Gay Hotels in London Guide: If you are looking for the best gay friendly hotels in London then you will be spoilt for choice.
Whilst you may not find any exclusively gay hotels in London (like these gay hotels in Europe), you will find that all hotels will be welcoming.
However for this list of the best gay hotels in London I have focused on those that have gone the extra mile to take the guesswork away and to show that they really do welcome LGBTQ+ travellers. Whether that means being active in London Pride, supporting the local community or being very overt in the way they welcome LGBTQ+ travellers.
The following list of hotels is based on my own personal experience, recommendations from trusted peers, experience of the brands and also those that are Travel Proud certified by booking.com (these hotels have done extra training/work to make their LGBTQ+ guests supported and welcomed to get this certification).
Oh, and if you want even more gay travel information about London, check out this extensive blog: Gay London: The Complete Gay Travel Guide.
Best Gay Friendly Hotels in London
I have broken down the best gay friendly hotels in London broadly by area. London is easy to get around by tube so sometimes it is worth to stay outside the centre and travel in for the day.
Gay Hotels in Soho & West End (Best for Gay Nightlife)
These gay friendly hotels in London are closest to the main gay scene around Soho:
The Dilly
My stay at The Dilly was a luxurious experience made special by staying in one of the suites.
The hotel itself is stunning with a beautiful entrance hall, swim and fitness centre and some incredible on site restaurants – their themed afternoon tea is a must!
Specifically, is you treat yourself to a suite you can enjoy access to their exclusive lounge, Balcony at The Dilly, where you can choose from a range of complimentary drinks available at select times during the day. Sip on a glass of Chapel Down’s exceptional English Sparkling Wine sourced from beautiful vineyards just outside London.
In terms of location, it is minutes away from Picadilly circus in central London.
And finally, The Dilly is a Travel Proud certfied property by booking.com – always a sign of a great stay.
The Resident Soho
Sleek, stylish and perfectly located in Soho, this 4* hotel ranks in the top 50 hotels in London on TripAdvisor and is just two minutes away from Oxford Street.
They offer 7 different room types from small doubles offering a cosy, great value for money room to their Carlisle Suite where you will experience a luxurious stay with superb views of Soho Square.
Every room features a signature mini-kitchen, as well as stylish touches, including bespoke artwork, special edition Paul Smith Anglepoise lamps, Nespresso machines and Brita filter taps, you can relax in your room with home comforts to enjoy.
The Resident is part of a chain of hotels. They also have a property in Kensington, Covent Garden and Victoria.
The Clermont London, Victoria
The Clermont at London Victoria mixes Victorian charm, especially its entrance reception, with modern comfort and is ideally located next (basically within) to Victoria Station.
The rooms are beautiful, offering Egyptian cotton linens, en-suite bathrooms, and amenities like flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning. I did appreciate the modern touches like the iPhone docking station etc.
With tourist attractions like the River Thames, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye close by, this is a great spot to start your trip from.
Gay Friendly Hotels in Vauxhall, London (Best for a late gay night out)
Vauxhall is one of the key gay areas in London, home to the infamous club Fire where everyone seems to end up. Since Fitre often goes on until 11am or even midday Sunday, maybe you will like to have a hotel within walking distance!
Park Plaza London Riverbank
I recently stayed at the Park Plaza London Riverbank and was very happy to see that they were proudly flying the Pride Flag alongside their own, as well as having a full pride display within the entrance to the hotel for Pride Month.
The hotel is located right on the riverbank (as the name suggests), with beautiful views of the city. It is well worth making sure to book a room with a river view if possible. It is also a short walk to Vauxhall tube station which is well connected with all the main lines you will be using as a tourist.
I stayed in one of their suites which was spacious, super comfy and had amazing views. Breakfast was also a treat with a large selection of hot and cold options, exactly what I needed after a big night out in London – and on the topic of a night out, it is a ten minute walk to Fire, so no waiting around for a taxi at the end of the night.
And if you need some R&R, you will also find a gym, pool and spa on site.
Gay Friendly Hotels in Central London (Best for First-Time Visitors)
These hotels are great if you want to be near the typical tourist attractions in London.
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City is in an amazing central spot, which makes it really easy to get around and explore the city (it’s a two minute walk from Tower Hill station).
