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 2024.
Los Angeles, the ‘City of Angels,’ has everything a gay traveler would want. There’s the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, the endless shopping in Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica Beach on the coast.
The main gayborhood of West Hollywood (nicknamed WeHo) is where most of the gay action happens, but it can be found in other areas.
There are plenty of accommodation options, from the best in luxury to budget hostels. Some are steps away from gay venues, while others are absolute beachfront.
LA isn’t a cheap destination, and hotels may be higher than many gay travelers expect, but it’s well worth the expense for one of the US’ most popular destinations.
There aren’t any officially gay-owned and operated hotels or resorts in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean the pink dollar isn’t welcome.
Hotels in West Hollywood, in particular, cater to many gay travelers every day of the year, and you’ll likely find staff members who bat for the same team as you.
There are three main gayborhoods in LA. Gay venues are primarily located in West Hollywood, affectionately nicknamed WeHo. There’s a Rainbow Crossing on the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and North San Vicente Boulevard, and there are a stack of gay venues on either side of the crosswalk. WeHo institutions like The Abbey, Mickey’s, and Hi Tops are all found there. There are loads of hotels nearby, many located right on Sunset Boulevard, only a 3-minute drive away.
Silver Sands, in Los Angeles’s east, is an up-and-coming gay area; there are saunas and cruise clubs there. While there aren’t a lot of hotels there, as it’s a predominantly residential area, it’s easy to get to by the metro line.
Downtown LA is becoming more gay; there are a few permanent venues there with pop-up bars appearing. There are numerous hotels in the area, all welcoming gay guests.
While it’s not specifically gay, Santa Monica Beach is where all the beautiful people head to sunbathe, and there are some stunning beachfront resorts there.
Making preparations for its 100th birthday, Hotel Casa Del Mar used to be the playground for the likes of Clark Gable and Greta Garbo. After WWII, it closed, but it reopened in 1999 and is now listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Casa Del Mar is one of the most popular luxury gay hotels in Los Angeles.
As one of only two hotels with this privilege, the absolute beachfront location in Santa Monica offers an escape from the hectic pace of downtown Los Angeles. Everything is centered around oceanside luxury, from the ground-floor pool to the rooms and the dining options.
The rooms are decorated in whimsical beachy details and feature original works by Santa Monica artists. Staying at Casa Del Mar is an experience you’re unlikely to forget, so upgrading to an ocean-view room is worth it.
The pool is heated, and the gym operates 24 hours. Personal trainers offer daily fitness and yoga classes on the beach every day.
♥ Across the road from the beach
♥ Pool Cabanas
♥ Fully renovated in 2023
♥ Beachside yoga
The Viceroy Santa Monica, across the road from the beach, opened in 2000. In 2023, it underwent significant renovations to the rooms and suites, outdoor areas, and dining facilities. The fresh new coastal look encourages visitors to stay a little longer.
Choose from mountain, city, or ocean views from the rooms or upgrade to a suite for a guaranteed view of The Pacific. Floor-to-ceiling windows are present in every category.
The ground-floor pool area features open-air cabanas and is open from 8 am to 10 pm. The fitness center operates from 6 am to 10 pm, and beachside yoga is offered multiple times a day.
Viceroy Santa Monica is one of the most popular beachfront gay hotels in Los Angeles.
♥ Across the road from the beach
♥ Solar heated pool
♥ Auto high-tech lighting and temperature controls
♥ Staying here reduces your carbon footprint
Across the road from Santa Monica Beach and the famous pier, the Shore Hotel is a popular choice for gay travelers.
The Shore Hotel cares deeply about the environment, and everything it does considers this. Every guest automatically reduces their carbon footprint by choosing this hotel. 100% marine biodegradable products are used in place of plastics. Organic produce is sourced locally whenever possible.
The ground floor solar heated to 83° pool offers views of Santa Monica Beach. The state-of-the-art gym’s equipment syncs with iOS devices.
Choose from city, garden, pool, or ocean views. Considering your location, why wouldn’t you upgrade to the best view? High-tech controls in the room automatically control the lights and temperature, also saving the planet.
♥ Budget hotel opposite the beach
♥ More than you’d expect from a 2-star
♥ Pet friendly
If you’re saving money but still want to be near the beach, Bayside Hotel is ideal. It’s across the road from the beach, a 10-minute walk from the pier, and right behind the iconic Hotel Casa Del Mar.
The rooms are light and airy with loads of white. Choose from garden, courtyard, and ocean views, and your pet is welcome.
The Bayside Hotel is light on facilities; there’s no pool, fitness center, or on-site restaurant. However, they’re not needed with the beach on the doorstep and dining options everywhere.
The Gay Passport is your complete Gay Travel Guide. Looking to Drink, Play or Sleep we have reviews to help. Award-winning & Updated 2024.