7 Incredible LGBTQIA+ Friendly Hotels

“It’s a fact: travel for same-sex couples, gay globetrotters and transgender travellers needs better attention and focus.

While travel can often be spiritually enriching, unfortunately, it’s not always as simple as seeing an incredible Instagram post or amazing TikTok video and booking your next getaway. The reality is, for some travellers, travelling may not be a safe experience for all, especially in countries and states which have not yet legalised basic aspects of LGBTQIA+ living.

As we wait for the world to become more accessible and open for all, we’ve rounded-up some of the most unbelievable hotels that are LGBTQIA+ friendly for the community to consider for their next trip.

All hotels are part of Expedia’s VIP Access Program, which means they have been hand-selected for consistently high guest reviews and exceptional quality.

Seven Hotel & Wellness, Gran Canaria, Spain

Spain is one of the world’s most progressive countries when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights and Gran Canaria has long been considered an open-minded haven for all.

On the island itself, Maspalomas, in the south of the Gran Canary, is mainly known for its sweeping sand dunes, long-beaches and all-year around liberal spirit which gets even more colourful during its annual Gay Pride celebrations. Located there, is Seven Hotel & Wellness. Though it specifically calls out that it’s a 4-star hotel for gay men, Seven Hotel & Wellness is actually a beautiful retreat for all open-minded travellers as evident by shining reviews from both gay men and women alike.

Guests can relish in late check-outs, incredible views and luxurious golf and wellness services. Furthermore, guests can enjoy one free spa service per stay.

Hotel Deutsche Eiche, Munich, Germany

While Germany’s LGBTQIA+ scene is often dominated by Berlin, Munich; the city of beer and art, long been favourited by creatives and bohemian spirits, also offers a very warm welcome for all culture-vultures looking to use the city as base to explore Bavaria’s fairy-tale castles, Munich’s 30+ museums and 60+ theatres, and the Glockenbachviertel, the city’s gay district.

There, travellers will find the Deutsche Eiche – an iconic gay hotel which has garnered a cult-like following among the famous and fabulous, including Freddie Mercury, who is said to have frequented often while living in the city.

While the hotel is popular for its beautiful rooftop terrace and great location, undoubtedly, the biggest draw is the hotel’s in-house sauna – the largest gay bathhouse in Bavaria.

Almar Resort, Puerta Vallarta, Mexico

Located on Mexico’s stunning Pacific Coast, Puerta Vallarta offers sun-kissed beaches filled with spectacular sunsets, wild water sports and a vibrant nightlife, all the ingredients for an unforgettable adventure. It’s also known to be a sensational LGBTQIA+ friendly hotspot, thanks to its gay-friendly beaches, bars and barrios.

Of the resort town’s districts, Zona Romantica, provides a brilliant base for LGBTQIA+ travellers to enjoy the various activities and beaches on offer in Puerta Vallarta, and is also where you’ll find Almar Resort – a luxury beachfront hotel which boasts fabulous parties, an enviable infinity pool and the Mantamar Beach Club and Sushi bar, which boasts to be ‘where the entire gay community in Puerta Vallarta wants to be’, located right on the town’s most famous gay beach: Los Muertos.

Harrahs New Orleans Casino & Hotel, New Orleans, USA

Culturally eclectic, New Orleans attracts an energy that celebrates diversity, uniqueness and acceptance all year around, which is why pre- and post-Mardi Gras, it should definitely be on the checklist for every LGBTQIA+ traveller.

Just steps from the famous French Quarter, Harrah’s New Orleans where the party is at, boasting incredible views over the city’s skyline and Mississippi river, an in-house nightclub; Masquerade, and a 24-hours casino promising to ‘let the good times roll’.

Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A world-famous carnival, a plethora of gay-friendly beaches, bars and clubs – buzzing with travellers and locals alike – and an annual PRIDE celebration which makes headlines across the globe for its fanfare, Rio de Janeiro is a dream destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers.

With unbelievable views across the famous Copacabana beach, Fairmont Rio de Janeiro is a paradise situated in one of the city’s most iconic spots. Affiliated with the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), it welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender guests.

Wake up to majestic views of Sugar Loaf Mountain, take a dip in one of two amazing outdoor pools overlooking Copacabana beach, or head down to enjoy the sand and sea itself. What’s more, the hotel’s full-service spa is discounted by 20% for all travellers looking to make use of its treatment rooms before indulging in the city’s always-on nightlife.

The Embassy Row Hotel, Washington D.C., USA

As the Capital of the United States of America, LGBTQIA+ activism has a long history in Washington D.C., and with political institutions based there along with many NGOs and lobbying groups, D.C. continues to foster and attract a thriving and supportive LGBTQIA+ community, making it one of the USA’s most open-minded and welcoming destinations to visit.

Based in Dupont Circle, The Embassy Row Hotel is a beautiful boutique located in the city centre, close to attractions such as the Smithsonian, the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of National History. Though it’s main draw is the hotel’s location, making it a great base to explore the main attractions of the city, it also features spacious rooms, Insta-worthy décor and backdrops throughout and lively buy laid-back chic rooftop pool and bar to relax at after a day of hard-core sightseeing.

Hotel DeBrett, Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand is quickly gaining reputation as one of the world’s most open-minded and liberal countries, making it extremely appealing for LGBTQIA+ travellers looking for an unforgettable expedition to discover breath-takingly beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities and ancient cultures.

No visit to New Zealand is complete without a trip to Auckland. Towering above two glittering harbours, filled with super yachts and speedboats, the city is a great destination for island hopping across to Rangitoto Island for dramatic volcanic vistas, or Waiheke Island – known as the ‘Island of Wine’ the island’s many volcanos, as well as discovering charming beach towns and the jaw-dropping marine life surrounding the Hauraki Gulf.

And right in the heart of it all is Hotel DeBrett, an art-deco styled charming luxury boutique – just a stone’s throw from the city’s iconic Sky Bar, and firmly sat in the artsy shopping district. Here, guests can relax with in-room spa treatments, an exclusive library just for guests and an award-winning restaurant loaded with a plethora of New Zealand wines.”