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with Leonardo DREAM beds that are super comfy – I spent my whole second day just relaxing in my room. In particular, my room was an executive room and the views from the terrace and windows of the city were awesome!
Breakfast is served as a continental buffet at Leo’s, and I also loved Corvo Bar and Café — it’s a nice social hangout if you just want a coffee or a drink without leaving the hotel.
There’s also the Rena Spa on site with leisure facilities including a 25m pool and treatments to spoil yourself during your trip.
And finally, it is listed as a Travel Proud property on Booking.com so that is always a win in my book!
To find out more and check availability, click below:
Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge
With a large swimming pool, jacoozi and spa area, Leoonardo is a great option if you want somewhere to completely relax after a busy day exploring the city.
This 4* hotel is close to some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including the Tower of London, The Shard and, of course, Tower Bridge and is just a short walk from East London, with all its excellent coffee shops and eateries.
I loved the rooms, especially the bespoke DREAM BED by Leonardo.
DoubleTree by Hilton London Tower Bridge
Hilton is a brand that is well known for going the extra mile when is comes to welcoming LGBTQ+ travellers globally.
Enjoy their award winning rooftop bar, Savage Garden, fitness facilities, and awesome views of Tower Bridge.
Hilton London Bankside
If you forced me to choose my favorite hotel in London, this has to be a close contender.
The Hilton London Bankside has a great deal of character and the level of service from the moment you walk in the door is second to none.
The rooms are stylishly decorated, and I could happily live in one of their suites.
There are many unique and well thought out touches throughout the hotel, they use ingredients from their rooftop garden in the on site restaurant, you will find an indoor heated pool (and fitness centre), have access to bikes to hire to explore the local area and they even have the worlds first vegan suite!
Make sure to check this out for your next stay in London.
Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection
Anytime I see the words ‘Autograph Collection’ I know I am in for a treat. Adding the fact that the Bankside Hotel has also gained its Travel Proud accreditation on booking.com makes this hotel a very good choice for gay travellers coming to London.
The hotel is impeccably decorated and during my visit had an art showcase in their Art Yard studio, where the current artist in residence, Emily Porter, was showcasing their creative work.
Tied into this is their on-site restaurant, Art Yard Bar, which I would visit the hotel for alone. Each course I tried here was full of flavour and the service top class. This is where they also serve breakfast which has a huge selection and admittedly, I got extra excited to find a freshly squeezed orange juice machine as part of their offerings.
The room was super spacious, with all the mod cons and of course most importantly, the bed was so comfy you could (and I did) spend all day in it.
Location wise, you are right in the centre of London so have easy access to all the main attractions and if you are here for a gay weekend in London, you are just a ten-minute walk from one of the most popular queer parties on a Friday, Feel-It party.
To find out more and check availability, click below.
Gay Friendly Hotels in Shoreditch & East London (Alt Queer Scene)
Shoreditch is a very popular and trendy area, with access to an alternative queer scene.
Hart Shoreditch London, Curio Collection by Hilton
I love the Curio Collection by Hilton, the properties chosen to be part of this collection are truly unique and have a lot of character. And like most Hilton properties is Travel Proud Certified by booking.com.
The Hart Shoreditch Hotel offers a stylish stay in the heart of London. This 4-star hotel features air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and a modern fitness center. With an on-site restaurant, bar, and 24-hour concierge service, it’s designed for both comfort and convenience.
In terms of location, it is well located near Brick Lane and Liverpool Street Station making it ideal for exploring London’s east end.
YOTEL London City
For something a little different, I love the YOTEL brand for their cool airplane inspired rooms and character.
The YOTEL London City is, as the name indicates, a great central location in London.
I loved the cosy rooms with incliner/recliner beds for when you just want to Netflix and chill, and also loved the hearty breakfast each morning.
Hotel nhow London
Perhaps one of the most instagrammable hotels in London, the nhow London delivers on all aspects from its eclectic and vibrant reception area, the onsite restaurant serving up some guilty pleasures and of course the rooms themselves designed to bring the character of London to life.
I also have to mention the breakfast, this was a particularly good spread with a huge selection of hot and cold options.
I stayed in one of their suites which had great views, an incredibly comfy bed and a huge bathroom complete with roll top bath.
