The Ultimate Gay Travel Guide
The Gay Passport is your complete Gay Travel Guide. Looking to Drink, Play or Sleep we have reviews to help. Award-winning & Updated 2025.
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New York City isn’t just a gay hotspot—it’s the ultimate playground for the debonair and the daring. Ready to check into the pulse of the gay hotel New York scene? Brace yourself for non-stop thrills, from the dizzying heights of the Empire State to the iconic ferry rides to Lady Liberty. And don’t forget a cheeky carriage ride in Central Park—because nothing says ‘tourist’ quite like it, right? Get ready for a wild ride and insta-perfect snaps at every turn in the city that never sleeps.
From an entertainment point of view, there are Broadway shows, cabaret dinners and shows, and gay venues that cover everything from the ultimate in drag to leather and basement cruise.
NYC is a very pet-friendly destination, and almost every property at least allows dogs under 25 pounds.
Manhattan Island is only 23 sq miles and has a population of over 1.6 million people. As you’d expect, this creates a shortage of space, a challenge the gay hotel New York scene also faces. Hotels have to make tough choices, and what often gets sacrificed? Pools! That’s right. Only a few select properties (which we’ve covered below) on the island have pools.
That’s not the same story for Brooklyn or Queens, as they’re on the mainland, where square footage is no issue. So, if a pool is a must for you, consider one of those boroughs in place of Manhattan Island. Also, remember that NYC gets freezing in winter, so most pools are closed and reopened in the warmer months.
All of New York City is gay-friendly; in fact, almost 8% of NYC residents identify as LGBTQI. Gay people are drawn to careers in the hospitality industry, with experts suggesting over 67% of jobs are held by our friends.
While there are no outright gay hotels in New York City, we’re welcome everywhere, and maybe we even get just that little extra bit of attention.
New York City has six gayborhoods, anchored by the original Greenwich Village hub, home to the iconic Stonewall Inn—the epicenter of the 1969 riots and a pivotal site in gay history. While the gay hotel New York scene and bar life in Greenwich Village aren’t as bustling as they once were, paying homage to those who paved the way for us is absolutely worth a visit.
The largest gayborhood in NYC is Hell’s Kitchen. Adjacent to the Times Square theater district, the largest number of gay venues is packed into a few blocks. Bar-hopping has never been this easy.
Chelsea is the next largest, west of the Empire State Building, and has numerous laid-back and chilled venues.
The East Village is a trendy hub of artists and free-spirited individuals, and the gay venues there play host to this crowd.
Queens, over the East River, is a more spread-out gayborhood with drag, go-go, and leather bars catering to all tastes.
Cross the Brooklyn Bridge, and you’ll arrive in NYC’s sixth gayborhood. The gay venues are spread out here, and there’s something for everyone.
That’s not the end, though. There are gay bars scattered around other areas of NYC, including Harlem and the Upper West Side.
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Why we love it
♥ Halfway between two gayborhoods
♥ Located in an iconic 1919 building
♥ WOW-factor rooms
♥ New F&B outlets coming in 2024
The second of the gay-preferred W hotels in New York City is located in Union Square, halfway between both the Chelsea and East Village gayborhoods. The building is one of NYC’s icons. It was built in 1919 for the Germania Life Insurance Company. W kept some of the original building but tweaked it to fit its signature style.
The rooms follow the global W design, bringing out the wow factor the moment a guest walks in the door. They are a mix of modern and traditional, in keeping with the building’s history. All rooms feature the W signature bed, and pets are welcome to stay.
W Union Square recently refurbished its 24-hour fitness center, which now contains state-of-the-art TechnoGym equipment. In 2024, the hotel is revolutionizing its food and beverage offerings, so they’ll reopen throughout the year as they’re completed.
Why we love it
♥ In the East Village gayborhood
♥ Gay traveler brand favorite
♥ Bathtubs overlooking the East Village
♥ Gay-friendly “NO Bar” on-site
New York Magazine describes the Standard East Village as young, beautiful, and hip. It ticks every box that a gay traveler would expect. The branches in Bangkok, Hua Hin, London, and Miami, as well as the one in NYC, are gay favorites.
