Gay Friendly Hotels
Abri Gay Hotel – Union Square – San Francisco
Abri Gay Hotel – Union Square – San Francisco
I have strangely become a fan of orange. We have the Hotel Abri in San Francisco to thank for that change in attitude towards a color that doesn’t fall onto the rainbow flag.
Hotel Abri is located smack dab in the heart of Union Square and less than a block from the main “Powell Station” for BART and MUNI, the two most convenient modes of transportation for getting around the city (and to and from the airport).
We were pleasantly surprised as we rounded the corner to the hotel to see a proudly displayed Pride Flag directly above the hotels namesake flag.
Check in was a breeze and the nice gentlemen behind the desk welcomed us genuinely to the hotel, didn’t blink at our request for a king size bed and had arranged for us to be upgraded to a corner room! While checking in be sure to take a moment to enjoy one of the complimentary orange ‘shots’ that are offered (as well as a giant orange gum ball). The shots change daily, and the Saturday we checked in we were treated to a vodka and orange energy drink. Much needed for a Saturday night on the town!
The lobby was warm an inviting, and looked like a great space to sit by the fire and participate in one of our favorite past times, people watching. (We wouldn’t have minded watching the two boys that checked in while we were headed to our room either!)
Our room was in a corner on the fourth floor and we were amazed at the generous size of the room when we entered. The bedroom was large enough for a king size bed and a chaise lounge (with obligatory flat screen TV mounted to the wall), a walk through bathroom connecting it to the living area was a nice touch, and we stopped to admire the bathroom. Normally a hotel bathroom doesn’t excite me too much, but the ample L’Occitane bath essentials and the 
shower stood out. The glass enclosed shower was a dream, nice and large with a rainfall shower head positioned at least 7 feet high, perfect for someone who is 6’4”, and rare to find in a hotel.
The living area was fit for a gathering of friends, or a lazy night in watching the ample flat screen with a large comfortable couch for lounging as well as another lounge chair and a table for cocktails. The mini fridge was empty, and there was a ‘pocket’ in the door that fit our bottle of vodka perfectly! Another nice feature was that the ice came in a pre-packaged plastic bag, perfect for pre-gaming before hitting all the nightlife that San Francisco has to offer. One thing we were amazed about based on the hotels location was the lack of noise. Besides the occasional clattery clack of the cable car, it was rather quiet, and honestly, hearing the cable car just reinforced the fact that you were in the heart of San Francisco.
A few of the nice touches that we enjoyed were the ample availability of outlets throughout the room, the iPod player in the bedroom, and the work-station which had plenty of outlets, free WiFi and included access to the “Tech-Bar”, where you could borrow, or buy such things as a phone charger, iGo Laptop Charger, Compact Power Strip, Mini Speakers, 
and so much more.
The little orange touches throughout, including the whimsical lava lamp and the bright orange coffee mugs were fun and really played well into the overall theme of the hotel.
The staff was amazing, and quite knowledgeable and able to direct us to a variety of gay bars in both SOMA and in the Castro area that night, and the next morning was sure to point out the fact that Puccini and Pinetti (Link) recently started serving breakfast., and is conveniently located next door.
The only complaint we had about our stay was that we only had one night in this very gay friendly and super comfortable home away from home in San Francisco’s Union Square.
Chicago Gay Calendar Of Events
Chicago Gay Calendar Of Events
Snow Days
01/27-29/12
http://www.navypier.com/
Free
Each year at the end of January, there is an event called the Winter Festival in Chicago or Snow Days Chicago during which teams compete in a snow sculpture competition. Watch national and international teams fight for the top spot by recreating Medusa, sea life, and Duchamp works, just to name a few, out of nothing else but pure snow. Pretty incredible right? Come out to the Chicago Snow Festival in Gateway Park at Navy Pier.
Gay Baseball Days
For our gay sports fans, there is a site dedicated to gay baseball events. Located at http://www.gaybaseballdays.com/
Chicago Motorcycle Show and Parts Expo
http://www.
