The lovely Peruvian capital of Lima is an absolute marvel. Tucked on the Pacific Coast of the Sechura Desert, this sprawling city is steeped in ancient Incan roots. What’s more, it’s famed as South America’s gastronomic capital today, but that’s not all that’s thrilling about this city. In a fiercely Catholic country that is all about machismo, we found Limeños to be a gay-accepting and gay-friendly lot. While the scene isn’t as out and about as in other world capital cities, there’s definitely a gay movement that’s brewing and taking place in the city. That’s why we found many gay hotels in Lima catering to LGBTQ travelers, complete with a warm and wonderful staff, which is no mean feat.
But that wasn’t the extent of Lima’s gay friendliness. In fact, the city is where Latin America’s first gay rights organization was founded as far back as 1982. In a country without laws for LGBTQ people, it speaks to the city’s acceptance and open-mindedness. What’s more, we found a sizable openly gay community in Lima, with the majority of the scene focused around the vibrant and buzzing Miraflores. Here, we found gay bars and pubs throwing parties going on till the wee hours of the morning. Besides all that, we were excited to explore the many top things to do in Lima. These include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Plaza Mayor, Lima Cathedral, and a bunch of amazing museums. We also appreciated Larco Museum’s erotic art! So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, head to this gorgeous South American city, and explore its amazing gay scene.
Table of contents
Hotel B
11
Most romantic. We were in Lima for a second honeymoon, so it was only natural that we went with Hotel B! The hotel sits in a Belle Epoqué-style mansion and is one of the most romantic LGBTQ hotels in Lima. Nestled one block from the pristine sands of Barranco Beach, this boutique hotel in the bohemian Barranco neighborhood is nothing less than an art gallery. Funky Peruvian art and romantic 1920s interiors dotted the entire hotel, which we loved taking photographs of. Also, what interested us was that this is Lima’s very first boutique hotel and has remained the standard for its peers to this day.
The hotel boasts a slew of amenities designed in the most sensuous manner to evoke amorous desires. Our absolute favorite space was the rooftop sundeck with a plunge pool, where we’d unwind on the days we weren’t exploring the city. In fact, the onsite art concierge here even booked private showings in the art galleries around, like the erotic spread at Larco Museum that we saw. Our days would begin with a wonderful breakfast on the oceanfront patio. They would end with a sundowner at the stunning roof terrace and dinner at the wonderful Peruvian-Mediterranean restaurant. Then, we’d finally head out to explore Lima’s gay scene just a street away.
All 17 rooms and suites at this former seaside retreat continue with the hotel’s hedonistic theme. Think soaring ceilings, white Italian marble bathrooms, and plush king beds that we didn’t want to get out of. Contemporary fittings meld beautifully with vintage pieces and organic toiletries in the bathrooms. Our room was lovely, with a private balcony that had views of the lush surroundings.
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Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel
10
Most luxurious. We expected nothing short of five-star service and comfort at Miraflores Park, a Belmond Hotel, and we weren’t wrong. It’s one of the most luxurious LGBTQ-friendly hotels in Lima by a wide margin. This beautifully styled hotel brims with utmost luxury and lies just south of the trendy Barranco. But what makes it the city’s grandest stay is that it offers fabulous lofty views of the South Pacific Ocean.
We were particularly impressed by the amenities here, and for a good reason. We’d begin our day with a hearty buffet spread for breakfast at the 11th-floor Observatory. After having our fill, our next stop would be the heated rooftop swimming pool, which is the absolute best in the city. Relaxing on the sunbeds and sipping on craft cocktails as we people-watched was one of the highlights of our stay. But, we had a truly relaxing experience with the couple’s massage at the fabulous spa that uses Amazonian products. On days when we wanted to be up and about, we’d take off to explore the neighborhood on the free bikes. All this gave us a ravenous appetite, which we’d indulge in with delicious Peruvian fusion food at the on-site restaurant.
The rooms and suites at this hotel are splashy, to say the least. That’s because all rooms here come with huge king beds, marble bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the ocean. Sigh. Peruvian art is a mainstay in all the rooms, but we’d recommend that you choose the oceanside suite where we stayed. It came with – we kid you not – a heavenly private plunge pool.
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Atemporal
9
Best boutique. Just a couple of streets away from the cluster of amazing gay bars in Miraflores lies Atemporal, one of the swankiest hotels in the city. Tucked in a 1940s residential manor on a quiet street, this nine-room hotel made for a bespoke and exclusive living experience. This is evident from its amenities, especially the chauffeur-driven Mini Cooper and leather-seated bikes that took us around to explore the neighborhood! What’s more, it was chock-full of vintage details, such as wrought-iron beds, spacious reading nooks, and Tudor windows.
