TripAdvisor Reveals Europe's Top Ten Gay & Lesbian-Friendly Hotels

By Tripadvisor, PRNE
Wednesday, March 31, 2010

From Judy Garland Rooms To Pink Houses: Expect A Warm Welcome

LONDON, April 1, 2010 - TripAdvisor(R), the world's largest and most popular travel community,
today announced its top ten gay and lesbian-friendly hotels in Europe, based
on TripAdvisor editors and travellers. Following news last week of a
Berkshire B&B turning away a gay couple, you can be sure of a warm welcome at
any of these hotels.

1. Colson House, Brighton, England

Colson House is a uniquely themed boutique hotel dedicated to the large
screen - all hotel rooms are named after movie icons. Located in the heart of
Brighton's vibrant gay scene, the owners, Mark and Eamon, go the extra mile
to make your stay memorable. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, "I stayed
here with my partner and had a lovely time. We stayed in the Judy Garland
room, which was tastefully decorated and not OTT at all."

2. Hotel Sejour Beaubourg, Paris, France

The Hôtel Séjour Beaubourg is located in the very centre of Paris, only a
few steps from the Centre Georges Pompidou and within walking distance of the
Louvre and Notre Dame. The Séjour Beaubourg offers comfortable rooms
featuring bright and modern design and free Wi-Fi. As one TripAdvisor
traveller explains, "For gay travellers on a budget, it's a gem. You're right
on the Marais, and there are lots of gay bars all around you."

3. Hotel Axel, Barcelona

Hotel Axel focuses on the gay community but is welcoming to everyone,
regardless of sexual orientation. This design hotel is close to the exclusive
boutiques on Passeig de Gràcia and boasts a swimming pool, gym and sauna. As
one TripAdvisor traveller explains, "I spent a week with my husband and it
was great, fantastic environment for gay or straight couples and for singles.
Perfect location and very close to the centre of the city."

4.Hotel Ca' Dogaressa, Venice, Italy

In a picturesque corner in the heart of Venice, Hotel Ca'
Dogaressa overlooks Canale di Cannaregio. Its traditional Venetian rooms
boast period furniture, rich fabrics and precious marbles. As one TripAdvisor
traveller comments, "We are a gay couple and would definitely come back to
this hotel. We have felt absolutely at ease here and had a wonderful time."

5. Clarion Hotel Prague Old Town, Prague

This modern property is the only four-star hotel in Prague that has
membership of the IGLTA (International Gay, Lesbian, Transgender
Association).The hotel is located in the city centre, close to the river
Vltava and within easy walking distance of the tourist sites of the Old Town.
As one TripAdvisor traveller said, "Staff were very nice and helpful. Hot
welcome drink in -15degreesC was most welcome! Delicious homemade sweets were
served for breakfast."

6. Ty Rosa, Cardiff, Wales

Ty Rosa, Welsh for 'pink house', offers a warm welcome to all, whatever
your sexual orientation. A 15-minute walk from Cardiff city centre, this
charming, gay-run, boutique guest house with free Wi-Fi offers stylish rooms
and an excellent breakfast. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, "Excellent
B&B - Paul and Stuart could not be more friendly, with lots of local
knowledge of the gay scene. First class housekeeping - spotless room and
bathroom."

7. Hotel Deutsche Eiche, Munich, Germany

The Deutsche Eiche (German Oak) is one of Munich's oldest meeting places
for gay and lesbian visitors with a reputation for attracting creative and
arty types. Less than 700 feet from the Viktualienmarkt, the hotel welcomes
everyone. The trendy Glockenbach district, the Marienplatz and the banks of
the Isar River are just a few steps away. As one TripAdvisor traveller
explains, "A great gay/lesbian hotel. Good food, great location, nice and
spacious rooms, cheap, very friendly staff and an extraordinary gay sauna."

8. The Golden Bear, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Golden Bear claims to have been the first gay hotel in Amsterdam,
founded shortly after the Second World War. The hotel is located in two
historic buildings dating back to 1737 and is situated in the very centre of
the city close to all the main attractions. As one TripAdvisor traveller
said, "I would really recommend this place to anyone looking to spend some
quality time in old Amsterdam, whether gay or straight."

9. Los Almendros, Playa des Ingles, Gran Canaria

Los Almendros is a complex of private bungalows designed exclusively for
gay and lesbian travellers. The hotel is located in the most gay-friendly
part of the island, in the middle of Playa del Inglés and just a few minutes
walk from the Jumbo shopping centre where you can find wonderful restaurants
and gay bars. As one TripAdvisor travellers comments, "Would highly recommend
- I haven't found anywhere better as a gay traveller in Gran Canaria."

10. Hotel Sachsenhof, Berlin, Germany

Hotel Sachsenhof is one of Berlin's oldest buildings dating back to
emperor times. Else Lasker Schüler wrote her famous poems here and the
building was the setting for Erich Kästner's story "Emil und die Detektive".
Famous sights such as the Ku Damm are easy to reach within a few minutes. As
one recent TripAdvisor traveller explains, "Friendly and extremely helpful
staff. Leather and fetish wear no problem and as two gay guys travelling, we
felt very at ease and the location is excellent."

"Whether you're a couple looking for an enjoyable and hassle-free holiday
or a single traveller searching for like-minded fun, real TripAdvisor
travellers have done the hard work for you by experiencing, and then
recommending, the best gay and lesbian-friendly hotels to suit your needs and
budget," said Emma O'Boyle, spokesperson for TripAdvisor.

For further information please contact: Emma O'Boyle, TripAdvisor, +44-(0)20-3320-3210 / +44-(0)777-926-2423 / eoboyle at tripadvisor.com

Discussion
April 5, 2010: 4:05 am

Gays and lesbians are among the most enthusiastic cruise passengers around, with no shortage of choices available when it comes to booking the ship or itinerary to suit. Nearly all of the larger cruise companies want to attract gay cruise customers, although some are more gay-friendly than others.

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