The Standard, East Village is one of the most booked upscale gay-friendly hotels in New York. It’s located right in the heart of that gayborhood and only a few blocks from the Chelsea one. NO Bar was formerly a gay drag bar, and now, while it’s more inclusive, it still embraces clients spending the pink dollar.
The modern rooms and studios are designed with vibrant colors and all the latest technological enhancements, some have bathtubs overlooking the East Village. Your pet is as welcome as you are in the rooms, too.
There’s no fitness center at the Standard, East Village, but it’s unnecessary. Crunch Fitness, half a block away, offers complimentary day passes to hotel guests.
Why we love it
♥ Close to Greenwich Village gayborhood
♥ Half a block from the Hudson River
♥ Budget accommodation
♥ Historic 1908 landmark building
For a budget property only a few blocks from Greenwich Village, The Jane Hotel is ideal. Named for the street it sits on, it’s only half a block from the Hudson River. The Jane Hotel is one of the most booked budget gay-friendly hotels in Greenwich Village gayborhood.
The Jane Hotel was built in 1908 as a lodging for sailors. It was restored in 2008 and still maintains the nautical cabin theme. Private cabins with or without shared bathrooms and bunk-bed cabins are available. As a budget hotel, the furnishings are minimalist.
Current renovations to the ensuite cabins, rooftop, ballroom, and restaurant will be completed by February 2025 with minimal disruption for guests.
Why we love it
♥ Located in trendy TriBeCa
♥ Lap pool
♥ Less than 10 minutes by car to two gayborhoods
♥ Wolfgang Puck’s CUT restaurant
TriBeCa is the trendy district of New York City and home to the World Trade Center. Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is one block from the Twin Towers. Park Place subway station is at the hotel’s front door. The gayborhoods of Greenwich and East Village are less than 10 minutes by taxi which makes Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown one of the most booked luxury gay-friendly hotel in these New York’s gayborhoods.
The Four Seasons New York Downtown is a popular choice for fitness travelers. Its spa area has a lap pool, and the adjacent 24-hour fitness center is open 24/7.
Stylish and well-appointed guest rooms offer luxury accommodations that are airy and bright with wood finishings. There are seven room types and nine suites, including accessible ones. The suites have panoramic city views. Pets are also welcome.
Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck’s CUT steakhouse is also located inside the Four Seasons Hotel New York.
Why we love it
♥ 2 blocks away from Hell’s Kitchen gayborhood
♥ Floor-to-ceiling views of Times Square
♥ Luxury accommodation
♥ EDITION chain is extremely gay-friendly worldwide
Times Square is the buzzy hub of New York City, sandwiched between Hell’s Kitchen and Midtown. Times Square EDITION New York is part of the global EDITION chain and is popular with gay travelers worldwide including properties in London, Singapore, Miami Beach, and Barcelona. The convenience of the NYC hotel is that the Hell’s Kitchen is only a couple of blocks away — The reason why it is one of the most booked gay-popular hotels in New York’s gayborhood.
The luxurious rooms are modern in design, with lots of white, subtle earth tones, and a splash of color. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer Times Square views. Pets are welcome at Times Square EDITION New York. The hotel also has a 24-hour fitness center.
Paradise Club is where Studio 54 meets Broadway and is a dinner and show venue. The Terrace and Outdoor Gardare opulent dining venues, high above the hustle and bustle of Times Square.
Why we love it
♥ Right in the Chelsea gayborhood
♥ Refurbished in 2023
♥ Gay-friendly brand
♥ Wine hour in the lobby bar
The newly refurbished Kimpton Eventi is right in the Chelsea gayborhood. Here’s why Kimpton Hotel Eventi is an absolute favorite among the gay travelers: It’s got all the charm you’d expect, clearly, it’s the place to be seen! This member of the gay-friendly Kimpton chain is ideal for gay travelers.
The Kimpton Eventi has a 24-hour fitness center, and bicycles are provided for free for those who want to explore the city on two wheels.
Each of the 292 rooms and suites are designed with classic lines, calming neutrals, and splashes of color. Pet’s are also welcome at Kimpton Eventi
Why we love it
♥ Only a couple of blocks from Hell’s Kitchen gayborhood
♥ Well-loved brand for gay travelers
♥ Awesome hangout at the Living Room Bar
♥ Panoramic views over Times Square
The W brand of hotels is a favorite for gay travelers worldwide. New York offers two. The W Times Square is right in the center of the theater district and only a couple of blocks away from the Hell’s Kitchen gayborhood — why this hotel is a total hit with the gay crowd.
Like all W properties, the 509 Wow rooms and suites live up to their name. Be blown away by vibrant colors and modern amenities, with panoramic views over the Times Square hub. Naturally, every room has the W signature bed — you’ll never want to get out of it. Don’t leave your babies at home; pets are welcome at W Times Square.
There’s a 24-hour fitness center at the hotel. We love the Living Room bar, which offers daily happy hour, specialty cocktails, and DJ-led parties. It’s the place to go before heading out.
Why we love it
♥ Riverfront luxury
♥ Stunning river or city views from rooms and the fitness center
♥ A couple of blocks from the Greenwich Village gayborhood
♥ Rooftop disco
Standard Hotels across the globe are gay favorites, and the High Line New York property takes things a few steps further. Firstly, it’s riverfront, in the trendy Meatpacking District, and offers epic views of the Hudson River from many rooms and the fitness center.
It doesn’t end there. It’s only a couple of blocks from NYC’s premier gayborhood, Greenwich Village. There’s a German Biergarten on the ground floor and Le Bain disco on the roof. The Standard, High Line New York in one of the most booked gay-friendly hotels in Greenwich Village gayborhood.
The rooms, as expected, are Standard glam, and some, like the Hudson Studio, have bathtubs overlooking the river. Every room and studio has floor-to-ceiling windows, and they’re pet-friendly
Why we love it
♥ Located in an iconic NYC building
♥ 10-minute walk to the Chelsea gayborhood
♥ Luxurious accommodation
♥ Gay-friendly chain
Part of the gay-friendly EDITION chain, the New York Edition in the Flatiron district is located in an iconic 1909 clock tower. The hotel is a few minutes by cab or a 10-minute walk from the gay bars in Chelsea.
The New York EDITION has a spa with two treatment rooms and a 24-hour fitness center. It is one of the most booked luxury gay-friendly hotels in New York!
The 271 rooms and suites are modern in design and scream luxury from every corner. The suites feature black and white photography from renowned fashion photographer Melvin Sokolsky and have a residential feel to them. They also have panoramic views across Manhattan, and pets are welcome.
No visit is complete without a meal in the stunning Clocktower Restaurant; it serves refreshed tavern classics and British cuisine.
Why we love it
♥ Luxury boutique hotel
♥ 10 minutes by car to Greenwich Village Gayborhood
♥ 2-minute walk to the subway
♥ Mid-century inspired decor
The elegant boutique hotel Gild Hall is located in the financial district of Lower Manhattan, two blocks away from Wall Street. The website’s promotional video features a gay couple enjoying the finer things in life after checking in. Instantly, we know that gay travelers are considered firm favorites.
The financial district is an excellent location as it’s only a couple of blocks from the ferry terminal to head to the Statue of Liberty. The two gayborhoods of Greenwich Village or the East Village are a 10-minute taxi ride away, and the subway station is a couple of steps from the hotel entrance.
The rooms got our attention. They’re designed in mid-century style, with lavish couches, wooden floors, paneling, and neighborhood views. Pets are welcome, and the property has a fitness center.
Why we love it
♥ One block from Broadway
♥ Hell’s Kitchen gayborhood adjacent
♥ Boutique luxury rooms
♥ Gay-friendly brand
Theatergoers will love the location of the gorgeous boutique hotel The Muse New York, as it’s only one block from Broadway, right in the heart of Times Square. It’s also only a couple of minutes walk to the gayborhood of Hell’s Kitchen.
The Muse New York has a 24-hour fitness center and provides complimentary bicycles for exploring the city.
