in the world, Schöneberg is also only a few minutes away from the hotel.
Island House (Key West) – Since the 70s, Key West is a long-time favorite gay destination. This is the home of gay hotels and clothing optional resorts and this concept actually started in Key West before any other place in the world. Located in Fleming Street, Island House has been welcoming gay guests since 1974. The dining and nightlife on the famous Duval Street is only 6 blocks away. It has also won numerous awards from BOYZ and Out Traveler magazines. It has 34 boutique rooms, an outdoor pool and a hot tub surrounded by lush foliage, making it well-recognized by TripAdvisor. The staff can also organize on and off-site activities like nude sailing expeditions to adjacent reefs, snorkeling excursions, and tours to remote beaches.
Hotel Gaythering (Miami) – Miami is the world famous, Latin influenced city in the Sunshine State of Florida. Often referred to as the Latin capital of the America’s, it is another top holiday gay destination. Hotel Gaythering should be one of your choices when in Miami and if you are attending the White Party Week, an HIV/AIDS fundraising event during November. They also support local LGBT+ sports leagues and the world-famous Miami art event, Art Basel. The Miami International Airport is only a 20-minute drive away from the hotel, and a few minutes' walk from one of the area's largest malls. If you’re not a fan of walking, Hotel Gaythering offers complimentary use of bikes and it’s a great way to get around Miami’s South Beach neighborhood. The hotel also offers a gay sauna onsite for hotel guests. Day passes are also available.
Almar Resort (Puerto Vallarta) – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is known as one of the best LGBT+ destinations for a romantic getaway, and Almar Resort is the perfect place to stay. Just adjacent to the property along the gay beach is the Mantamar Beach Club, where hotel guests can access the pool, beach, and restaurant for free, not the mention awesome DJ’s and nonstop parties during the high season from November to May. It is a high-end gay hotel run by a well-known family with over 60 years of experience in the industry. It is co-managed by two brothers, one of whom is gay. Since Almar Resort is both a hotel and a timeshare, guests may join or acquire a share in the property, granting them exclusive access and advantages.
The Brass Key (Provincetown) – Provincetown’s Commercial Street will make you feel like going back in time, lined with historic buildings and facades with traditional beach taffy and ice cream shops. The Brass Key is one of the biggest and most well-known gay guesthouses in Provincetown, featuring a beautiful Cape Cod guesthouse with 43 rooms in modern chic to traditional Victorian. A cozy outdoor lounge in the middle of its restored buildings will wow you, including their outdoor heated pool, and the Shipwreck Lounge, one of the town's most popular gay bars. This is a perfect place to stay for nature lovers because Herring Cove, a popular gay/nude beach, Race Point, a spot to best watch the sunset, and Provincetown Harbor is just a quick jaunt from the inn.
The Grand Resort (Fort Lauderdale) – Whether you're visiting South Florida for business or pleasure, The Grand Resort and Spa is an excellent choice in Fort Lauderdale since it has been in service since 1999, with 33-well maintained rooms and suites. It is also only a 10-minute walk from the Sebastian Street Gay Beach. Their award-winning spa is to die for, which will make you never leave their resort. Manicures, pedicures, waxing, and hair styling are available all day, as well as a selection of personalized and specialized massages, facials, and wet room treatments.
Elisyum Hotel (Mykonos) - One of Mykonos' most well-known gay hotels, and a fantastic spot to view the sunset while drinking your favorite cocktail. The Elysium Hotel Mykonos is known for its friendly staff, daily drag and cabaret acts, and lovely pool with views of the Aegean Sea. Seriously though, the views are absolutely stunning! While staying in Elisyum Hotel, you don’t want to miss the LGBT+ nightlife surrounding the Old Port, which is a 15-minute stroll downhill. You may also opt to enjoy the lively atmosphere in their lovely pool with sun terrace or their in-house Elysium Sunset Bar. Please note that God-like physique is not required and optional.
We’d love to know your thoughts! Comment below if you have been in any of these trendy gay hotels in one of your gaycations!
Photo Credits: Two Bad Tourists, Axel Hotel Madrid, Hotel Gaythering, Island House