02/03-04/12
$5-$50 http://www.eventbrite.com/
World’s Largest Indoor Motorcycle Show, Parts Expo, and Motorcycle Swap Meet
Now at a new venue Tinley Park convention center, Tinley Park IL, this brand new facility has easy highway access and free parking. Enjoy over 150,000 square feet of custom motorcycles, new parts, used parts, vintage parts, hard to find parts, accessories, chrome, steel, leather, and everything in between. Huge bike show, leather and laced fashion show, models, celebrity appearances, food, beer, live music, and more.
Progressive International Motorcycle Show
Friday, February 10 3:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday, February 11 9:00am-9:00pm
Sunday, February 12 9:00am-5:00pm
http://www.motorcycleshows.com
$13-$55
The Progressive International Motorcycle Show is an annual Chicago event that attracts the best motorcycle builders, parts retailers and vendors in the Midwest. A must for gearheads in Chicago, the International Motorcycle Show is one-day event that takes place the first half of February annually.
The Midwest Film Festival
The Midwest Independent Film Festival takes place every First Tuesday of the month at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema, 2828 North Clark, in Chicago.
6:00 p.m. Pre-show Reception
6:30 p.m. The Producers Panel!
7:30 p.m. Film Program Begins
9:30 p.m. After-party
The Midwest Film Festival is a unique, year-round Chicago film festival dedicated to showcasing the best filmmakers from the Midwest. The Midwest Film Festival in Chicago takes place the first Tuesday of every month at the Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema, and has hosted the Midwest premiere of dozens of great Indie movies over the years.
Chicago Auto Show
02/10-19/12
$7-$11
http://www.chicagoautoshow.
One of the largest auto shows in North America, the Auto Show Chicago is any car lover’s dream. Over a million visitors attend this extremely popular show each year and hundreds of cars are showcased. Auto Show Chicago is located at McCormick Place, America’s biggest convention center that features several restaurants and a food court for your convenience.
The Chicago Flower And Garden Show
03/10-18/12
$15-17 (http://www.chicagoflower.com/
The Flower Show Chicago is located at Navy Pier, and is one of the most colorful exhibitions around! Held in the Spring, the Chicago Flower and Garden Show is a welcome break from the cold Chicago winter. Hundreds of people attend the event every year, making it one of the most popular garden shows in the area.
Latino Film Festival
http://
04/01-15/12
$10-$11
The Latino Film Festival is one of Chicago’s biggest and most diverse international cultural events. The Latino Film Festival is a jewel for the City of Chicago, and has contributed greatly to its positioning as a world-class city. Over the years, the Chicago Film Festival has hosted more than 2,000 filmmakers and journalists. In turn, they have experienced the cultural scene and life of Chicago.
Nowadays, the Latino Film Festival Chicago shows over 100 films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, the United States, and many other countries. The growth of the Latino Film Festival Chicago from 500 attendees in 1985 to more than 35,000 last year is clear evidence of the great success this Chicago Film Festival has enjoyed over the years.
Chicago Improv Festival
04/23-29/12
http://www.
$7-15
Chicago is a city famous for its hilarious Improv troupes and comedy showcases, so it’s no surprise that the Improv Festival Chicago is one of the premier comedy festivals in the country. This annual comedy festival Chicago attracts the top Improv troupes and comedians from around the globe, and takes place in numerous Chicago theaters and comedy clubs throughout the city.
Next Art Chicago
04/27-29/12
$18-$20
NEXT ART CHICAGO is the result of the merger of two successful and long-running art fairs, Art Chicago and NEXT, The Invitational Exhibition of Emerging Art. As the largest, most important visual arts event in the Midwest, it provides collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts with the opportunity to experience the most compelling art of our day.
With a combined history of 35 years the fair will take a considered, cohesive, and tightly-curated approach where the most exciting emerging artists will be shown alongside more established figures, affording a lively dialogue between generations as well as a survey of the newest developments in contemporary art. This new model is being implemented by a staff focused in the visual arts and led by Staci Boris, former curator at the Spertus Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago.
NEXT ART CHICAGO will showcase a broad range of important works of art in tandem with a continued our emphasis on intelligent and innovative educational programming, exhibitions, and special events.
