These top 10 gay friendly hotels in Europe will ensure you get the scene, beach, or rest and relaxation, that you are looking for.
Fancy a romantic getaway with that someone special, travelling solo, or planning a party weekend with friends? Choosing the right gay friendly hotels can make such a difference. Choose funky urban hideouts, cosy welcoming B&Bs or ultra modern beach clubs. From Barcelona to Berlin, Sitges to the South of France, there are so many options to choose from – but where to start? I asked LGBTQ+ holiday specialist Shane Coburn from The Holiday Shop for his recommendations. Let’s take a look at his top 10 gay friendly hotels in Europe.
1. Axel Hotel – Barcelona, Spain
This trendy urban hotel is located in the centre of Barcelona’s gay district “Gayxample”. This adult-only retreat offers a luxurious, modern and fun place to meet up, or stay, in the heart of Barcelona’s gay scene. With its roof top Sky Bar overlooking the sea, this hotel is perfect by day or night. With only 101 rooms, this hotel is relatively small for Barcelona, but it is no underdog. Each room is carefully designed to create an atmosphere unrivalled, offering light airy rooms, soundproofed for a great night’s sleep!
2. ME Sitges Terramar – Sitges, Spain.
The contemporary ME Sitges Terramar is the sophisticated choice in one of Spain’s most popular resort towns. This chic coastal hotel boasts a seafront location in the bustling Paseo Maritimo, close to the lively bars and upmarket restaurants. Playing host to its own Beach Club, Besito, makes this state-of-the-art hotel stand out from the crowd.
Sitges is well known among the LGBTQ+ community and is no stranger to gay friendly hotels. ME Sitges Terramar however, is cutting-edge and is one of the best in the area. ME offers a number of room categories from Aura Rooms to Chic Suites all of which will leave a lasting impression. With daily flights into Barcelona you can treat yourself to a weekend break or a week long holiday at any time of year.
3. Hotel Morgana – Rome Italy
Rome is underrated when it comes to LGBTQ+ holidays, and Hotel Morgana is a perfect example of why Rome should not be overlooked for short break. Located in the heart of Rome next to Roma Termini (Rome’s central train station), Hotel Morgana is
within easy walking distance to all the night-life you need for a lively weekend. Whether you fancy cocktails in Company Roma or the laid-back cosiness of Coming Out, you have it all on your doorstep.
Although this hotel is not as high-tech as some of the above gay friendly hotels, it makes up for this with its own unique charm. It combines old Italian style with modern design very tastefully. Hit the gym, box your breakfast to go, hire a vespa and see the sights. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish steps are all close by!
4. Ace Hotel – London, UK
You don’t have to go far to get the best LGBTQ+ experience Europe has to offer. The Ace Hotel in Shoreditch, London, is renowned among the gay community as one of London’s top hot-spots. There are ACE hotels all over the world, but Ace London is the original ACE hotel and some say the best!
Playing host to some of the world’s most well-known LGBTQ hotspots, such as G-A-Y London, the Ace Hotel is a lively, yet classic, destination for the gay friendly traveller. The Ace Hotel prides itself on its inclusiveness and individuality, offering an old take on the new world. This hotel sure knows a thing or two about design – I love the mix of modern and antique. Its mid-range price point also helps it to land a spot in my top 10 gay friendly hotels in Europe.
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5. Bill & Coo Suites – Mykonos Town, Greece
Although there are no direct flights to Mykonos from Ireland operating at present, please don’t let this deter you from visiting. Mykonos is a beautiful Greek Island and offers so much for the LGBTQ+ traveller, and you can easily reach Mykonos by land or sea via Athens…
Bill & Coo Suites is a seafront 5* Luxury Boutique hotel just 500m from Mykonos town, offering sunset views from 15 breath-taking suites. With only 24 guest rooms in total, you can expect service above and beyond your expectations. Bill & Coo is so much more than a hotel, I would describe it as a lifestyle. Two of the best restaurants on the Island call Bill & Coo home, complimented by the Valmont SPA, this hotel is a real treat. It is easy to see how it earned its place as one of The Leading Hotels Of The World – its heaven!
6. Hotel DUO – Paris, France
Located in the beating heart that is Le Marais, Paris’ gay district, this hotel is all about design design design! Le Marais is home to the best gay culture that Paris has to offer, an energetic, arty and welcoming neighbourhood. Filled with bakeries, galleries and bars for all tastes, and only minutes away from Notre Dame, this 4-star hotel is a great option, even on a budget. The gay scene in Paris is as you would imagine, warm, inviting, safe and hard to resist. The location of this beautiful Hotel DUO could not offer more – it is a really exciting find!
7. Axel Hotel – Berlin, Germany
Contemporary and charming, this is a unique find in the German capital. The Axel is a stylish, cosmopolitan hotel, just steps away from the legendary department store, KaDeWe – it is a location after my own heart. An adult-only hotel, Axel Berlin offers sleek rooms with a lot of personality and roof top views to amaze. Grab a cocktail from the bar and spend the evening soaking in the jacuzzi, or just stay at the bar planning the evening ahead! Axel do not describe themselves as Gay/LBGT Friendly, but instead boast, “we are heterofriendly”, a playful way to be more inclusive.
8. Gold by Marina – Playa Del Ingles, Gran Canaria
Located right next to the famous Yumbo Centre in Playa Del Ingles, and only moments from the beach, this is the perfect choice for fun in the sun. Beautiful spacious rooms that were previously apartments, have been decorated with a light touch. The rooms still have a kitchenette, which can be handy if travelling with a group of friends. My top tip is go to the pool for midday and grab a cabana! It is only a short swim across to the bar, where they serve the best cocktails. 🍸
9. First Hotel Twentyseven – Copenhagen, Denmark
Modern Danish Design just off Radhuspladsen, First Hotel Twentyseven will not break the bank. Its central location has surprisingly, not given this hotel the expensive price tag Copenhagen is generally known for. Twentysevn offers some really interesting facilities, such as a bar… but not just any bar – Twentyseven is home to an Ice bar!
If you fancy something a little hotter, you will find the most celebrated LGBTQ bars and hideouts just a five minute walk from the hotel. This hotel makes my list of the top gay friendly hotels in Europe for its value and location. For those interested the hotel has just opened a green oasis, which is set to become Copenhagen’s coolest backyard!
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10. Cinq & Sept –Languedoc, South France
Opened in 2009, celebrating its ten year anniversary this summer, is the luxurious guesthouse, Cinq & Sept. Nestled in the South of France, home to some of the world’s best wines, you can enjoy superb access to the regions gay-only beaches, picturesque castles and world famous cities.
This is a very social resort and would be my top pick for those travelling solo, offering group activities such as wine tasting, kayaking and beach club days. If you prefer to unwind alone, or with someone special, then look no further. Wine, dine, relax and socialise, Cinq & Sept truly deserves its spot in my top 10 gay friendly hotels in Europe!
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Sarah
