Top 10 best LGBQT+ friendly luxury hotels in the world

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best LGBQT+ friendly luxury hotels in the world

Countries around the world are celebrating Gay Pride throughout the month of June, and major cities – like NYC, Paris, and Barcelona – are hosting their biggest parades of the year. Pride month is about acceptance, equality, love, and raising awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender; the + is an inclusive symbol to mean ‘and others’ to include people of all identities. With both Pride month and the post-pandemic travel boost, many LGBQT+ travelers are planning new trips, searching for welcoming, heartwarming and safe places to stay at in gay friendly destinations. Here’s a selection of some of the world’s top LGBQT+ friendly hotels in the world. Of course, this list can never be complete: to find more LGBQT+ lodging, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), Purple Roofs, Patroc, World Rainbow Hotels, TAG Approved Accommodations, Damron and LGBTQ+ travel blogs and guides are terrific resources.

There is more information below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite LGBQT+ friendly hotel in the comments section.

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10. W TAIPEI, TAIWAN

Considered one of the most liberal parts of Asia, the island of Taiwan offers an open culture that welcomes LGBTQ+ travelers. In 2019, Taiwan became the first country in the continent to legalize gay marriage. One of the best luxury hotels inside Taiwan’s capital Taipei is the W Taipei. Located straight above Taipei City Hall station and right next to the iconic Taipei 101 and Taipei Arena, W Taipei is the only hotel in Taipei that you can see the whole 101 building from your room! In this thriving area – Xinyi District, you will find the most throbbing nightlife, exhilarating retail therapy, scrumptious cuisine and more. The hotel is managed by W Hotels, the trailblazing luxury lifestyle brand which continues its longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. Whoever you are, wherever you are, you’re welcome at the W Taipei and W Hotels worldwide.

Hotel website: W Taipei
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Classic Travel (room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out and $100 USD hotel credit).

9. THE WEST HOLLYWOOD EDITION, CALIFORNIA, USA

West Hollywood is known as an inclusive LGBTQ+ hotspot, with nearly 40% of West Hollywood’s population identifying as LGBTQ+. As such, travelers are assured a safe, welcoming and exciting environment. For a place to stay, check out The West Hollywood EDITION, located on Sunset Boulevard, where West Hollywood meets Beverly Hills. There are 190 modern hotel rooms to choose from, including exquisite suites and two penthouses. Every room features deluxe bedding, free Wi-Fi and floor-to-ceiling windows revealing impressive views of the Los Angeles skyline. The boutique luxury hotel offers a full-service day spa, rooftop pool, 24-hour fitness center, and enticing dining options, including a new signature restaurant and rooftop bar. EDITION Hotels is a brand owned by Marriott, recognized as one the world’s most LGBQT+ friendly hospitality companies.

Hotel website: The West Hollywood EDITION
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Classic Travel (room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out and $100 USD hotel credit).

8. CASA VELAS BOUTIQUE HOTEL, PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

Mexico’s top LGBQT+ destination is the resort town of Puerto Vallarta, home to glamorous old-Hollywood history, beautiful beaches and one of the best week-long Pride festivals in the world. The best hotel in the area is the all-inclusive Casa Velas, a getaway for adults only (18+). The hacienda-style hotel, which overlooks Banderas Bay, feels like a private estate, with lush tropical gardens and koi ponds. Terra-cotta floors, traditional textures, and ceramic pieces by Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante add a homey touch to the 80 generous suites, many with private pools or outdoor Jacuzzis. Guests enjoy exclusive discounts on golf at the Marina Vallarta and Vista Vallarta courses. Dining at Casa Velas is an artisanal, gourmet experience using the freshest ingredients, some harvested from the hotel’s own botanical garden.

Hotel website: Casa Velas
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, one complimentary hydrotheraphy water journey per person, 25% discount on green fees at Vista Vallarta or Marina Vallarta, $50 USD spa credit per adult, and $50 USD credit towards a private experience).

7. BELMOND MOUNT NELSON HOTEL, SOUTH AFRICA

More LGBTQ+ friendly than any other country on the African continent, South Africa was among the world’s first nations to adopt marriage equality back in 2005, and Cape Town remains a delightful destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. One of city’s top historic hotels is the Belmond Mount Nelson, a favorite among travelers because of its romantic heritage, warm professional service, and magnificent setting at the foot of Table Mountain. The hotel features a sprawling garden, complete with two heated swimming pools, rolling lawns, a palm lined avenue and secluded rose gardens. Six distinctive accommodation wings offer a variety of 201 individually decorated, elegantly appointed rooms and suites. The hotel is managed by Belmond, a longtime member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association IGLTA and a proud supporter of the LGBQT+ community worldwide.

Hotel website: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Other accolades: Belmond Mount Nelson features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Cape Town.
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, welcome gift, daily breakfast breakfast, afternoon tea for two served once during stay, free use of business center , complimentary WiFi, early check in and late check out).

6. HACIENDA NA XAMENA, IBIZA, SPAIN

Cooler than Sitges. Classier than Gran Canaria. Cheaper than Mykonos. Sun-kissed Ibiza – with its turquoise-blue waters and white-sand beaches – is pretty much Europe’s all-time-favorite gay hotspot. Officially opened in 1971, Hacienda Na Xamena was the first 5-star hotel in Ibiza and the white washed Ibizan style property still delivers and is very welcoming to LBGQT+ travelers. The hotel enjoys a spectacular location in the heart of a preserved natural park, suspended on jagged coastal cliffs 180m (600 ft) above the sea level. The majority of the 77 rooms and suites have sea views, taking advantage of the magnificent location, and all of them feature a Jacuzzi and stylish seated areas. With two swimming pools, there is endless space to unwind as you recline on one of the comfortable and stylish sunbeds and gaze at the incredible views. The hotel’s La Posidonia Spa offers exclusive treatments and therapies for hotel guests and visitors alike. The hotel is also home to one of the island’s most romantic dining venues, Eden restaurant.

