Gay miami hotels

Gay Miami Travel Guide: I quickly realised on my first visit that Miami was welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers – more on that below – but I was very happy to discover just how gay Miami was.

I have been travelling to Miami every year for the past 6 years – I always find myself there when I take my annual Atlantis gay cruise, and I usually only spend a couple of days either side of the cruise – so my previous gay Miami experience was always a little limited.

However, this year I flew out a full week prior to the cruise, and so naturally I decided to really explore the full extent of ‘gay Miami.’

I loved checking out the different gay hotels in Miami, trying new gay bars, and even seeing what type of activities were on offer for gay travellers to Miami.

Here is everything you might need to know in my Gay Miami travel guide.

Is Miami Gay Friendly?

Short answer – yes!

Miami has one of the largest and most prominent LGBTQ+ communities in the United States, and attracting over 1 million LGBTQ+ visitors each year has become known as somewhat of a gay mecca.

The Miami area has been gay-friendly for years; in fact, it is one of the few places in the world where the local LGBTQ+ community has their own chamber of commerce, the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC).

Whilst Greater Miami and Miami Beach are welcoming as a whole, the South Beach district in Miami Beach is the heart of the LGBTQ+ scene.

The restaurant is located in Upper Buena Vista in downtown Miami, in the Design District, so I would couple a lunch here with exploring the area. This updated tropical oasis boasts modern amenities while still retaining the classic Art Deco charm of the original 1940s Haddon Hall Hotel. From the elegant accommodations to the first-class dining options and world-class spa, every detail has been carefully designed to provide guests with the ultimate in comfort and relaxation.

One of the things that sets the Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort apart is its commitment to providing exceptional service to every guest.

After all, the sauna is free for hotel guests, and only $25 for a day pass for non-guests.

And if all of the above isn’t enough to convince you to stay at Hotel Gaythering, they even have an onsite bar with nightly events such as drag bingo, a shuttle bus to the nude beach, complimentary beach chairs, and complimentary bike hire.

Check it out for yourself and let me know if you think it is the gayest hotel!

Address: 1409 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139

AxelBeach Miami, South Beach

This has now permanently closed!

Gay-Friendly Hotels in Miami

It’s fair to say that you will be welcomed with open arms pretty much whichever hotel you choose to stay at in Miami, especially in and around Miami Beach/South Beach.

I have listed the two hotels below based on my personal experience of staying there during my most recent visit, but again check out my full list of gay and gay friendly hotels here.

The Balfour Hotel, South Beach

The Balfour Hotel was where I first stayed when I arrived in Miami on my recent visit, and I had a fantastic stay here.

This boutique hotel is located in the heart of South Beach and is another beautiful property that falls under the category of historic Art Deco architecture.

The Balfour Hotel is on Ocean Drive, meaning I couldn’t be any closer to the beach.

But, for gay travellers looking for a good time, there are two gay bathhouses/saunas to choose from whilst in Miami.

The Sauna at Hotel Gaythering, Miami South Beach

As mentioned above, being such a gay hotel, it’s hardly a surprise that one of the amenities at Hotel Gaythering is a male only sauna.

Complimentary for hotel guests, visitors are welcome to visit the sauna with a day-pass fee of $25, or should you wish to visit more than once, a 30-day pass is just $100.

The sauna offers a dry sauna, a steam room, a jacuzzi, and a few private cabins.

Hotel Gaythering is known for its laid-back, yet vibrant, atmosphere where you can mingle with fellow travelers, enjoy poolside cocktails, or unwind in its stylish lounge area.

The hotel regularly hosts events like drag shows, happy hours, and LGBTQ+ themed parties, making it a perfect choice for social travelers. The hotel has a laid-back vibe, with a rooftop pool, an outdoor bar, and cozy lounges where you can meet fellow travelers and relax.

While Soho Beach House is primarily a members-only property, non-members can book rooms and access the hotel’s amenities.

This stunning resort offers guests unparalleled oceanfront views, easy access to the city’s top attractions, and a wide range of luxurious amenities. So many in fact, that I wrote a dedicated blog post listing the top gay hotels in Miami to help you choose for your next trip.

But for the purposes of this post, I wanted to share with you the the gayest hotels in Miami that I stayed at during my most recent visit to Miami.

Hotel Gaythering, South Beach

I have stayed at plenty of gay and gay-friendly hotels over the years, but I have to agree that the Hotel Gaythering in South Beach has to be the gayest hotel I have ever stayed in!

I thought Axel was cheeky with their ‘Please Disturb’ signs, but Hotel Gaythering takes cheeky touches to another level.

With its sleek, contemporary design and beachfront location, Eden Roc is a fantastic option for LGBTQ+ visitors looking for an elegant place to stay. The hotel even provides complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas. Located right on the beach, guests can enjoy easy access to the sandy shores while taking in the views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Ritz-Carlton offers an array of luxurious amenities, including an outdoor pool, full-service spa, and fine dining options.

The queens performing are top of their game, and they certainly know how to work a crowd. Wynwood is an excellent area for LGBTQ+ travelers to explore the city’s creative side, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy art, culture, and unique dining experiences.

For those seeking a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, Mid-Beach is a great option.