Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale ranks right up there as a gay holiday destination because of its great party vibe and numerous gay establishments. In fact, the city has the distinction of having the highest number of gay couples in the United States. Quite naturally, the city is big on gay accommodation and you can be sure that you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the number of gay hotels in Fort Lauderdale. There are plenty of top-notch gay friendly hotels as well as numerous men-only guesthouses and resorts to choose from.

While the entire city boasts of being gay friendly, most gay visitors prefer to stay close to San Sebastian gay beach or the Wilton Manors gayborhood. Although Wilton Manors is a city in itself, its close proximity to Fort Lauderdale makes it seem like an extension of the city. It has a pulsating nightlife and attracts a huge gay crowd.

Fort Lauderdale is less than an hour away from Miami and Palm Springs and many travelers enjoy hopping between these cities. While the beach is the main attraction in Fort Lauderdale, there is a lot more to see here. If you’re one of those people who enjoy delving into the history of a city, the Fort Lauderdale Historical Tour will definitely pique your interest. Alternatively, you could do something different and exciting by going on a Party Bike Bar Crawl.

W Fort Lauderdale

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The W brand is synonymous with great locations and a super-inclusive spirit. It’s no wonder then that the brand is such a favorite with the LGBT community. Like its contemporaries in Barcelona and Miami, the W Fort Lauderdale has a prime location on the waterfront, making it one of the favored luxury gay hotels in Fort Lauderdale. It’s only a few blocks away from the main gay section of Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Recently renovated in 2017, the 517 hotel exudes a hip vibe with its artsy decor. Rooms decorated in an ocean-inspired theme have private furnished balconies that offer full or partial ocean views. The tastefully designed rooms are spacious and equipped with a wide range of comforts. Spacious bathrooms include a six-piece collection of Bliss bath products. Many come with open-glass showers.

The W offers guests a wide range of facilities, from two pools on the fifth floor Wet Deck to a high-quality spa and a lively entertainment area. The Living Room with its cocktails and drink specials is especially lively in the evenings and a popular hangout for gays too.

Worthington Guest House

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There are quite a few options when it comes to exclusively gay hotels in Fort Lauderdale and the Worthington Guest House is one of them. This gay-owned male-only guest house is the largest of its kind in Fort Lauderdale, featuring 63 rooms across three fenced-in connected properties. Although it’s a little far removed from Wilton Manors, the hotel’s party vibe and amenities make it quite popular.

Guests can choose from four categories of rooms that are clean and simple. The suites have kitchenettes and bistro-style dining tables. All rooms have the amenities that guests look forward to for a comfortable stay.

Three clothing-optional pools, two hot tubs, and a clothing-optional ground floor add to its popularity. Top that up with a good complimentary breakfast and fitness center, and you have your complete package.

The Ritz-Carlton

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Its location just across the street from the gay section of Fort Lauderdale beach makes The Ritz-Carlton one of the preferred upmarket gay hotels in Fort Lauderdale. Bars and restaurants are all closeby to the 192-room luxury property. In contrast to the other hotels of this brand, the hotel here has a more modern and contemporary style, making it quite popular with millennials.

Guest rooms are decorated in bright neutral colors and standard rooms come with furnished balconies. Some rooms have great views of the ocean but rooms on the lower floor can get a little noisy. Guests also have the option of choosing between a regular hotel suite or a residential suite in a connected building. All rooms have the necessary modern conveniences for a comfortable stay. After all, it’s one of the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale.

If you enjoy a little pampering, the hotel’s huge spa will definitely pique your interest. The 8,500 square foot space features a full-service hair and nail salon. It also has 11 different treatment rooms offering traditional options. Besides the spa, another popular area in the hotel is the outdoor pool with its padded loungers and two small hot tubs. Guests can also enjoy some great food or snacks from Burlock Coast, the restaurant or the Poolside Cafe.

The Pillars Hotel

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Well-kept grounds and a beach-cottage feel set The Pillars Hotel a cut above the others in this category. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway with its waterfront setting and location on the Intracoastal side of Fort Lauderdale. The beach is a 3-minute walk away while it’s a 7-minute drive to the vibrant Las Olas Boulevard. Guests can also enjoy the services of a chartered boat directly from the property.

The hotel which dates back to the 1930s was once a private residence. British colonial style-architecture with Art Deco verve lend character and elegance to The Pillars. Guest rooms have either wall-to-wall carpeting or hardwood floors offset by a neutral palette with pops of orange or green. Spacious bathrooms with a glass-enclosed shower-bathtub combination are stocked with complimentary Molton Brown products.

The kidney-shaped courtyard pool is the highlight of your stay here with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Since this is a small boutique hotel it’s not big on facilities but has a good restaurant and excellent service.

The Big Coconut

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If you’re looking for an affordable, no-frills place to while away your time, The Big Coconut Guesthouse is as good an option as any affordable gay hotels in Fort Lauderdale. Although this gay men’s resort is a little removed from the beach, it has a convenient location close to public transportation and the supermarket. Wilton Manors is less than a 10-minute drive from here.

Modestly decorated rooms are surprisingly well equipped with a full-size refrigerator and flat-screen TVs. The rooms on the first-floor offer easy access to the pool. Big Coconut is extremely popular because of the cleanliness of the rooms and the great service provided by the host and his team.

The Atlantic Hotel & Spa

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Another popular upscale gay hotel in Fort Lauderdale situated on the oceanfront is The Atlantic Hotel & Spa. It’s proximity to the gay beach and nightlife attractions is one of the chief reasons for the hotel’s popularity. Besides the great location, the real standout is the large suites and studios.