Hotel website: Hacienda Na Xamena
Other accolades: Hacienda Na Xamena features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Ibiza.
Review: read my review of Hacienda Na Xamena here.

5. WALDORF ASTORIA EDINBURGH – THE CALEDONIAN

For a long time, gay travelers have thronged to the Scottish capital Edinburgh to not only enjoy its vibrant gay scene but also its cultural delights. The most luxurious hotel in the city is the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, which is prominently positioned in the city’s historic center. The LGBQT+ friendly property offers the most rooms in the city – 241 rooms and suites – with unobstructed views of Edinburgh Castle. Rooms are all individually decked out, right from the historic Carriage rooms to the suites. This elegant Victorian landmark also features a Waldorf Astoria Spa, luxury transfers with the hotel’s Bentley, and an award-winning fine dining restaurant, Grazing by Mark Greenaway. The perfect starting point to explore Scotland’s capital, the iconic hotel is within walking distance of the castle, the Royal Mile, and the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Hotel website: Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and complimentary afternoon tea for two persons in Peacock Alley or a $100 USD equivalent hotel credit for use during stay).

4. ANDAZ COSTA RICA AT PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA

Where the Gulf of Papagayo meets the sapphire blue waters of Culebra Bay, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo personifies Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” (pure life) expression, an extension of the native spirit of the country. Andaz was the first hotel and hospitality company in Costa Rica to sign a pro-human rights accord for non-discrimination toward the LGBTQ+ community. The design by Costa Rican architect Ronald Zurcher translates the healthy and poetic integration of men and nature, with 153 rooms (including 21 suites) that make you feel you part of the breathtaking setting and buildings created to the images of jungle creatures. The resort offers four restaurants, three beaches, four pools, spa and wellness programs, extensive on-site activity options, including complimentary Cambi kids program.

Official website: Andaz Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out and $100 USD resort credit).

3. THE DAVID KEMPINSKI, TEL AVIV, ISRAEL

Tel Aviv is among the most welcoming cities for LGBQT+ travelers, a beacon of hope in a region that is notorious for being one of the least gay friendly places in the world. The newest hotspot on the Tel Aviv promenade is The David Kempinski, which stretches over 34 stories in a seaside skyscraper that was built by Feigin Architects with interior design spearheaded by Ara Design. Unique for an urban resort, each of the hotel’s 250 guest rooms and suites features views of the Mediterranean Sea, with sliding glass doors that allow guests to soak up the plein soleil of the region. The chic hotel boasts a high-end spa, swimming pool, and multiple bars and dining venues, including the Common Whisky & Cigar Room – the only bar where you can sample Cuban cigars. Plus, the hotel offers easy access to surfing, sailing, swimming, and savoring the city’s buzzing cultural and culinary scene.

Hotel website: The David Kempinski
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out and $100 USD resort credit).

2. FOUR SEASONS BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

French Polynesia is extremely welcoming to LGBQT+ travelers and even allows gay and lesbian weddings (one of the few tropical island destinations in the world offering this possibility). One of the archipelago’s top destinations is Four Seasons Bora Bora, a phenomenal resort surrounded by sand-fringed islets on an outer coral reef that enclose a turquoise lagoon. There are 100 over-water bungalows and 7 beachfront villas, all overlooking the lagoon’s crystal clear waters and some with spectacular views of Mount Otemanu. Inspired by local architecture, all guest accommodations offer a restful, airy ambience; complete with traditional teak wood furnishings, high ceilings and thatched roofs made from pandanus leaves. Distinctive touches include the fragrance of vanilla and the texture of black pearls in the spa, alfresco dining overlooking Bora-Bora’s famed lagoon, and signature Four Seasons service at every turn.

Hotel website: Four Seasons Bora Bora
Other accolades: Four Seasons Bora Bora also features in my top 10 lists of the best hotel in French Polynesia, the world’s best honeymoon resorts, and the most spectacular hotel bathrooms in the world.
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, $100 USD spa credit, and complimentary WiFi).

1. BILL & COO COAST SUITES, MYKONOS, GREECE

Ever since Jackie Onassis started visiting this magnificent Aegean gem in the 1970s, the Greek island of Mykonos has built a reputation of glamour and fame, and has also carved a niche for itself as a much sought after gay tourist destination. One of its most serene and LGBQT+ friendly hotels is adults-only Bill&Coo Coast Suites, an intimate seaside retreat on a sunny stretch of Agios Ioannis beach where barefoot luxury is the norm. Featuring white washed walls, light oak finishes and airy fabrics, all suites have sea views, with the ground floor suites featuring the additional privacy and luxury of private pools, plunge pools and terraces. Crystal clear waters just perfect for swimming and a beautiful, exclusive beach club are mere steps from the suites. Bill & Coo Coast Suites is the sister property of the famous Bill & Coo Suites & Lounge, which is located on a hill close to Mykonos Town.

Hotel website: Bill & Coo Coast Suites
Other accolades: Bill & Coo Coast Suites also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in Mykonos.
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit).