8 Gay Owned Hotels And Vacation Rentals You MUST Book This Fall

Beacon, New York

A brand new, a historic, mid-century modern vacation rental designed by famed architect Philip Johnson (former MoMA curator) in New York (see a great article on Johnson by New Yorker here). It’s located in Beacon (an hour away), and the co-owner, Jeremy, is openly gay and longtime NYC resident. This is the first time New Yorkers (or any traveler, for that matter) can stay in a historic, Philip Johnson designed home.

Fire Island, New York

Situated in the heart of New York’s most beautiful LGBTQ resort community, the gay-owned The Madison Fire Island Pines in Fire Island is an exclusive compound that feels worlds away from NYC. The intimate and stylish 9-room guesthouse, owned by Andrew Kirtzman, embellished with modern decor and boasting romantic Penthouses, is located in a small barrier beach island, bordered to the north by the Great South Bay and to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, where no cars are allowed, and it’s only reachable by a 20-minute ferry ride from Sayville, Long Island.

Palm Springs, California

Located in Palm Springs, gay-owned INNdulge is a gay men’s “clothing optional” resort that provides safe, social and iconic accommodations where it’s Pride Month all year long. With a mid-century modern feel and a pride flag taking front and center, the resort creates a welcoming environment from the time guests arrive. The social nature of INNdulge keeps guests coming back for more with a return rate of 80%, according to owner Jon Jackson. “We’re not interested in being the most expensive resort in Palm Springs,” says Jon, “but we are interested in being the nicest.”

As an addition, the art located in and throughout the hotel is created by gay artists.

Morgantown, Indiana

Camp Buckwood is the first gay campground in the history of Indiana founded in 2004 as a safe haven for gay and transgender men. Pride colors fly all camping season in this iconic, rustic camp located surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. “Buckwood, as we are known, hosts weddings, both gay and heterosexual, events every weekend from our infamous foam parties, a spooktacular Halloween, friends and family and gaymer weekends to mention a few,” says gay owner Darren Gill. “We believe Gay Pride encompasses not just the acceptance and love of ourselves, but the love of our community, our neighbors. Buckwood is proud to be the number one private donor to the one and only free store food bank and soup kitchen in Brown County, Indiana.”

Buckwood offers indoor accommodations with meals included, plus cabins, tent and RV sites as well as day passes, and it’s one of the best, most relaxed properties out of gay-owned hotels and vacation rentals that include campsites.

Llandegla, Denbighshire

Kick back in the country at these delightfully quirky lodges in North Wales. Choose from the Copse Camp treehouse and gypsy caravan, the Dog House (a converted kennel!) or Owl Lodge, once a garage and game larder at this former shooting lodge set in beautiful countryside on the edge of a grouse moor.

Faraway Follies is run by creative couple Jenny and Margaret, who have lived here together for 45 years and also run their own food business selling patés and relishes around the world. The lodges, each with its own wood burner and wood-fired hot tub fed from a mountain spring, offer peace and quiet for all. Jenny, a trained crystal therapist says “we want our guests to reset, renew and recharge when they stay here, and really get away from the stresses of everyday life. They all comment on feeling relaxed and completely refreshed when they leave our little haven of tranquility.”

The couple’s daughter, Gina Carter, is a well known producer, and her latest film See How They Run was nominated at BAFTA Film Award for Outstanding British Film of the Year 2023.

Tremadog, Gwynedd

Steeped in history, Plas Tan-Yr-Allt Historic Country House was the Regency home of entrepreneur William Alexander Madocks, whose feats of civil engineering opened up the North Wales slate mining industry and after whom the village of Tremadog and neighbouring town of Porthmadog are named. The fascinating history of ‘The Plas’ takes in a wealth of literary and musical figures: English romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley completed his epic poem Queen Mab while living here from 1812-13 and E.F. Benson, creator of the eccentric Mapp & Lucia novels, and his older brother Arthur, author of the words to the rousing ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ were regular visitors; both brothers were gay.

Hosts Howard and Mark took over the 3-bedroom property in 2015 and offer a stylish taste of award-winning country house living, including serving afternoon tea in the drawing room or on the veranda, overlooking manicured lawns and surrounded by over 40 acres of ancient woodlands. Guests can take in stunning views to the Glaslyn Estuary and watch the narrow gauge steam trains of the Ffestiniog Railway puffing past on Madock’s causeway, known as ‘The Cob’.

https://youtu.be/Wp5AZTui2ww?si=tcjvn1dwvJNu_Lbz

Blackpool, Lancs

Paul and Craig have been the proud owners of The Molly House in Blackpool for over 18 years, and provide quality, stylish accommodation in relaxed surroundings at affordable prices. Close to the Tower, North Pier, Winter Gardens and the promenade, their B&B is in the heart of Blackpool’s thriving gay quarter, just moments away from lively bars, clubs and the famous Funny Girl’s burlesque drag cabaret show. And if the pleasures of the town get too much, guests can head out of town for a spot of cruising, with a boat excursion on the picturesque Lancaster Canal.

The couple have a clearly stated zero-tolerance policy towards homophobia and ask guests who don’t feel comfortable around gay people to book elsewhere. “We’re open to all” says Paul/Craig “whether gay or straight, young or old, and simply want everyone to feel comfortable, be themselves, and have an absolutely fantastic time here in Blackpool”.

Brighton, East Sussex

This boutique guest house just off Brighton’s seafront takes its inspiration from the city’s Regency heritage. Its 5 elegantly furnished rooms exude sophistication with antiques and quirky touches, and views over the courtyard garden or to the sea from the large bay windows.

Owners Antony and John swapped running a guest house in South Africa for the cosmopolitan charms of Brighton in 2021 and haven’t looked back. “We love it here” says Antony. “Our location is perfect, away from the hustle and bustle but close to the beach, restaurants and bars. Our guests love it too, and we try to spoil them from the moment they arrive with thoughtful little extras like John’s freshly baked cakes.” The attention to detail pays off, with their property consistently rated one of the best in the city.