Gay travelers want to know that when they travel they are treated with respect. Some hotel chains do a better job of focusing on the needs of the gay traveler or at least promoting diversity in their corporate culture. Favorite chains for GLBT travelers range from the small boutique brands to the largest worldwide chains, each with their own amenities and character. From hip and funky to decidedly upscale and luxurious there is something for every kind of traveler.
Axel Hotels has won several awards as the best gay friendly hotel chain. Axel has only three hotels; Berlin, Buenos Aires, and Barcelona. The boutique Axel chain focuses on the needs of gay travelers but they bill themselves as “heterofriendly” due to their tolerant attitude towards all guests. The hotels are decidedly modern and upscale. The all boast a rooftop Sky Bar and a wellness club with spa treatments and fitness options.
Ace Hotels is a small chain with hotels in Portland, Seattle, Palm Springs, and New York. They say they are both modern and bohemian and they are serious about being eco friendly.The hotels are not only gay friendly but pet friendly too. The small Portland hotel is in the historic downtown. This hip hotel has a bar with good local bands and a black and white photo booth in the lobby. The hotel near the Theatre District in New York is tiny, only 12 rooms, with some of the best rates in the area. The Palm Springs hotel is the biggest with 180 rooms in a midcentury modern motel. They are known for their minibars with cheese popcorn, patios and fireplaces. They have DJ’s at the pool, hip music in the bars and celebrations for GLBT events.
Andaz Hotels are part of the Hyatt chain. Hotels are in the chicest places; London, New York, Los Angeles, and San Diego. They cater to a cosmopolitan upscale customer. One of recent promotions at the Andaz West Hollywood was to give each guest an all access VIP pass to live entertainment venues on the Sunset Strip. Over the top theater nights in the London hotel draw many GLBT guests. In the 5th Avenue location the closets have rolling garment racks, luxurious marble bathrooms with footbaths, and a fashionable lounge bar.
Kimpton Hotels cater to the GLBT community with special promotions like their crush contest with a winning prize of a weekend at a Kimpton Hotel. Kimpton started in San Francisco so they have been gay friendly for over 20 years. They support local GLBT organizations and participate in the annual Red Ribbon campaign. They have over 50 hotel properties in major cities across the United States. A few hotels are resort and spa properties.
Four Seasons hotels are luxury properties in locations across the globe. They host LGBT events at the hotels. Four Seasons hotels are known for their spas, their incredible locations, and their legendary service. Their fitness centers have personal trainers and classes like yoga and Pilates. Four Seasons doesn’t shy away from hosting events for the gay community such as Gay Travel Expos at their hotels.
Hyatt has been voted one of the best places to work for LGBT employees. They have 16 Hyatt resorts in the United States and the Caribbean. Regional architecture, gourmet cuisine with fresh local ingredients, and spa treatments are all part of the experience. Hyatt has a reputation of being gay friendly for guests and trains employees to welcome diversity. The Park Hyatt in Paris has been selected as one of the top ultra luxury hotels in the world by gay travelers.
W Hotels have 37 locations. They offer a glamorous contemporary experience that they say is “centered around fashion, music and entertainment”. They all have acclaimed restaurants, posh shopping and luxurious spas. The hotels have the latest technology to keep you fully plugged in. From spa products in the rooms, luggage forwarding, pet amenities, gourmet meals for you to take on your flight and even being able to choose the perfect pillow style the W is famous for their guest services.
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