Spacious studios and suites are elegantly decorated with contemporary black furniture. The studios have separate living areas while the suites have separate living rooms furnished with pullout sofas. You can expect some gorgeous views from the furnished private balconies that are part of all rooms. Predictably, the rooms have a host of amenities for guests’ comfort.

The hotel also has a small outdoor pool that overlooks the beach, with a hot tub, loungers, and some shaded circular beds. Other amenities at the hotel include a well-equipped fitness center, spa, sauna, and steam rooms and a salon. Beauty & Feast Bar/Kitchen, the hotel’s restaurant serves up some delectable American fare with a global twist.

Pineapple Point Guesthouse & Resort

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Located on a private two-acre stretch of land within walking distance from Las Olas Boulevard, this tropical paradise is one of the finest exclusively gay hotels in Fort Lauderdale. Although the resort is not within walking distance of either Wilton Manors nightlife or the beach, it’s the vibe and opulence that attracts its special clientele.

Pineapple Point Guesthouse is no run of the mill property but one of the classiest men’s resorts in the world. Two hot tubs, a pool, sun decks, and several shaded hammocks make up the clothing-optional grounds of this resort spread over six buildings. A massage studio and a gym are also part of the property.

Guests can choose from five different categories of rooms ranging from top-end to simple stylish options. Tastefully designed rooms showcasing a classic plantation-style are equipped with modern amenities and high-end linens and toiletries. The two-level townhome-style villas are especially popular with gay celebs. Rates include a good spread continental breakfast.

Grand Resort & Spa

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Just a short distance from the gay section of Fort Lauderdale Beach you’ll find another classy men’s only getaway. Renowned for its full-service spa and friendly atmosphere the 33-room Grand Resort & Spa also sits at the top of gay hotels in Fort Lauderdale.

There is a main pool area that is not clothing-optional but you can ditch your suits at the more secluded lanai with a hot tub and fountain. The standout feature of this hotel is the spa which attracts many walk-ins too.

Rooms at the Grand are spacious and tastefully designed in a contemporary style. There are different categories to choose from which cater to a wide budget. Some suites have private lanais with outdoor showers. If you’re looking to spend a few days here you may want to opt for the rooms with a full kitchen.

Cheston House

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One of the most affordable gay hotels in Fort Lauderdale is the Cheston House. Not exactly a hotel, this gay guesthouse is also exclusively for men and is a clothing-optional space. Located just a few minutes’ drive from Wilton Manor and a short walk from the beach, the guesthouse is a great place for the budget-conscious traveler. It has a quaint, quiet vibe.

Guests can choose between simple guest rooms and larger apartment-style rooms with a fully equipped kitchen. Most rooms at the Cheston are spacious and have an outdoor seating area too. A heated pool, exercise room, and continental breakfast are the other amenities that you can look forward to here.

Cabanas Guesthouse and Spa

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For someone wanting to be close to the Wilton Manors action, the Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa is your best choice. It’s the only large gay resort in this part of town and within easy walking distance to where all the gay action is. You’re also a 15-minute drive from the gay beach at Sebastian Street.

Cabanas attracts a diverse crowd of men with its mid-priced rooms. The rooms are attractive and clean and equipped with adequate amenities. A 10-man Jacuzzi, heated saltwater pool and steam room with aromatherapy can be found on the clothing-optional grounds. The men’s day spa is also another top-selling point of the resort.

Alcazar Resort

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Alcazar Resort is nestled in a gay-friendly part of Fort Lauderdale just two blocks from the public beach and within easy walking distance from the gay beach. Wilton Manors is a 15-minute drive from here but there are a few bars and restaurants in the vicinity. The resort which is a sister property of Worthington Guesthouse is another clothing-optional space.

Guest rooms are modest but clean and homey with king-size beds or two queens. The rooms have modern conveniences and ensuite bathrooms. Three 24-hour pools which are spread across three connected resorts also have two hot tubs. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast served in the lobby. The ground floor of the resort is clothing optional.

Just So You Know:

• In 2018, Wilton Manors became the second city in the United States to have an all LGBT+ governing body.
• Fort Lauderdale’s tourism board is one of the only cities in the United States to openly integrate an LGBT+ page in their tourism strategy.

Get Some Culture in Fort Lauderdale:

• Pride Fort Lauderdale – Held annually in February this 40-year-old celebration doffs its hat to the LGBT community and its culture. The highlight of the celebration is a giant party on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
• Afternoon Tropical Isle Visit and Sightseeing Cruise – Take a cruise down Fort Lauderdale’s historic New River to discover all that makes this city tick. You may just get lucky and spot a celebrity as you glide past Millionaire’s Row.

Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Fort Lauderdale:

• Smarty Pants Bar – Part of Fort Lauderdale’s gay scene for over 30 years, under different names, this bar offers some of the cheapest drinks in town and a great vibe.
• Johnsons – A fairly new strip club/bar which has a clean friendly vibe and some of the best looking dancers.
• The Manor Complex – This multi-level party complex in the heart of Wilton Manors is extremely popular for its world-class entertainment and DJs. Two levels of dance floors and popular events bring in the crowds.

Best Gay Saunas in Fort Lauderdale:

• Club Fort Lauderdale – This bathhouse is a part of the extensive gay bathhouse chain with locations in Miami, Houston, and other American cities. Located just two blocks from the New Brightline Station, this modern bathhouse is well equipped with numerous amenities. No wonder it’s one of the most popular bathhouses in the United States.
• Clubhouse II – Not as modern or well equipped as Club Fort, it’s simple yet effective. This sauna is quite popular with mature bears and leather daddies.