How to Book Gay-Friendly Accommodation Abroad

How to Book Gay-Friendly Accommodation Abroad

Why Choosing the Right Place to Stay Matters



Booking gay-friendly hotels abroad isn’t only about comfort — it’s about feeling welcome, supported, and safe wherever you go. Whether you’re heading off for a long-awaited romantic escape, a Pride pilgrimage, or a luxury city break, the right accommodation makes every moment smoother. Yet choosing LGBTQ+-inclusive stays isn’t always straightforward, especially when laws and social attitudes vary widely across the world.

This guide brings together real-world advice, destination insight, and luxury-focused recommendations to help you book gay-friendly hotels abroad with confidence.

What Makes a Hotel Truly Gay-Friendly?

Not all accommodation that calls itself “inclusive” walks the talk. Many international hotels market themselves as welcoming, but LGBTQ+ travellers often have very different experiences on arrival. That’s why it helps to understand what sets genuinely gay-friendly hotels apart from those using inclusivity as a buzzword.

Signs a Hotel Is Genuinely Inclusive

Here are the most reliable indicators:

1. Inclusive Language on Their Website

Look for gender-neutral phrasing, imagery featuring LGBTQ+ couples, clear mention of inclusivity, and an absence of “husband and wife” assumptions in room descriptions.

2. Staff Training and Recognition

Many luxury hotels undertake inclusion training through global programmes such as Pride-certified initiatives. Look for badges like “LGBTQ+ inclusive”, “Travel Proud”, or similar recognition.

3. Welcoming Queer Reviews

Recent reviews from LGBTQ+ travellers — especially those explicitly mentioning positive experiences — often reveal more than official marketing ever will.

4. Listings in LGBTQ+ Hotel Directories

Specialist directories typically vet hotels before listing them, ensuring properties have a consistent track record for respecting and welcoming queer guests.

5. No Awkward Check-In Moments

Truly gay-friendly hotels never question a couple booking a double bed, nor do they make assumptions based on gender presentation.

Why This Matters

A welcoming environment means you can unwind fully, knowing that simple, everyday moments — from enjoying a drink together to asking for local LGBTQ+ nightlife tips — will be met with understanding.

How to Vet Gay-Friendly Hotels Before You Book

Booking a hotel abroad is a big decision, and doing a little groundwork ensures your stay is smooth from the moment you arrive. Here’s how to confidently choose gay-friendly hotels no matter your destination. For deeper safety insights and destination-specific guidance, you can also explore IGLTA’s global LGBTQ+ travel guidance, one of the most trusted resources in inclusive tourism.

Step 1: Start with the Neighbourhood

Look for areas known for LGBTQ+ nightlife, inclusive cafés, or cultural spaces. Staying in or near queer-friendly neighbourhoods often means local businesses and residents share similar values.

Step 2: Read Between the Lines on Hotel Websites

Scan for:

• Gender-neutral wording
• Images showing diverse couples
• Mention of Pride partnerships or community engagement

If a hotel speaks confidently and directly about LGBTQ+ guests, that’s usually a promising sign.

Step 3: Check Reviews — Not Just Ratings

Pay attention to:

Mentions of same-sex couples having positive (or negative) experiences

Comments about how staff handled check-in

Any red flags regarding discrimination

LGBTQ+ travellers often reference a hotel’s atmosphere directly, so those reviews are gold.

Step 4: Look for Training or Accreditation Badges

Certifications can vary, but some global platforms give badges to hotels that complete inclusivity training. They’re not perfect, but they’re useful indicators that a property is committed to the LGBTQ+ community.

Step 5: Contact the Hotel if You’re Unsure

It may seem small, but writing a quick message such as:

“We are a same-sex couple — do you have any policies or training in place to ensure LGBTQ+ guests feel welcomed?”

The tone of their reply tells you everything.

Step 6: Use an LGBTQ+ Specialist Travel Agency

Working with a trusted agency gives you pre-screened properties, expert guidance, and booking protection — especially useful when staying in destinations with complex social attitudes.

Top Destinations for Booking Gay-Friendly Hotels Abroad

While the principles of choosing inclusive accommodation apply everywhere, some destinations shine brighter for their warm welcome, thriving queer scenes, and excellent hotel options. Here are five standout places where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel truly at ease — starting with two for this batch.

