Gay resorts and gay hotels can be incredibly empowering. They are like mini gay utopias where you can be yourself and in many cases, let it all hang out without a care in the world!
We are always asked why there is a need for gay resorts and gay hotels and to us it’s very straightforward why.
After working hard and booking a vacation, many people want the opportunity to shed that baseline self-consciousness of ‘should we shouldn’t we’ kiss, cuddle, hold hands, are these speedos too tiny or should we get rid of them all together!
Gay resorts and hotels offer a safe space to do this and forget about all that self conscious rubbish, and that’s one of the reasons we love them.
For us, Europe is leading the way when it comes to gay travel so we have compiled a list of where you can find the best gay resorts and hotels in Europe based on personal experience, recommendations, research and reviews.
For this list, we are focusing on those that tend to be outright gay rather than simply gay friendly.
This will be an ongoing post so tell us where else you think we should add!
Let’s get started with one of our favourite countries:
Gay Resorts and Gay Hotels in Spain
We have lived and travelled through Spain and loved it.
We fully intend to live there again for the simple fact that no one batted an eyelid that two gay men walked around holding hands – we had no fear and felt incredibly welcome.
Here are the hot spots for gay resorts in Spain:
Gay Resorts and Gay Hotels in Barcelona
Axel Hotel Barcelona
Axel is the brand who markets themselves as ‘hetero-friendly’ and based on their expansion, are leading the way in gay hotels across Europe so don’t be surprised to see them popping up in all the major cities on this list.
Axel Barcelona offers a rooftop bar, restaurant, swimming pool, steam room, massage, sauna, sun terrace, jacuzzi / hot pool, gym, spa and free wi-fi. They have Mediterranean style rooms and excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.
The rooftop bar is also open to the public so you can go and check out all the hot guys before heading to the nearby gay bars.
Book your stay here.
Two Hotel Barcelona by Axel
One of the more recent additions from Axel following the same concept.
Two Hotel Barcelona is about 15 minutes from the gay district. It’s a 4* adult only gay hotel and offers a heated rooftop plunge pool and sun terrace with loungers
Take a look at Two Hotel here.
Gay Resorts and Gay Hotels in Sitges
Parrots Hotel
Photo credit: parrotshotel.com
This is the only hotel in Sitges that is more likely to be categorised as ‘gay’ rather than simply ‘gay friendly’, however of course the hotel welcomes everyone!
Parrots is right in the centre of all the gay bars, clubs, shops and saunas so you can walk everywhere.
It gets 4/5 on TripAdvisor mainly due to good staff, excellent location and a good breakfast! Take a look at the hotel here.
Gay Resorts and Gay Hotels in Madrid
Axel Hotel Madrid
We lived in Madrid for 7 months and made sure to get up to the rooftop pool and bar at the Axel Hotel. This was definitely where the hot guys hang out during the day to top up their tans and enjoy a drink on an evening.
Axel Madrid is located in Barrio de las Letras so you have a 10-minute walk to Chueca (the gay neighbourhood).
All rooms feature air conditioning, private bathroom and free WiFi.
If you are looking for a pump the Axel Wellness Centre features a modern gym, sauna & spa facilities.
Check out and book your stay here.
Hostal Room Pride
For something simple in the heart of Chueca take a look at Hostal Room Pride.
Hostal Room Pride is quite small with 8 rooms that have private bathrooms, flat screen TVs, air conditioning and free WiFi.
Book your stay here.
Gay Resorts and Gay Hotels in Gran Canaria
AxelBeach Maspalomas
Photo credit: axelhotels.com
Again, Axel makes an appearance and has been a popular gay resort in Gran Canaria for years.
All rooms have air conditioning, a living/dining area, flat screen TV, kitchenette with microwave, fridge, kettle & coffee maker.
We love the swimming pool area with sun loungers. They also have a garden, spa, outdoor jacuzzi, wet/dry sauna and a gym.
During Pride AxelBeach Maspalomas often hosts parties which are a lot of fun!
Check it out here.
Club Torso
Club Torso offers twelve contemporary and modern style bungalows and is clothing optional.
They have a heated pool, jacuzzi, sun loungers, a pool bar serving everything you could want, fast wifi (for those grindr hook ups!) and offer a continental breakfast until 11am.
They get excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and we think what is key is its modern style given Gran Canaria has been a popular destination for many years and some places could do with a revamp.
For more on Club Torso and to book, take a look here.
Paso Chico
Gran Canaria is ideal for those looking for clothing optional gay resorts and Paso Chico is one of them.
This a gay men only complex with 6 bungalows, a pool (clothing optional) and a small garden. It is self-catering and so somewhere between a hotel and a holiday let.
In terms of location, it can’t be beaten! It is seconds away from the gay mecca that is the Yumbo Centre.
Gay Resorts and Gay Hotels in Ibiza
The Purple Hotel by Ibiza Feeling
The Purple Hotel is a gay adults only hotel in San Antonio.
