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This weekend saw the UK host two of the largest Gay Pride festivals in Liverpool and Brighton, celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life. Both cities will hold a parade and open air festival, featuring stages and street stalls accompanied by various arts and cultural events throughout the cities.
In honour of the two events, hotel comparison website Trivago.co.uk has put together a list of our nine favourite gay friendly hotels worldwide. Some of these accommodations are pioneering gay only hotels, whilst some market themselves towards the gay community and some are located in destinations popular amongst gay travellers.
From an urban resort in New York City with a 5,000 square feet spa, to a rooftop pool and bar in Barcelona or unbeatable location between the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest in Australia, these destinations promise something a little different. Whether you would like to budget with a comfortable quadruple room, or splash out on a luxurious suite with a private terrace, there is something for everyone here.
Nine of the Best Gay Friendly Hotels
The Out NYC, New York City, USA(01 of09)
The Out NYC is New York’s first gay urban resort: both a chic destination for gay travellers and the social centre of the local gay community. This unique establishment boasts a design hotel, modern restaurant and popular bar and club all under the same roof. There is a 5,000 square foot spa under a glass-covered atrium and expansive outdoor space: a rare find in America’s busiest city. The hotel offers a variety of accommodation to suit every budget, from one bedroom suites to luxury quad bunk rooms. The Out NYC offers a balance between luxury and minimalism; each room is furnished in a tasteful and modern style, and attention to detail ensures every need is provided for.
Axel, Barcelona, Spain(02 of09)
Axel Hotels is the first hotel chain to coin the term “heterofriendly”: designed for the gay community, but open to everyone. Axel Barcelona is located in the Eixample district of this eclectic city, renowned for its vibrant gay scene with plenty of fashionable shops, bars and restaurants. This hotel was recently expanded and renovated to offer 105 bedrooms, four suites with private terraces, a 500 metre Spa area and redesigned bar and restaurant. The new rooftop Sky Bar boasts a pool, Jacuzzi and sun loungers for the day time, and an inspired cocktail lounge and bar area for the night time. Featuring panoramic views over the city and to the ocean, it is one of the finest places to relax.
Turtle Cove Resort, Cairns, Australia(03 of09)
Turtle Cove is an adults-only beach resort exclusively for LGBT travellers near Cairns in Australia, equidistant between the popular tourist destinations of Port Douglas and Palm Cove. Turtle Cove is a secluded haven between the Coral Sea and the Daintree Rainforest, boasting its own private stretch of sandy beaches and turquoise waters. The hotel offers four types of accommodation to suit every budget, from garden view rooms to beach front suites, all with a private balcony or terrace. There is also a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Spa, gym and tours of the Great Barrier Reef available for more adventurous guests. The onsite restaurant focuses on local produce, whilst the Sand Bar offers cocktails and entertainment, including themed nights and beach bonfires.
Amistad, Amsterdam, Netherlands(04 of09)
Amistad is renowned as the original and most popular gay hotel in Amsterdam. Ideally located in the heart of the old city, this charming hotel is close to shops, museums and gay bars and clubs alike. Amistad is housed in a traditional town house and is close to the famous Flower market and Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals. It is the ideal base for exploring the best of Amsterdam. Each of the bedrooms is uniquely and tastefully decorated and boasts comfortable double beds, flat screen televisions and internet access. The hotel also offers traditional Dutch breakfast and the friendly staff can offer advice and tickets for local gay events and parties.
Lords South Beach, Miami Beach, USA(05 of09)
Lords South Beach prides itself as the first gay-only boutique hotel: a unique and stylish destination for gay travellers. Located on a peninsula across the bay from the city of Miami, South Beach is one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic beach destinations. It boasts stretches of white sand beaches, turquoise waters and a diverse selection of exciting bars and clubs. The area is also renowned for being gay-friendly, with the Gay Pride Festival attracting tens of thousands of supporters each year. Lords South Beach features a range of bedrooms, all eclectically decorated with flat screen televisions, iPod speakers and in-room dining options. The hotel also boasts a swimming pool, two popular art deco bars and plenty of socialising space.
Domus Valeria, Rome, Italy(06 of09)
Domus Valeria is a friendly family-run bed and breakfast for gays, lesbians and straights alike. It is conveniently located in the central Campo Marzio quarter, overlooking the famous Spanish Steps and just 500 metres from Piazza del Popolo. The accommodation is housed on the top floor of Palazzo Saulini, a prestigious building dating from the 18th century. The rooms are furnished in the traditional Roman style, in keeping with the building and surrounding area. Breakfast is served in the communal lounge each morning, which also features antique paintings and prints from the family’s private collection. The guesthouse boasts a sunny roof garden overlooking the city, and Wi-Fi, films, books and newspapers are available for guests.
Colours Oasis Resort, San José, Costa Rica(07 of09)
Colours Oasis Resort is a friendly boutique hotel open to everyone: gay, bisexual, lesbian or straight singles, couples or groups of friends of all ages. The hotel is ideally located in a quiet neighbourhood in Costa Rica’s capital, San José, making it the perfect base from which to explore this exciting country. Costa Rica offers everything from stunning beaches to some of the world’s most diverse rainforests: the staff at Colours have extensive knowledge to help gay travellers make the most of their trip. The hotel features a solar-heated courtyard swimming pool, terraced sundeck, Jacuzzi and poolside bar. There are a variety of different room options available, from queen bedrooms to apartments with living and kitchen areas.
CC’s Hideaway, Phuket, Thailand(08 of09)
CC’s Hideaway is nestled in the hills of Karon, overlooking the picturesque Andaman Sea and boasting accessibility to three of Phuket’s best beaches: Kata Noi, Kata and Karon. CC’s allows guests to enjoy the best of Phuket’s nightlife in a secluded and gay-friendly location. The boutique hotel offers 42 uniquely and vibrantly decorated bedrooms, all with flat screen televisions, free Wi-Fi and custom designed furniture. The resort also has an outdoor swimming pool, a hair and beauty salon, and two restaurants and bars offering Thai and European cuisine. Recently opened are two new rooftop terraces, perfect for relaxing on a sun lounger or sipping a signature cocktail whilst enjoying breathtaking panoramic sunset views over Kata Bay.
Elysium, Mykonos, Greece(09 of09)
Elysium is an exclusive gay hotel located above Mykonos Town, on the popular Greek island destination of Mykonos. This luxury hotel boasts a total of 42 rooms, ranging from singles to quadruples. All rooms feature comfortable beds, internet access, air conditioning and some have views to the crystal clear Aegean Sea. The hotel also had an outdoor swimming pool, snack bar, Jacuzzi, sun terrace, hydro-massage and gym. Mykonos is a renowned party destination and Elysium is no exception: the sunset bar is one of the best places on the island to enjoy a drink overlooking the town of Mykonos and the ocean. The hotel frequently hosts popular poolside parties, shows, professional dancers and themed nights.