Destination 1: Barcelona — A Mediterranean Haven for LGBTQ+ Travellers

Barcelona has long been a staple of European queer travel, mixing warm beaches, world-class culture, and one of the continent’s most vibrant LGBTQ+ districts. The city is proudly progressive, beautifully diverse, and home to countless gay-friendly hotels that genuinely deliver on inclusivity. For travellers considering Barcelona specifically, our guide to LGBT+ holidays in Barcelona offers deeper insight into Gaixample nightlife and inclusive neighbourhoods

Why Barcelona is Ideal

• Strong LGBTQ+ legal protections
• The lively Eixample district — often called “Gaixample”
• Late-night bars, stylish rooftop lounges, and beach clubs
• Friendly locals and an established queer community

Below are two luxury hotels consistently praised by LGBTQ+ travellers.

Hotel Option: Axel Hotel Barcelona

This boutique gem, located right in the heart of Eixample, has become iconic in LGBTQ+ travel. Branded “hetero-friendly,” Axel Hotel is known for being inclusive, stylish, and socially vibrant.

Highlights include:

• Rooftop pool with summer parties
• A spa designed for relaxation and wellbeing
• Rooms with sleek design and warm, welcoming staff
• A lively bar scene, perfect for solo travellers and couples

Why LGBTQ+ guests love it:

Axel feels like a community hub, offering the familiarity of a queer space without sacrificing luxury. Same-sex couples can be fully themselves without a second thought.

Continue the journey with Wide Awake Travel:

If Barcelona inspires your next adventure, Awake & Wander Luxury Travel can help you explore even more boutique and luxury gay-friendly hotels in the city and beyond. Our personalised service ensures every recommendation fits exactly how you love to travel.

Hotel Option: ME Barcelona

For travellers seeking a more contemporary, design-led stay, ME Barcelona is a sleek urban retreat with impeccable style.

Highlights include:

• Airy rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows
• A minimalist, elegant aesthetic
• Rooftop pool with views towards Plaça Catalunya
• Known for excellent service and warm inclusivity

Why LGBTQ+ guests love it:

With a strong reputation for diversity and respect, ME Barcelona is ideal for couples wanting quiet luxury with effortless inclusivity.

Continue the journey with Awake & Wander:

We can help you compare ME Barcelona with other high-style, LGBTQ+-inclusive hotels across Spain — giving you seamless, protected bookings and trusted recommendations.

Destination 2: Lisbon — Warm, Welcoming, and Effortlessly Cool

Lisbon’s queer scene has exploded over the last decade, becoming one of Europe’s leading LGBTQ+ capitals. Blending pastel-toned streets, hilltop viewpoints, and a famously warm attitude towards visitors, Lisbon is a dream for couples seeking romance and culture.

Why Lisbon is Ideal

Progressive LGBTQ+ rights

Friendly, open nightlife in the Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real districts

Excellent food, wine, and coastal getaways

Beautiful mix of traditional architecture and modern cool

Hotel Option: The Late Birds Lisbon

This adults-only boutique guesthouse is one of Europe’s best-known gay-owned properties — intimate, stylish, and perfectly positioned near the city’s queer nightlife.

Highlights include:

• A gorgeous garden and swimming pool
• Cosy rooms decorated with charm
• Inclusive, personal service
• Perfect for making friends or enjoying peaceful seclusion

Why LGBTQ+ guests love it:
The atmosphere is relaxed, elegant, and unmistakably queer. It’s a rare blend of boutique luxury and community spirit.

Continue the journey with Wide Awake Travel:
If you want a more curated experience in Portugal, we can help you explore additional boutique gay-friendly hotels across Lisbon and the country’s spectacular coastline. To explore Lisbon’s inclusive neighbourhoods further, you can also read our detailed guide on gay travel in Lisbon.

Hotel Option: Memmo Príncipe Real

An architectural masterpiece with a sweeping city view, Memmo Príncipe Real is an ultra-stylish hideaway known for being discreet, luxurious, and deeply inclusive.

Highlights include:

• One of the best rooftops in Lisbon
• Opulent, modern rooms
• Elegant design touches throughout
• Excellent location for nightlife and restaurants

Why LGBTQ+ guests love it:
It exudes class without feeling formal. Staff are warm and utterly unphased by same-sex couples, which makes check-in, dining, and local advice feel seamless.

Continue the journey with Wide Awake Travel:
Let us help you compare Lisbon’s best inclusive stays and customise your trip so you can explore Portugal your way — with expert support and ATOL-protected peace of mind.