The rooms are decked out in a modern decor infused with dramatic black and white tones and vibrant pops of color. Despite the boldness, they’re warm and welcoming. Pets are also invited to stay at the Muse New York.
There’s no restaurant on-site, but it’s unnecessary, as some of NYC’s best delis and cafes are on the same street as the hotel.
Why we love it
♥ In the heart of Hell’s Kitchen gayborhood
♥ Instagram Worthy
♥ Hudson River views
♥ Loft-style rooms
Ink 48 Hotel is a modern property in Hell’s Kitchen, half a block from the Hudson River. It’s right in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC’s largest gayborhood. Party-goers will love this location. The hotel is Instagram Worthy from the front entrance to the bathrooms.
Ink 48 has a 24-hour fitness center and provides free bicycles so guests can explore the city on two wheels.
NYC is well known for its loft-style apartments, and Ink 48 has adopted that concept into its modern, sleek, and stylish rooms. The window seating areas are perfect for city or Hudson River views. Your pet is as welcome at Ink 48 as you are.
There isn’t a restaurant on site apart from a small cafe in the lobby. But with Hell’s Kitchen’s finest restaurants only steps away, why would it need one?
Why we love it
♥ Convenient Midtown location, central to everything
♥ Less than a mile to gayborhood
♥ Some of the biggest guest rooms in NYC
♥ Ultra-friendly staff
Sofitel New York offers a touch of France in the heart of Manhattan. Midtown South is an excellent location as it’s right in the center of the island, two blocks from Bryant Park and the metro station. It’s also less than a mile, or 5 minutes in a cab to Hell’s Kitchen gayborhood.
NYC hotels are known for small rooms, not the Sofitel New York. Coming in at 350 sq ft and up, they’re some of the biggest in the city. In Sofitel style, they’re bright with splashes of color, and pets are welcome.
There’s a 24-hour fitness center at Sofitel, New York. Travelers and reviewers constantly rave about how awesome the staff is, from the doorman at the entry right through the hotel.
Why we love it
♥ Iconic 36-story building
♥ A couple of blocks from Hell’s Kitchen gayborhood
♥ Epic Hudson River views
♥ Rooftop garden and beehive
Many visitors to New York City will recognize the entrance of the InterContinental New York Times Square, as it’s featured in many movies and TV shows. On 8th Avenue in the theater district, it’s only a couple of blocks away from the Hell’s Kitchen gayborhood.
As the building is 36 stories high, it towers over others in the area, offering unobstructed views of the Hudson River. Unique to the InterContinental New York Times Square is a rooftop garden that contains beehives. The honey harvested features in the hotel’s cocktail and dessert menus.
Every room and suite is decorated in a modern design; all have bay windows offering panoramic views across the city. Updated bathrooms provide a ‘just like at home’ experience, and blackout curtains help keep the nightlife out when you’re ready to sleep. Pets are welcome.
The third floor has a 24-hour fitness center. The Stinger Cocktail Bar is the perfect place to begin a night out in the city.
Why we love it
♥ Right in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen gayborhood
♥ Upscale boutique property
♥ Rooftop terrace
♥ Located on “Restaurant Row”
Hell’s Kitchen is the largest gayborhood in New York City, with the highest number of gay venues of any hub. Hotel Scherman is a cute boutique hotel right in the heart. The location is perfect for gay travelers who want to bar-hop and then get home easily.
Hotel Scherman serves breakfast every morning but doesn’t have a full-service restaurant. It doesn’t need one, as its location on West 46th Street (nicknamed Restaurant Row) fulfills that need.
The rooftop terrace, reserved for hotel guests only, is a beautiful place to soak up the atmosphere of the Hell’s Kitchen hub before heading out for the night.
As a boutique property, the rooms are cozy in New York style but more traditional, with wood finishes. Standard, superior, and suite rooms are available.
The Ultimate Gay Travel Guide
The Gay Passport is your complete Gay Travel Guide. Looking to Drink, Play or Sleep we have reviews to help. Award-winning & Updated 2025.
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