Chicago Blues Festival
06/08-10/12
Free
http://www.chicagofestivals.
The Blues Festival Chicago has presented countless number of blues notes and moments to millions of blues fans from around the world on Chicago’s lakefront Grant Park. For three days the park turns into a haven for blues fanatics, or anyone looking for a good time. Food vendors and legendary blues musicians come to share their passion with thousands of people at the Chicago Blues Fest.
Chicago Underground Film Festival
$6-$11
06/08-10/12
The Chicago Underground Film event isn’t your average stuffy film festival. The Chicago Underground Film Festival is designed to make the film festival experience more accessible to the general public. This annual cultural event is one of Chicago’s top film festivals that draws film makers and film fans from all over the country and from around the world. Chicago Film Festival films fall into 7 different categories: Narrative Feature, Narrative Short, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short, Experimental, Animation, Music Video and “Made in Chicago.
NeoCon World’s Trade Fair
06/11-13/12
$25-$65
http://www.neocon.com/Neocon/
NeoCon World’s Trade Fair Chicago is a huge annual fair that exhibits the very best in home design, art, architecture and building materials. Prepare to be amazed at the sheer size and diversity of exhibitions at this extremely popular Chicago trade fair.
FESTA! PASTA! VINO!
06/14-17/12
http://www.facebook.com/pages/
Free
This annual celebration of Italian culture located in the classic “The Heart of Chicago” generations –old Italian neighborhood draws approximately 25,000 attendees annually. Great Italian wines, authentic Italian food specialties from the incredible restaurants located in that “Little Tuscany” area, Venetian-costumed performers, statues that line the street and a Florentine market filled with finely crafted Italian merchandise has added to what has become a Father’s Day weekend tradition for many families.
Music Without Borders
Thursdays, June and July
Free
Explore the world and discover music from cultures spanning the entire globe when Music Without Borders returns to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park for its sixth summer. Presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture.
Wells Street Art Festival
06/09-10/12
free
One of the city’s largest and most acclaimed fine arts happenings, it’s held in the heart of Chicago’s historic Old Town neighborhood. The annual art extravaganza features the works of more than 250 juried artists with the eclectic mix running the gamut from paintings, sculptures and glasswork to photography, ceramics, woodwork and much more. It also features the tasty cuisine of Old Town restaurants, the always-hoppin’ music stage, and a silent auction.
Chicago Annual Pride Parade
http://www.
06/24/12
The Chicago Pride Parade has been a staple of the Chicago gay community for more than 40 years, and is the culmination of a month-long series of events celebrating gay pride. The event is held every year on the last Sunday of June, and is the largest event in the gay community. Thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people celebrate their sexuality, and plenty of straight people come to celebrate with them!
SummerDance
Thursday, Friday, Saturdays, Summer 2012
4-7pm
Free
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture presents the Chicago SummerDance festival. For eleven weeks each summer, the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park blossoms into an urban dance space. The series offers an introductory one-hour dance lesson by professional instructors followed by two hours of live music and dancing on a 4,900 square-foot, open-air dance floor designed by artist Dan Peterman out of 100% recycled materials. Chicago SummerDance is located in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, at 601 S. Michigan Avenue.
Dearborn Garden Walk
http://www.dearborngardenwalk.
$30-$35
Residents of Chicago
Gold Coast neighborhood open their garden gates to visitors during the annual Dearborn Garden Walk and Heritage Festival. This pleasant day out includes many beautiful gardens on Dearborn, State, Astor and LaSalle Streets and Sandburg Terrace, between Division Street and North Avenue. Many of the walks offer small guides which describe all the gardens being shown. Most of the proud gardeners are on hand to discuss their green-fingered work. The Dearborn Garden Walk and Heritage Festival is the oldest garden walk in the country and all the gardens featured have won awards. The event also includes architectural tours, activities for children and an exhibition.
Taste of Chicago
7/12-15/12
Free
http://tasteofchicago2012.
The City of Chicago and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events presents the annual Taste of Chicago. Each day more than 70 local restaurateurs offer a delicious combination of ethnic items, family favorites, exotic and Chicago specialties feeding more than 3 million people in Grant Park, in downtown Chicago. Live entertainment is also provided every day by a variety of musical performances on multiple stages. Be sure to check the website for updated information concerning musical guests and other Taste of Chicago events.
Chicago Folk and Roots Festival
07/07-08/12
Free
http://www.
Chicago Folk & Roots Festival is a two day celebration that attracts 30,000 people for a spectacular array of music and dance performances, workshops, children’s activities, and an assortment of locally-owned food, drink and retail vendors. Chicago Folk & Roots Festival is one of the most anticipated neighborhood festivals of the summer and has built a solid reputation for artistic quality.
Chicago West Fest
07/07-08/12
Free
There is something for everyone at West Fest, the Chicago street fair that reflects the eclectic persona of its West Town environs. Held annually on Chicago Avenue at Damen, the two-day party features live cutting edge music booked by Empty Bottle Presents, the BassbythePound DJ Stage, Kid Fest with kid activities and entertainment, Pet Fest with pet product vendors and dog activities for charity, plus a multitude of booths from popular neighborhood restaurants, retailers, and artists. What makes this fest unique is that it’s locally planned and managed by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, thus the emphasis is all-things “local,” from the food to the talent.
Kane County Fair
http://www.kanecountyfair.com/
07/18-22/12
$0-$8
The Kane County Fair Chicago has been a staple of the Chicagoland Events Calendar for years. This classic Chicago fair includes all of the events you’ve come to expect from a local county fair, and takes place the third week of July each year at the Kane County Fairgrounds an hour west of Chicago.
Lollapalooza
08/03-05/12
$90-$250
A Grant Park Chicago tradition since 2005, the Lollapalooza Music Festival Chicago is one of the top annual U.S. concerts each year. Attracting the hottest music acts from the worlds of rock, pop, punk music and more, Lollapalooza Music Festival Chicago combines great music with a fun atmosphere that makes for one of the best annual music festivals around.
Market Days on Halsted
Annually in August
Market Days is a large and well attended gay street fair, we have been to this event and its a ton of fun and if you are going to be in Chicago in August, this is a must see. Check out their website for details about the event. Chicago Events.
Chicago International Film Festival
10/11-25/12
$10-$13
The Chicago International Film Festival plays host to the latest and most groundbreaking in international cinema. Enjoy phenomenal international movies often showcased for the first time and discover new directors and stars in the process.
HRC Chicago Gala
Annually in November
The Human Rights Campaign holds an annual Gala in Chicago, HRC is a charity that helps the GLBT community by fighting for our rights and so far has failed in California for equal rights and instead of going out to the small towns in California where most of the hate and prejudice is found, they provide information in the Castro where obviously of course we would vote against the ban on gay marriage. Hopefully the Chicago group has a better chance of getting this to pass in Illinois.
Gay San Diego – Hillcrest
Are you planning on a trip to San Diego? Undoubtedly you will wind up in Hillcrest at some point, the majority of the gay bars and clubs are located in Hillcrest with a few in Down Town, North Park and Old Town.
Hillcrest has a great selection of restaurants, coffee shops and boutique shops to keep you busy for days. There is an abundant supply of furniture shops, however much of what you see will be nearly impossible to take back on the plane with you and may be a bit pricey to ship. There is a nice selection of clothing shops that have a nice array of lightly used clothing and new designer labels. There have been higher end shops that have come and left over the years, the average gay resident in San Diego cannot afford such clothing. As beautiful as San Diego may be it is not known for big industry due to its high cost and lack of quality talent, I have hired many people in San Diego and have found them to be very lazy and without experience. I am originally from San Diego myself.
The majority of gay bars, clubs and restaurants are centrally located on University Ave, the range stretches from 3rd ave to Park on the far other end. The West end of Hillcrest has Urban Moe’s a fun lively large bar with generous outdoor seating and a large range of diverse events every evening, check their site for details. Fiesta Cantina is also near Urban Mo’s on the West end and is a very open bar with great drinks and a lively crowd. The Brass Rail is also on the West end on 5th St, this bar is one of the oldest and has a difficult time creating an identity for itself so I cannot tell you what crowd you will find as it changes all the time. #1 5th Ave is also on the West end, it is a large venue with outdoor seating in the back, the staff is friendly and they service a wickedly strong cocktail, this bar typically serves a more mature crowd but has a wide range of patrons.
The south end of Hillcrest has a gay hotel called the Park Manor Hotel, there is a very large bar on the roof. Every Friday early is a happy hour that starts around 5pm and gets packed! They have great views of Hillcrest and downtown, I highly suggest if you are not staying at this hotel to stop by for the happy hour, it is a ton of fun and you will likely meet some fun locals or tourists. Some of best hotels are in the Gaslamp District, I suggest hotels from the Starwood chain like the W.
Centrally on University you will find Flicks a small video bar that has a pool table and has a nice range of events nightly. I have had some great times at this bar over the years. Just steps away is Rich’s a large dance club that tends to fill up after 10 or 11pm, there is commonly a cover charge and their drinks are a bit on the pricey side. Recently a club called Universal was just across the street with a mix of Metro Sexual’s and twinky 20 something gay boys. This place had attitude and the staff was very snooty, I was not sad to hear they went under. Baja Betty’s a wonderful restaurant and gay bar is also in the center of Hillcrest with great food, service and a fun crowd. Baja Betty can be quite a mess during Cinco de Drinko or Cinco de Mayo the 5th of May a big Mexican holiday.
On the East end of Hillcrest is Numbers, a large multi room dance club. Numbers is generally your 20 something crowd and has great music, usually a cover charge and pricey drinks on Park. Just across the street is the Flame another dance club with a nice range of events depending on the night, check their website to see what is going on as it changes. 100% worth the trip, my absolue favorite gay bar is on the other end of Park is called Bourbon Street. my personal favorite bar that has a generous patio out back and multiple bars, this is not a dance club but is a ton of fun. Bourbon St now serves food as well, their events change from night to night so check out their website to find out what you are into. Just around the corner is Cheers a small gay bar with a pool table, the staff is friendly and the crowd is a nice range of both younger and older. You will also find Lei Lounge a bar/restaurant right next to Bourbon St. The food is really good, the service is great, there are some really hot waiters there!
Like many gay centers, Hillcrest has a nice selection of gay gym’s. You can find 24 hour fatness err fitness which is located on 5th near University, I went to take a picture of Gold’s and found it to be closed. Also, I been asked several times if their are any Gay Bath Houses in San Diego, there is a very large one centrally located in Hillcrest called Club San Diego, on 4th ave.
Hillcrest Restaurants
While visiting Hillcrest you must eat at either the Tractor Room or Hash House a Go Go, located right across from each other on 5th. They get PACKED! be sure to plan on getting their early in order to get a table.
San Diego Pride is a very large event, the celebration is found all around Hillcrest but the focus of the event will be found in Balboa Park, just south of Hillcrest. The pictures below are of the part of Balboa Park where they setup the festival. Balboa park is very large so be sure you know where you are going. During pride taxi’s are a commodity that is very scarce, you will see tons of rickshaws around. A word of warning, these guys are not cheap and you could pay 3-10x a normal taxi fare. Make sure you ask how much before you hop in, they will try to lure you in. Some of these guys are rather hot, and may be fun to watch sweat while you get a ride to your next bar.
Sheraton Harrisburg PA – NOT GAY FRIENDLY!!!
Sheraton Harrisburg PA
Unfortunately we must once again report that this Starwood hotel, which is supposedly gay friendly is FAR from that. Not only did I get dirty looks by most of the staff while staying at this hotel but this hotel is in some serious need of repair. Toilets randomly flush, making it nearly impossible to sleep. I cannot remember another Starwood Property being so anti gay. I have given the management months to get back to me and rectify the situation, they have totally blown me off and I want to share my bad stay to ensure if you have to go to this town, avoid this hotel at all costs!!!
The Westin Long Beach, was very close to being this anti gay. During Long Beach Gay Pride, the staff gave nothing but dirty looks at everyone staying there.
Starwood, I expect so much more from you than this.