Destination 3: Toronto — One of the World’s Most Inclusive Cities

Toronto blends urban sophistication with one of the most established LGBTQ+ communities in North America. The city is unapologetically inclusive, home to Canada’s largest Pride celebration and the iconic Church-Wellesley Village — a vibrant neighbourhood filled with bars, cafés, and queer-owned businesses.

Why Toronto is Ideal

• Canada ranks among the safest and most LGBTQ+-secure nations
• A genuine culture of respect for diversity
• Incredible dining, art, and nightlife
• Easy access to nature and lakefront escapes

Toronto’s luxury hotel scene is exceptional, with many properties celebrated for outstanding service and inclusivity.

Hotel Option: The Anndore House

This artsy, design-forward boutique hotel is located between Yorkville and Church-Wellesley Village, making it perfect for exploring Toronto’s queer heart.

Highlights include:

• Industrial-chic rooms with vinyl record players
• On-site barbershop and cool lounge spaces
• Stylish restaurant popular with locals
• Boutique service with a personal touch

Why LGBTQ+ guests love it:
The Anndore House blends edge and warmth beautifully. Staff are famously welcoming, and the location is ideal for nightlife and Pride festivities.

Continue the journey with Wide Awake Travel:
We can help match you with boutique, design-led gay-friendly hotels in Toronto that suit your style — from creative hideaways to 5-star classics.

Hotel Option: The Ritz-Carlton Toronto

For travellers seeking elevated luxury, The Ritz-Carlton delivers world-class service, incredible lake views, and a long-standing reputation for inclusivity.

Highlights include:

• Huge spa and indoor saltwater pool
• Spacious rooms with refined design
• Michelin-star dining experiences
• Steps from the waterfront and cultural districts

Why LGBTQ+ guests love it:
Luxury hotels vary in atmosphere, but The Ritz-Carlton is renowned for its warm, discreet service — a safe, comfortable, and elegant choice for LGBTQ+ couples.

Continue the journey with Awake & Wander:
Allow us to curate the perfect Toronto itinerary with stays at the city’s most inclusive properties, fully ATOL-protected for added peace of mind.

Destination 4: Bangkok — Exotic Energy with Genuine Warmth

Bangkok is one of Asia’s most dynamic destinations for LGBTQ+ travellers. Known for its lively nightlife, world-class shopping, and deeply respectful culture, the Thai capital is welcoming, energetic, and endlessly fascinating.

Why Bangkok is Ideal

• Thailand is widely accepting of LGBTQ+ travellers
• Vibrant queer nightlife in Silom
• Sophisticated rooftop bars and riverfront dining
• Exceptional hospitality across all budgets

Bangkok’s luxury accommodation scene is astonishing, offering both iconic riverside hotels and stylish city sanctuaries.

Hotel Option: SO/ Bangkok

Bold, colourful, and unapologetically stylish, SO/ Bangkok is a favourite among LGBTQ+ visitors for its creative design and vibrant social energy.

Highlights include:

• Designer rooms inspired by the five elements
• One of Bangkok’s best rooftop pools
• Regular DJ nights and social events
• Trendy spa with exceptional facilities

Why LGBTQ+ guests love it:
SO/ Bangkok is expressive and playful — a hotel that celebrates individuality, making queer travellers feel seen and welcome instantly.

Continue the journey with Wide Awake Travel:
We’ll help you compare design-led gay-friendly hotels in Bangkok and match you with the perfect base for exploring Thailand’s lively capital.

Hotel Option: Banyan Tree Bangkok

For something calmer and more luxurious, Banyan Tree Bangkok offers serenity above the city with a world-famous rooftop restaurant.

Highlights include:

• Large suites with panoramic city views
• Award-winning spa
• Calm, elegant atmosphere
• Iconic Vertigo rooftop dining

Why LGBTQ+ guests love it:
The Banyan Tree feels like a peaceful retreat while being close to nightlife. Staff are gracious and experienced at welcoming diverse couples.

Continue the journey with Awake & Wander:
From rooftop elegance to riverside sanctuaries, we’ll curate Bangkok stays that align with your travel style — all fully protected and bespoke. For readers drawn to Bangkok’s mix of culture and nightlife, our article on How gay-friendly Bangkok really is provides practical tips and safe nightlife recommendations.

