With fabulous hotel chains and accommodation indies courting the GLBT traveler more than ever, one would think that the concept of a “gay guesthouse” or a “gay hotel” seems dated in 2011. Think again! GLBT-centric accommodations are actually bigger than ever, with a recent onslaught of newbies and re-inventions, including Lords South Beach, the Royal Palms Fort Lauderdale, Axel Berlin and plans for several new Axel hotels in the U.S. While many gay travelers don’t feel the need to segregate anymore, some do and thrive in the extracurricular activity bonus that comes alongside the amenities at most GLBT lodging options. Three perennial favorites are highlighted below.

 

Island House for Men, Key West

 

The world’s foremost example of a “gay biosphere,” the Island House is a self-contained gay man’s world, with all the elements necessary to support gay male life—a fully-equipped gym, a full-service bar, a delicious restaurant, raucous happy hours, a 3:1 staff to guest ratio, free Starbucks coffee 24 hours a day, a gregarious and eventful poolside, a sundeck with misting system, sauna on premises, and plenty of nudity. Housed in flawless architecture inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s Havana home and inundated with an intoxicating and undeniable sexual vibe, many a gentleman have consistently declared Island House their favorite resort on the planet! It’s a fantasy campground for the liberal and the open, and the happy hour is by far the best in Key West. You will undoubtedly return from the Island House with crazy stories, new friends, and amazing memories. While breakfast may not be included, the restaurant dishes up exceptionally affordable plates that rival neighboring restaurants. Note that you can experience the hype without staying by purchasing a day pass for $25 (must have a photo ID). 305/294-6284, www.islandhousekeywest.com.  

 

Villa Roca, Costa Rica

 

Three and one-half hours southwest of San Jose, the beach town of Manuel Antonio combines the gay experience with the eco-tourism experience. A resplendent retreat where the mountains and rainforest meet the Pacific Ocean, the small town of Manuel Antonio offers gay resorts, a national park, esoteric coffee shops and restaurants, a gay beach and even gay watering holes over a distance of two short (but steep) miles. For over 10 years, Villa Roca has drawn LGBT visitors from far corners of the globe to delight in mountain top views over the Pacific. The resort’s infinity pool is arguably my favorite in the world. Sipping cocktails during happy hour, watching the sun set into the forest canopy, hearing the calls of the howler monkeys, and watching naked hotties jump into the clothing optional pool, I have experienced some of life’s great “moments” in the pool at Villa Roca. Since 2003, I have visited the resort 15 times, my home away from home when I lived in Costa Rica and still my favorite vacation spot on the cheap. In low season, most rooms run well below $90; and they include Wi-Fi and a fabulous breakfast (with great gallo pinto) overlooking the ocean. Hotel guests split their time between sunbathing and drinking at the pool, trekking to the remains of the former gay, nude beach called “playita,” and enjoying the nature trails of Manuel Antonio National Park. Life here seems simple and sweet. Indeed, it is. +506/2777- 1349, www.villaroca.com.

 

Gay St. Pete House, St. Petersburg, Florida

 

In the wake of Suncoast Resort’s demise and the gay guesthouse fever in South Florida, the Gay St. Pete House resurrected the gay guesthouse experience in St. Petersburg. Soon after, Flaming Resort followed suit, but both have found their respective audiences over the past year. Entering the market at an exceptionally affordable price point, St. Pete House is a great deal— comfortable rooms, a clothing-optional pool and hot tub, a full bagel breakfast, beer and wine, and a relaxed, homey feel complemented by the extreme kindness of owner Brian Longstreth, a renowned figure in the St. Pete community. It’s also just down the road from the St. Pete outpost of the wildly popular Georgie’s Alibi and a short drive from the newly opened Dali Museum. 727/365-0544, www.gaystpetehouse.com.

 

Select portions of this article were originally published in the award winning, The Out Traveler: South Florida, copyright Alyson Books and Paul Rubio, available on amazon.com.