Top 10 LGBT-friendly hotel destinations worth visiting

An IGLTA-certified hotel, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino offers LGBT travelers an exciting, tropical getaway for Pride, overlooking the sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Whether travelers want sporting events, adventurous excursions, a carefree island vibe, or nightlife including gay bars, Jimmy’s and La Vie, there’s something for everyone on this One Happy Island. For the ultimate LGBT retreat, the resort’s Pride in Paradise Package includes accommodations in Tradewinds Club, the resort’s adults-only hotel-within-a-hotel, a private, catered balcony dinner, a reserved cabana at the H2Oasis adults-only pool and palapas on the beach, a sunset sail for two, and exclusive amenities. (When booking use promo code 8LG)

Overlooking the bustling Charlotte Amalie Harbor in downtown St. Thomas, the iconic Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort is just a short boat ride away from the island’s best attractions. With year-round warm temperatures and sweeping views from its hillside location, ‘The Reef’ is a tropical LGBT-friendly escape in the heart of the Caribbean. When guests aren’t snorkeling with sea turtles or enjoying a cocktail at the adults-only cliffside infinity pool, they can enjoy the island’s freshest catch at the resort’s six on-site restaurants and bars.

With the Out and About in Frenchman’s Package, travelers receive a $100 dining credit, a $100 Adventure Center credit (for nighttime kayaking, sailing, etc.), and two round-trip water ferry passes for a scenic ride into downtown. Add windsurfing, diving, sailing, microbreweries, and local foods like spicy meat patties to the mix, and you’ve got one easy vacation destination that’s all within reach for North American travelers … and no passport is required. (When booking use promo code 8LG)

Floris Suite Hotel & Spa in Piscadera Bay is Curaçao’s most LGBT-friendly hotel. The moment guests arrive at the adults-only, boutique hotel, they’re welcomed by the breezy, open-air lobby, complete with chic, yet minimalistic décor. The property’s newly renovated oversized suites open out onto lush balconies, while the pool area, with its modern lounge chairs and geometric design, gives guests privacy and creates the ultimate feeling of paradise. On Fridays, the hotel’s Rainbow Lounge, created especially for LGBT guests, comes alive as travelers of all races, backgrounds and sexualities come together to mix, mingle and make new friends while enjoying signature cocktails and small bites.

This fall, LGBT travelers can escape to Curaçao’s PRIDE Festival, the annual celebration of love and acceptance, taking place at Floris, Sept. 27 - Oct. 1.

W Minneapolis - The Foshay knows no boundaries when it comes to love. As a proud sponsor of this year’s Twin Cities Pride Parade on June 25, the ultra-chic hotel will take part in the parade with an official W float, featuring sexy male dancers and electrifying beats.

The W Minneapolis - The Foshay will have an art series launch taking place right on property, with local LGBT photographer Ryan Coit’s most recent artwork. Influenced by his involvement in the LGBT community, Coit’s photographs capture the beauty of all types of individuals expressing their sexuality and identity, and the works will be exhibited in the runway area near the entrance of The Foshay building from June 15-29.

The W Minneapolis has a beautiful 360° skyline view from the outdoor observation deck, as well as award-winning Manny’s Steakhouse.

Located on the white sand beach of Negril, Jamaica, Hedonism II is an adults-only, clothing-optional resort that welcomes LGBT travelers to live out their wildest fantasies. The Caribbean oasis is famous for its judgement-free zone, serving as an ideal destination to test personal boundaries as it relates to nudity and sexuality. The resort’s nude and prude sides allow each traveler to create their own uninhibited experience, at their own speed, sans social stigma.

Nothing is watered down at Hedonism, especially the drinks, which are all poured with premium liquors from Grey Goose to Johnny Walker. Enter the Romping Shop, a sexy playroom open nightly from 10:30 p.m., to 3 a.m., it is designed to allow couples the opportunity to explore and rediscover their personal boundaries in a safe environment, complete with an L-shaped bed, two sex swings and a glass shower. Bring your kinkiest fantasies to life at nightly themed-parties offering maximum opportunities for guests to indulge and pursue pleasure.