The hotel is new, modern and stylish and the pool area looks very trendy indeed. All rooms have air conditioning, free WIFI, a safe and a flat screen HDTV.
Given the gay scene in Ibiza is smaller than places like Madrid, it makes a lot of sense to stay at a gay hotel here to find like-minded guys.
The hotel gets rave reviews all round for everything from rooms, to staff, facilities and location! It is definitely on our list for Ibiza.
Get booked here.
Photo credit: ibizafeeling.com
AxelBeach Ibiza
AxelBeach Ibiza is right on the beach with trendy, modern apartments which have a living room, private terrace and fully equipped kitchen.
We are sure you will also enjoy the pool deck at their Sky Bar!
Take a look here for more.
Check availability
Casa Alexio
Described as a relaxing oasis for gay travellers, Casa Alexio is a men only gay resort.
Its well located near Ibiza old town, has a nice pool, jacuzzi and has excellent reviews too!
Gay Resorts and Gay Hotels Torremolinos
Ritual Hotel
Photo credit: hotelritualtorremolinos.com
Ritual hotel stands out for all the right reasons.
Torremolinos has been popular since the 70s and many hotels are still stuck in the 70s as a result – the Ritual is not at all!
It’s very modern, clean and stylish with a huge pool area and jacuzzi.
They have a sauna, spa, gym, direct beach access and rooftop nude sunbathing area. If you are looking for a gay resort in Torremolinos there really isn’t any other option!
Make sure to also take a look at ‘Our Top Gay Destinations in Spain‘.
Gay Resorts and Gay Hotels in Germany
Gay Resorts and Hotels in Berlin
Axel Hotel Berlin
Right in the centre of Berlin-Schöneberg’s gay area is the Axel Hotel Berlin.
The rooms and suites of the Axel Hotel Berlin include large beds and flat-screen TVs. WiFi is free in the entire hotel.
The Axel’s wellness area has a hot tub, a sauna, a steam room, and a gym. Which we made use of during Berlin Pride!
For prices and availability check here.
Toms Hotel
Toms is a gay hotel in the heart of the gay area of Berlin with artistically decorated rooms and free wifi throughout.
A bonus for this property is that hotel guests receive a special pass, offering discounts to many nearby gay saunas, nightclubs, shops and restaurants.
Its above Tom’s bar (cruising bar) so if you don’t want to walk far for a night out, this is a great option!
Gay Youth Hostel Berlin
Established in 2009, the Gay Youth Hostel is a budget option aimed at young gay men (18 – 38) who want to stay in the heart of the gay area in Berlin.
They offer 2 person to 8 person male only dorms and most importantly have personal lockers which is a must for staying in dorms.
Gay Resorts and Hotels in Munich
Hotel Deutsche Eiche
Hotel Deutsche Eiche is a gay hotel with restaurant, rooftop bar and a men only bathhouse (with everything you would expect).
It is in the gay area of Berlin and considered to be one of the oldest meeting places of the gay-lesbian scene in Munich. The hotel is also close to many attractions.
Book your stay here.
Gay Resorts and Gay Hotels in Netherlands
Gay Resorts and Hotels in Amsterdam
Amistad
Amistad is not exclusively gay but the first thing they state on their website is ‘’Amistad Hotel is always delighted to welcome any guest, no matter if you’re Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Straight or Questioning’’ which tells you all you need to know.
This is a small hotel with 9 rooms which was refurbished in 2018 to give it a more modern look. It prides itself on being homely but with the level of service you expect from a larger hotel.
You can book Amistad and read more here.
Gay Resorts and Gay Hotels in Greece
Gay Resorts and Hotels in Mykonos
Elysium Gay Hotel
Photo credit: booking.com
Elysium is a gay hotel in Mykonos, known for being the most gay friendly place in Greece. (Check out our full gay guide to Mykonos).
It has a swimming pool with panoramic views of Mykonos town and guests can use the hotel’s gym and hot tub.
The bar runs drag shows and is high end when it comes to prices.
Reviews are mixed so look for the most recent ones as a guide.
Check our current rates and book here.
Gay Resorts and Gay Hotels in Italy
Gay Resorts and Hotels in Rome
B&B Second Floor
The is a gay hotel which you can find on ‘Gay Street’ in Rome (the small gay area).
The rooms are modern and it’s in a great location right next to the Colosseum. The bar connected to the B&B is called Coming Out and is one of Rome’s few gay bars – they also do some great pizzas!
Definitely worth checking out for a long weekend away in Rome.
For more on Rome, take a look at our Full Gay Guide to Rome.
We hope you can see why we think Europe might be leading the way when it comes to gay travel as well as gay resorts and hotels. There are so many options so we will keep this post growing as we travel and with recommendations from you!
Make sure to head over to Gay Travel Europe: Unmissable Gay Destinations.
Enjoy your next gaycation!
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