If you are gay or not gay, please DO NOT support this hotel.
This post is true in every way, no exaggerations, we only share what we see first hand! I was so impressed that the head chef participated in a Cystic Fibrosis charity, but this does not even slightly change my opinion.
4650 Lindle Road Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17111
The Park Lane Hotel London
The Park Lane Hotel London
With much regret, I hate to write a bad review about a Starwood Property. But after flying out our entire team and staying at this hotel last week. We feel it is very important to share our experience.
Overall, the facilities are very nice, especially for an older property. However, the problem lies within the staff. The keyword being LIES!
Starwood is known for its Starwood Promise. A contract binding the hotel to perform to a certain level. After checking in, I needed a nap, however there was a very lonely dog barking in the room that it was locked in and left alone. I called down to the front desk and asked if the hotel was pet friendly? A simple question, the answer was NO, there is no way a dog could be in the building. So instead of checking, they basically blew me off and said it was impossible. I asked to speak with the manager, who just avoided me and did not return my calls. One of the other rooms we had, had what I call a furniture mover. It’s a person who can’t sleep and likes to move stuff around all night, rare but annoying. When reported, they did NOTHING!
Ordered room service for 3 people, not only could they get the order in the computer, so I had to pay cash. Hmm, I wonder who’s pocked that money went to? No simple condiments where provided, when you order French Fries usually Ketchup, comes with it. So we called and asked for the simple thing and the guy brought up tabasco sauce. Now I know American English is considered a sub par language to the British but how do you screw that up? So after an hour, we finally got it for our cold fries.
Every day, even though the DO NOT DISTURB sign was on the door. House keeping would pound on the door, this was rather insulting after the first few days. Normally I do not complain unless there is something really troublesome about the hotel. On my last day I demanded to speak to the GM, he called me and instead of listening to what was wrong he just argued with me about every detail.
Stay away from this hotel, do yourself a favor and find a place with real service. London is one of the most beautiful and culturally alive places in the world. No one should have to put up with the level of crap we did.
Over a 5 day stay, they couldn’t even bother to refill the mini bar. I have stayed at better Motel 6′s in my life, what a let down!!!
The Waikiki Grand Honolulu
The Waikiki Grand Honolulu – Gay Hotel
If you are looking for gay friendly moderate quality lodging, look no further that the Waikiki Grand Hotel. Positioned at the end of the Waikiki strip the majority of the rooms have unobstructed views of Diamond head, and partial ocean views. The main draw I find for the gay traveler to this hotel is the fact that located on the second floor, just a short elevator ride away from your room, is one of Honolulus premier gay venues, Hulas Bar and Lei stand. Take into consideration that and the fact that Queens Surf, the gay beach of Waikiki is just a short walk away and you have the perfect gay getaway location. If you are a high end resort type traveler, you might want to look elsewhere, as housekeeping during your stay is upon request. You will find that most of the units are privately owned, and as such each of them is decorated in their own unique style. I recommend getting one of the room on the tenth floor (top floor) that all open up to a communal balcony and lounge area, amazing views, and if your booking multiple rooms a great area to meet up before heading out. The rates for these rooms are only a few dollars more but well worth the extra investment. Aloha!
Admin Addition: I recently was at this hotel and took a picture of the rooms on the top floor with the great rooftop deck. It is worth the money by far, especially if you have a large group. You can get multiple rooms side by side and share this great outside patio.
134 Kapahulu Ave, (808) 923-1814
W Seattle
W Seattle – Gay Friendly Hotel
The W is located in the middle of downtown where all the city’s attractions lay in wait. My travel buddy and I decided to spring for the Wow Suite and use the W as a home base for our Seattle trip.
The Wow Suite, located on the 25th and 26th floors with a gorgeous view, is spacious with floor to ceiling windows, a well decorated living room with a Bose surround-sound system and 32” LCD TV, and a large bathroom with jacuzzi and more city views.