Also while there, don’t forget to soak up some sun, or venture on a scuba and snorkeling excursions – swimsuit optional there, too.

Often tagged as ‘The San Francisco of Mexico,’ Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular LGBT-friendly destinations in the world. Gay tourists enjoy traveling to Puerto Vallarta not only for beautiful weather and stunning sunsets, but also for the city’s many LGBT-friendly bars, restaurants and beaches.

The CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa was awarded the Gilberto Rincon Gallardo Award for embracing inclusion and diversity and is TAG approved by the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. Travelers can take advantage of the Pride & Joy Couples Package, complete with daily breakfast for two, choice of 50-minute spa treatment, as well as authentic Mexican snacks, a local LGBT guide, and a bottle of wine upon arrival. (Use promo code promo code 4LG -- three-night minimum stay)

One of the only hotels along Ocean Drive with direct beach access, the Marriott Stanton South Beach is situated in one of the country’s top LGBT-friendly destinations, South Beach. The hotel’s location in the exclusive South of Fifth district gives guests the best of both worlds — it is a more serene, tranquil area almost like a gated neighborhood, but still within walking distance from the vibrant South Beach nightlife scene along Ocean Drive, known for its LGBT hot spots.

The renovated Stanton South Beach embraces a laid-back beach club ambiance and relaxed luxury vibe. There are two pools overlooking the ocean, a chic sun deck, and two restaurants, including the newly-opened Lolo’s Surf Cantina by chef and partner Richard Ampudia, hailed as the ‘Godfather of Mexican Street Food.’

The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is a perfect starting point to explore the gay-friendly playground of Puerto Rico. In the trendy neighborhood of Condado, the resort is in a prime spot in between the beach and city – with Old San Juan, authentic eats, wildlife, music and dancing, and stunning beaches all within minutes of the hotel. Travelers can spend the day lounging at the resort’s beach and pool with a Puerto Rican rum mojito (from the nearby Bacardi Distillery), bike or stroll through colorful street scenes and historic forts in Old San Juan. The city also offers kayaking, rainforests for hiking, rappelling and ziplining. The trip has to include some salsa dancing at the resort’s Red Coral Lounge, followed by drinks at La Placita, an open-air square of lively bars and restaurants.

The San Juan Marriott’s Pride and Joy Package includes an upgrade to a pool view room, wine and cheese amenity, VIP transfers to and from the airport, and daily breakfast for two at La Vista Latin Grill's gourmet buffet. (Use promo code 4LG)

A 30-minute drive from Florida’s largest Pride festival in neighboring St. Petersburg, Clearwater Beach is a charming, quirky escape right on the Gulf. With a big LGBT community in the area, there is a buzzing, artsy vibe with cute restaurants and shops, galleries, and a multitude of activities. It’s close enough to the festival where travelers can easily get to and from St. Pete while also providing a relaxing, more low-key retreat. Luxury sister hotels, Opal Sands Resort and Sandpearl Resort, both have a big art scene with artwork throughout the hotels specifically commissioned for the properties by local artist, Christopher Still. Both hotels boast beautiful beach views overlooking the Gulf and its vibrant sunsets. There also are fine-dining and casual restaurants, zero-entry pools, and incredible coastal-inspired spas.

The Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa is located minutes from Palm Springs, long known as an LGBT escape. Indian Wells is the perfect spot to celebrate Pride all weekend long. Situated in the heart of the California Desert, Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa offers visitors proximity to all the hot spots of the Coachella Valley and Pride festivities year-round. Whether attending the Equality March, Pride Parade, or just indulging in some much-needed rest and recreation, Miramonte lets guests do it all. After all, there are three pools located on property for some private cabana time. And don’t skip the award-winning Well Spa for a soothing massage or River Bench therapy. Consider a private Jeep Tour to the San Andreas Fault Line – considered some of the most tortured landscape on the planet.