The best gay-friendly hotels in New York City

Travel back in time to New York in the Twenties with a stay at The Roxy Hotel, aptly named after the beloved 1920s theatre and dance club of the same name. Located in historic Tribeca, the hotel’s retro jazz club, newly renovated cinema and moody cocktail bar all give a playful wink to the glitz and glamour of a bygone era—without sacrificing any luxuries and amenities. Spacious rooms feature a mid-century modern aesthetic with Art Deco and Regency details, a smart tribute to Tribeca’s industrial past. Add to the offerings complimentary cinema screenings and 20% off services at Joey Silvestera’s famed Blackstones Salon, and it’s hardly any wonder this is one of the best gay-friendly hotels in New York City.

In the heart of the Theater District, just steps from scintillating Times Square lies citizenM New York Bowery. This modern, creative hotel oozes with state-of-the-art conveniences, from the convenient self-check-in to the stylish lobby room designed to feel like the coolest living room in the city. Rooms are compact yet comfortable with wall-to-wall windows that show off the Manhattan skyline; while there aren’t any frills or upgrades, there’s no denying you’ll sleep soundly in the fluffy, XL king-sized beds. Don’t miss the CloudM rooftop bar for its sweeping views and excellent cocktails.

Even the most discerning of gay travellers will adore the ultra-luxurious Crosby Street Hotel, a sophisticated five-star boutique near to gay New York City’s top attractions. The brainchild of hotelier and designer Kit Kemp, expect avant-garde artwork, bold colours, elegant furnishings, and whimsical antiques. Each and every corner of the Crosby Street Hotel tells a story, and it’s this purposeful attention that makes this one of the best gay-friendly hotels in New York City. Bespoke furniture, designer fabrics and, in some suites, fireplaces and unhampered city views characterize the rooms.

The Ciprianis are no strangers to hospitality. The legendary Italian family is the creator of a smattering of swanky outposts across the globe, perhaps of which the most famous is Harry’ s—home to the one and only bellini. And with the opening of Mr. C Seaport, the Ciprianis can now include New York on their repertoire of posh hotels. Enjoy a welcome bellini, a clever nod to the family’s heritage, before escaping to your spacious, contemporary room. Teak veneer, rain showers, and Italian linens feature in each of the guest rooms, and ten premium suites boast panoramic balconies overlooking the East River.

Foodies need not look any further than MADE Hotel. This warm and leafy hotel is just a stone’s throw to some of the city’s top restaurants, including Eleven Madison Park, Friedman’s and ABC Kitchen. That said, you’d be forgiven for not straying far from the in-house dining options, all overseen by seasoned food and beverage vet Carles Seich. The fine-dining restaurant Ferris serves impeccable tapas-style dishes from seasonal and mostly local fare. Then there’s Proechel, a gourmet breakfast spot far removed from your typical hotel buffet. When it comes to aesthetics, MADE feels effortlessly chic with its walnut floors, concrete ceilings, and lush, plant-filled nooks. It’s all very hip without ever falling to hipster cliches.

No time in your busy schedule to fit both New Orleans and New York City into the travel itinerary? The French Quarters NYC is the obvious answer. This three-star boutique hotel exudes major old New Orleans vibes with its red brick facade, nostalgic gas lamps and wrought-iron grills. Gay-popular Hell’s Kitchen is nearby, as is Times Square. Rooms are cozy, if not decadent, with daily housekeeping and attentive staff.

Steeped in history, the always elegant The Chatwal dates back to 1905 when it was first conceived by the one and only Stanford White. It would later be home to the Lambs Club, the first Thespian club in the United States. After much love and dedication, the iconic building has been restored and renewed by skilled architect Thierry Despont to create what is today: a 76-room small luxury hotel. Come for a heaping dose of historic NYC history and culture in an elegant setting; it’s impossible to miss the two-story NYC cityscape mural that adorns the lobby wall, while Prohibition Era decor reminds guests of the building’s storied past.

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