Mama Shelter London Shoreditch
Mama Shelter London is a 4*modern hotel with a lot of character, a large restaurant and a lively bar in the veranda.
All rooms are air-conditioned and offer free WiFi, and I love the fact they also have free movies on demand and are yet another Travel Proud accredited property.
Bethnal Green London Underground Tube Station is a 10 minute walk away and there is a bus stop outside Mama Shelter London, with buses going to popular locations such as Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Waterloo and Oxford Circus.
Hyatt Place London City East
Hyatt Place London City East is a modern hotel close to Brick Lane and if you can, I highly reccommend booking a room with a balcony/terrace for the beautful views of the city.
The rooftop bar Pocketsquare is well worth a visit. It has a long outdoor terrace which is perfect in summer, well crafted cocktails and very tasty bar food options (make sure to order the chicken wings!).
Nearby attractions include the Tower of London, Spitalfields Market, and Tower Bridge.
And with this being a Hyatt property, it is also Travel Proud certified by booking.com.
Gay Friendly Hotels Near Liverpool Street & The City
Liverpool Street is very central and the hotel I suggest below is one of my favorites.
Andaz London Liverpool Street
With a glass of complimentary prosecco in hand within miniutes of checking in, I knew I was going to have a great stay at the Andaz.
The hotel is super stylish from the reception to the rooms and multiple on-site restaurants. They have a lot of thoughtful touches including a complimentary wine and canape hour from 6-7pm each evening, a perfect way to start your night.
I loved the fact the for London Pride they had a full schedule of pride events and showed their support of the LGBTQ+ community loud and proud.
If you are looking for a gay friendly hotel in London, this is a great place to start.
Gay Hotels in Stratford (Shopping + Events)
Stratford is outside the centre of London, but only a 30 minute journey on the tube. It’s know for the huge Stratford shopping centre and for events like Abba Voyage.
Hyatt Regency London Stratford
One of my more recent stays in London, I stayed at the beautiful Hyatt Regency London Stratford.
Location wise, the hotel adjoins Westfield Stratford City, one of London’s largest shopping centre and is a short 30 minute journey into the centre of London to hit all the tourist spots. I stayed here for easy access to Abba Voyage.
The hotel itself had a stylish bar and restaurant area (Elondi restaurant). I ate here two nights in a row, make sure to get the burrata for starter.
Over to the rooms, my room was super spacious and the bed comfy enough for me to consider not checking out at all. I also appreciate that they had a well equipped gym on site to build up an appetite before heading to breakfast, which had quite the selection.
Check availability here:
Gay Hotels in Victoria & Pimlico (Quieter Central Stay)
Eccleston Square Hotel
Eccleston Square Hotel is one of the most technologically advanced hotels in Europe, and one of London’s most luxurious boutique hotels – you need to visit here for the beds alone.
Each beautifully decorated room comes with a handcrafted Swedish Hästens massage bed. Most of the more high end hotels in London may just have one of these beds in their very best room only, however here every room has one so your are guaranteed to experience one of these.
I stayed in one of their stunning balcony king rooms so it was lovely to wake up in the morning and step out onto the balcony to watch the sun rise with a cup of tea.
And you will pleased to know that the hotel is also now recognised and listed as an excellent, LGBTQ+ welcoming hotel by World Rainbow Hotels.
Hilton London Angel Islington
As mentioned above, Hilton is one of our go to brands for LGBTQ+ friendly hotels in London (and worldwide).
The Hilton London Angel Islington is a 4* hotel, just a 5 minute walk from Angel station and offers everything you would expect from the Hilton brand including fitness centre, on site bar/restaurant and pet friendly rooms.
This hotel is also near one of our favorite gay nights in London, Roast!
Gay Friendly Hotels Near Heathrow Airport (Convenience Stay)
Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport
If you are travelling to or from London, it is highly likely that you will be flying out of Heathrow. If you live for a life of convenience like me, then you are going to want to take a look at Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport.
Rooms are spacious, the have a great restaurant on site for dinner and an extensive breakfast buffet. If you are really keen they even have a gym on site to get your final pre vacation workout in.
In the morning after your stay, it’s a super quick journey into the airport so you can start your trip stress free and well rested!
This is an ever growing list with each visit I take to London so keep this bookmarked to continue to get more inspiration.