Destination 5: Mykonos — The Icon of Aegean Gay Travel

Mykonos is legendary for LGBTQ+ travel: sun-drenched beaches, chic clubs, luxury hotels, and a famously open-minded atmosphere. Whether exploring bays by boat or partying at JackieO’, Mykonos is both glamorous and warmly inclusive.

Why Mykonos is Ideal

• One of the world’s most gay-friendly islands
• Elegant beach clubs and sunset lounges
• Blue-and-white villages with boutique shopping
• Iconic nightlife attracting queer travellers globally

The island specialises in high-end hospitality, with many properties designed to embrace LGBTQ+ visitors.

Hotel Option: Elysium Hotel — Gay Hotel Mykonos

Elysium is one of Europe’s best-known gay hotels, offering stunning sunset views and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Highlights include:

• Daily sunset drag shows
• Gorgeous terraces and pool
• Gay-only environment
• Steps from Mykonos Town

Why LGBTQ+ guests love it:
Elysium has a joyful vibe — a celebration of queer expression with no judgement, just sun, glamour, and community. If Mykonos is on your radar, our in-depth guide to Mykonos for LGBT+ travellers covers beaches, nightlife, and seasonal tips.

Continue the journey with Wide Awake Travel:
We can help you craft the perfect Mykonos escape, pairing party energy with serene luxury retreats across the island.

Hotel Option: Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge

For a quieter, ultra-luxe stay, Bill & Coo offers dreamy suites with private pools, exceptional gastronomy, and signature Mykonian elegance.

Highlights include:

• Minimalist, cycladic-inspired suites
• Private pools with sea views
• Award-winning restaurant
• Outstanding service

Why LGBTQ+ guests love it:
It’s refined, romantic, and deeply welcoming — the perfect contrast to Mykonos’ high-energy LGBTQ+ nightlife.

Continue the journey with Awake & Wander:
From premium suites to cliffside sanctuaries, we’ll guide you through the finest gay-friendly hotels on the island, ensuring every detail reflects how you love to wander.

Jamie Says:

"Inclusive hotels don’t just offer a warm welcome — they give LGBTQ+ travellers the freedom to truly relax. At Wide Awake Travel, that freedom is non-negotiable.”

Jamie Wake, Managing Director

Your Booking Protections with Wide Awake Travel

When travelling abroad — especially to destinations where LGBTQ+ laws or attitudes vary — having strong travel protection is more than reassuring: it’s essential. That’s why every holiday booked with Wide Awake Travel comes with layers of security designed to safeguard both your money and your peace of mind. If you’re dreaming of beach escapes, our roundup of  LGBT+ beach destinations offers inspiration for sun-focused getaways with inclusive atmospheres.

ATOL Protection

All package holidays you book with us are fully ATOL-protected. This means:

• Your money is safe if a supplier fails
• You’ll never be left stranded
• Refunds and repatriation are guaranteed

ATOL is one of the strongest consumer-protection systems in global travel, ensuring that your holiday remains stress-free from the moment you book.

Supplier Failure Insurance

We also include Supplier Failure Insurance as standard. This adds another layer of security should an airline, hotel, or other travel partner unexpectedly cease trading.

Why This Matters for LGBTQ+ Travellers

When booking gay-friendly hotels abroad — especially in regions where protections differ — it’s important to choose a travel partner who understands both the destination and your needs. Our protections mean you can enjoy your trip knowing every detail is covered, financially and logistically.

Why Wide Awake Travel, Luxury Travel Is Your Best Partner for Inclusive Travel

Finding the right hotel abroad isn’t always easy — but it shouldn’t feel like guesswork. With Wide Awake Travel, Travel, you gain expert guidance, curated recommendations, and genuine support at every stage of your journey.

What Makes Us Different

• We pre-screen hotels for inclusivity and guest experience
• We understand the nuances of LGBTQ+ travel
• We work only with trusted suppliers and luxury partners
• Every booking comes with ATOL protection and Supplier Failure Insurance
• Our bespoke itineraries are built around your travel style

From buzzing urban stays to serene island escapes, we match you with gay-friendly hotels that align with how you like to explore.

Support When You Need It

Prefer to talk it through?

You can reach our friendly team on 01495 400011, or use our online enquiry form for a tailored quote.

Because Your Journey Should Be As Unique As You Are

Our website search tool lets you browse personalised holiday ideas and create bespoke itineraries that feel authentically yours. At Wide Awake Travel, every journey begins with you — and every detail is handled with genuine care.

One question remains:

Where will your next unforgettable stay take you?

Frequently Asked Questions