Within one mile of the Seattle W Hotel you will find six museums, an aquarium, three malls, the Pike Place Market, three sports stadiums and the Benaroya Hall. If you are visiting on business there are several dozen corporate offices in the immediate area. After a fulfilling day touring around town you can have dinner at the W’s Earth & Ocean Restaurant, voted one of the best restaurants in Seattle in 2007 or you can lounge at the downstairs W Bar voted best hotel bar in Seattle in 2010.
If you are planning on booking one of the two suites, this link below will offer the best rates, and count towards your W status:
Direct link to the W Seattle on Starwood
If you don’t care about status and want the best rate, I suggest booking on hotels.com. It is sometimes difficult to get to a specific hotel on their site. So we have done the work for you, below is a direct link to this W on hotels.com
Direct link on hotels.com to this W
The W Hotel | 1112 4th Ave | (206) 264-6000
Check out other gay friendly hotels in the Seattle area.
Hostel LIT Guadalajara – Gay Friendly Hotel
Hostel LIT Guadalajara – Gay Friendly Hotel
Hostel LIT is an economic alternative if you are traveling to Guadalajara on a budget. That’s why this place is super popular with international and Mexican students alike. And there are many reasons why beyond just the reasonable prices. Hostel LIT is located in an ideal location to go off and sight see all over Guadalajara, especially the historic district, and convenient through major public transportation. The rooms are modern, simple, and accommodating. There’s a great vibe around here too because the staff is young as well.
There is a great rooftop terrace where you can look out towards the rest of the city, smoke a cigarettes, and meet the other guests. There is also a kitchenette to cook meals, and your stay includes a complimentary pass to the gym that is located two blocks away. Even on vacation, a man’s gotta stay fit, right? It’s not necessarily a “gay hostel” but they do tend to welcome a decent amount of young gay travelers. But that’s probably just because this is one of the hippest hostesl in the city.
Degollado 413 (btwn Ferrocarril & Libertad)
52 (333) 613-0501
Folsom Street Fair
Folsom Street Fair
San Francisco is well known for its Folsom Street Fair, as you may have guessed its located on Folsom St. which is located in SOMA (South Of Market Area). This street fair is not just for gay men, this is one of the largest Leather Fettish fairs in the world. The city of San Francisco shuts down a very large portion of Folsom St and several streets leading up to the fair. If you are not aware San Francisco is a very difficult place to find parking at any time, day or night. This fair causes massive traffic problems getting in and out of the city.
If you are flying in to SFO and want the fastest route in during the fair, take BART. BART is our Bay Area Transit System, trains depart directly from the international terminal at SFO. Cabs are plentiful, however if you take one be prepaired for a VERY expensive trip. BTW, if you hate bad drivers stay away from the cabs, NYC cab drivers are tame compared to the lunatics that drive in SF. When you get to the BART station, which is interconnected via the airport tram. Just head to the International terminal which also says BART, there are 2 stops, pay attention or you will get off on at the wrong station. The train fair is about $10, which has doubled due to our lovely Union operated train system which is already poorly maintained. You would figured at the prices they charged they could at least have a cleaning crew through the day. Watch where you sit or you could be sitting on gum, or who knows what else? Although if you are easily grossed out, I would suggest avoiding this fair.
Just a few years back the city health department shut down one of the most disgusting parts of the fair down. The worlds largest cum rag, I am not joking. Down one of the side streets, guys would do their thing from the balconies above on a giant cloth.
As a reference, different colored leather or vinyl means different fetishes. Red, which I didn’t know any better means you like to get fisted! I will never do that again. Yellow, you can probably guess means you are into water sports or for the folks who do not know means you like to get urinated on and or urinate on other people. Trust me, straights are into this as well. Golden Showers are another commonly used term for this is Golden Showers. I just got a little queazy writing that. But wait, Brown means well you either like to receive or give a number 2 or take a dump on someone, otherwise known as SCAT. I am grasping to not loose my lunch to finish this. I know there are other colors, however I really just don’t want to know about it. If you come unprepared and want to dress up, the largest leather store in the city is Mr S leather, located just a few blocks south on 8th St on the left hand side. They can outfit you with a custom harness, you better not be shy about someone grabbing your privates in order to size it around your loved ones.
