To honor LGBT history month, we’ve picked out five of our favorite gay-friendly hotels in destinations across the country. These hotels practice non-discrimination in their employment policies and services, and some donate to LGBT causes; all have been approved by the Travel Alternatives Group (TAG) or the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association.
The Muse – Kimpton
- Price: $583/avg. per night
- Pearls: 4
- Location: Times Square, New York City
The Muse is part of the San-Francisco-based Kimpton Hotel chain, the first hotel company to ever receive a 100 percent score on the Corporate Equality Index. Gay and lesbian employees are represented at every level of the company, according to the LGBT microsite, and the chain often offers special LGBT discounts, like the “Summer of Pride” deal. The company is a sponsor of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays and National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association, among other LGBT-friendly groups, and provides gift certificates for various LGBT fundraising causes. A hip wine bar, a newly renovated interior, and a Times Square location — within walking distance of the gay bars in Hell’s Kitchen and the theater district — gives the Muse an edge over the more straightlaced 70 Park Avenue, also a Kimpton hotel. See more gay-friendly hotels in New York City.
Boston Harbor Hotel
- Price: $436/avg. per night
- Pearls: 4.5
- Location: Downtown and Waterfront, Boston
With impeccable service, some of the biggest guest rooms in Boston, and a phenomenal gym, spa, and lap pool, the 230-room Boston Harbor Hotel is among the city’s most luxurious hotels. The restaurant is celebrated for its extensive wine collection, and the harborside location means gorgeous water views from many of the rooms. See more gay-friendly hotels in Boston.
Hotel Palomar
- Price: $247/avg. per night
- Pearls: 3.5
- Location: Union Square, San Francisco
A sexy 198-room property that doubles as a hip art gallery, the Hotel Palomar has spacious, comfortable rooms, a free wine tasting every evening, an upscale restaurant on the 5th floor, and an open-arms policy toward pets. Other downtown boutiques may cost less, but the Palomar is a cut above for a romantic getaway. See more gay-friendly hotels in San Francisco.
Gansevoort South
- Price: $352/avg. per night
- Pearls: 4
- Location: South Beach, Miami
The David Barton Gym in Chelsea has long had a gay following, and its Miami counterpart in Gansevoort South is of the same mold. A popular place to see and be seen for both gay and straight exercisers, the gym is characterized by Moroccan decor, club music, and mood lighting. Guests are likely to get hit on in the steam and sauna rooms, and the peak gay hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. according to Miami.com. To cool down after a workout guests can head upstairs to the largest rooftop lounge in the country, with a long, narrow pool used more for flaunting than swimming. Our reporter noted many gay couples staying at the hotel. See more gay-friendly hotels in Miami.
Maison 140
- Price: $171/avg. per night
- Pearls: 3.5
- Location: Beverly Hills/Bel Air, Los Angeles
This tiny, 43-room boutique makes up in style what it lacks in size and amenities. Granted there’s no pool, real business center, or even a restaurant — but the unique Chinoiserie and Parisian-inspired rooms, cozy lobby bar with nightly absinthe happy hours, and central Beverly Hills location lure in a loyal crowd. See more gay-friendly hotels in Los Angeles.
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