For the GLBT community, please patronize the businesses that have spent serious money to put up booths. NONE of the food is operated by gay companies, many gay owned businesses in SF and around the bay area donate part of their proceeds to very important charities that help disabled people and those who are living with HIV or advanced AIDS. The pharmaceuticals are getting rich on the medications. For example one medication called costs about $1,500 a month without insurance. I have personally paid for several desperate young men’s prescriptions, I was horrified. Unlike most gay men in San Francisco, I think of others before myself and unless they are Meth addicts I will help them. Meth addicts will lie and use the money for more Meth and not the drugs that will keep them alive. Don’t let any of them fool you. A close personal friend of mine, John McLaughlin an openly recovered meth addict and a gay actor in Hollywood. He opened my eyes to what the drug does to people, he has a film about his struggles with it and I am SO genuinely proud of him and what he has done for the gay community. The group GLAAD (Gay and Lesbians Against Anti-Defimation), which I used to donate to on a regular basis until they treated me like SHIT as a volunteer who donated many thousands of dollars to them. But their management is to blind and full of themselves to see who really makes a difference in our community.
Enough of me bitching about the empowered gay’s and how poorly they work well together.
Folsom has many closed booth’s where they demonstrate different fetishes, including whips and other instruments of pain for pleasure. I have met many of my straight friends in the fair, their curiosity to what goes on in this fair. So if you are straight and are interested in seeing whats going on, don’t be affraid. No one will push you to do anything you don’t want to do.
Most of the gay bars within the confines of the street fair cater to the “Daddy/Leather/Bear” segment of the gay community. I have attended at least 6 of these street fairs over the years and have always found those bars are packed to the gills. The whole smelling like a poorly maintained high school locker room is revolting to me, however I will not criticize any part of the community.San Francisco for the most part is safe, but if you have not been here before. It’s important to know that there are some not so great areas and getting mugged is a possibility especially late at night. Always watch where you are walking, don’t play with you phone while walking. Especially if you have an iphone, I have heard countless times from friends that they where mugged and stole their phones. Just stay aware, I have personally NEVER had a problem that I couldn’t get away from, and have lived in the city many years. I pay attention, that’s the only difference.
If you are staying in Union Square, you can walk to the fair in 10-15 minutes. I would suggest walking, taking a cab can be a fruitless effort with all of the traffic. There is always crazy traffic during the fair. Just walk down 5th St and you will run right into it, the fair ends at 12th st. It’s a huge event, many thousands of people will go through it.
Folsom St. between 5th and 12th St.
Gay Spots in SOMA - All links are to Google Maps, the exact location of each Business.
Gay Sex Clubs
The city of San Francisco requires all sex clubs to provide condoms and require their staff to look to make sure you are using them. There is no private rooms of any sorts, to find that you will need to go over the bridge to Berkeley to Steam Works.
Blow Buddies - 933 Harrison St. Just a short walk away.
Shops
Mr S. Leather – By far the largest leather & fetish shop in the city, also very close. 385 8th St.
Restaurants
Mars, a good 15 minute walk is worth the walk and has many gay events. Mars has a broad menu, American Fair at high quality, great brunch with outdoor seating 798 Brannan.
Basil Canteen is an amazing Thai Restaurant, if you like Thai food, make sure to try them. 1489 Folsom St.
Custom Burger is an amazing burger with the finest selection of meats and vegetarian options. 121 7th St.
Westin Atlanta
Westin Atlanta – Gay Friendly Hotel
All Starwood hotels are gay friendly hotels, the Westin is not exception. This beautiful tower has a large indoor pool, gym, and other great amenities. Atlanta is very spread out, and the part of town with the greatest concentration of gay bars does not have any major hotels. So if you want to stay somewhere friendly, this may be a good choice.
If you collect Starwood points or just want status, you have to book directly with Starwood, I have created a direct link below to make it easier to find.
Westin Atlanta direct link on Starwood.com
If you want the best rate, I suggest Hotels.com as they often have some of the lowest rates. Some hotels are hard to find on their site, I have done the work for you. Direct link below.
Westin Atlanta direct link on Hotels.com
210 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA, 30303