We loved a lot about this intimate 1940s townhouse-turned-hotel, which is full of old-school luxuries. Think of a 24-hour concierge and room service, nightly complimentary cocktail hours on our verandah, and bicycles we borrowed to explore the area. As bibliophiles, the top draw was the library, but we also enjoyed a spot of evening tea on the lawn. Moreover, we even spent time with our significant other in the garden, the salon, and the private veranda whenever we weren’t out exploring the city.
“We were floored by the amenities, especially the rooftop infinity swimming pool from where we could spy wonderful bird’s eye views of the city!”
WOW Travel
The rooms and suites impressed us all the more with their sophisticated-chic aesthetic, complete with Peruvian artifacts, antique and modern art, and contemporary furnishings. Hardwood floors, smart TVs, ergonomic beds, blackout curtains, and chic bathrooms completed the place.
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Villa Barranco by Ananay Hotels
8
We were looking for a quiet escape in the city. That’s why we loved the Villa Barranco by Ananay Hotels, a beautifully restored villa dating back to the 1920s. Since it sat just four blocks from Plaza Mayor and its cluster of gay bars, this was the perfect base for us.
Even today, the villa retains its heritage with high ceilings and French windows opening to private terraces and gardens. Exquisite wooden details, such as the antique furniture and the foyer’s twisting grand staircase, added to the homey feel. We culture lovers particularly loved the antique trinkets and curios. We had fun taking photographs of the wooden sailboats on the walls, vintage weighing scales, and the medicine cabinet with antique medicine bottles. Furthermore, it has a ton of bespoke amenities. The standout was the rooftop terrace bar and lounge, which offered incredible views of the South Pacific Ocean. It’s where we’d enjoy a drink before heading out to explore Lima’s gayborhood.
All rooms at Villa Barranco were spacious, but the best of them all was our split-level Master Suite with a freestanding tub in the bathroom. Nevertheless, all rooms are exceptional, with Persian rugs, colorful throws, and private terraces with alfresco furniture. The best bit is the 24-hour room service and the fact that we could book in-room massages too.
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Hilton Lima Miraflores
7
The Hilton Lima Miraflores is easily one of the finest gay hotels in Lima. Since it’s nestled in the very heart of Miraflores, we were practically surrounded by Lima’s best gay scene. We were welcomed into a grand lobby that featured a scintillating chandelier and a vast slate wall with cascading water. Sandy marble desks, ornate celosia latticework, and Incan ceramic imitations all drew upon Lima’s creative and architectural past.
Unlike many other Lima hotels, we found a gazillion amenities at the hotel, such as the top-floor fitness center that was only for guests. What’s more, the onsite restaurant was open all day and served a hearty breakfast, along with other Peruvian specialties. Even its wine and cocktail lists were exhaustive, allowing us to enjoy sundowners and nightcaps. However, the best of them was the rooftop infinity pool, complete with sun chairs from where we could spy the best views in Lima.
That said, the rooms exuded a homely feel with comfy armchairs, black-and-white photos, and smart ceramics. Charcoal and sandy hues made for inviting and calming spaces filled with mod-cons. Finally, they were complemented by stylish, all-marble bathrooms with huge mirrors.
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Apart Hotel San Martín
6
Best value for money. Travelers like us who’re looking for budget hotels will love Apart Hotel San Martin, a value-for-money LGBTQ-friendly stay. Set in the heart of the Miraflores gayborhood, it was the perfect base for us to explore the city by day and its gay scene at night. If that wasn’t enough, even the beach was a mere 10-minute walk. We indulged in this Lima City Highlights Day Tour, where a knowledgeable local guide took us around the city’s historical center.
Choose from a host of comfortable and air-conditioned apartments, all of which feature free Wi-Fi, so we were always connected. What’s more, they all featured elegant dining areas and full kitchens, so we could whip up everything from simple to lavish meals. It was also a great way to eat meals together, especially since we were here for a long time and didn’t want to eat out all the time. That said, the apartments aren’t just functional; they also featured tasteful decor such as cream cushy sofas and carpeted floors. Moreover, they even had swish bathrooms with bathtubs and flatscreen TVs.
Despite being a budget hotel, this aparthotel offered a full buffet breakfast, complete with bread, fruits, and juices, as well as an international on-site restaurant. Finally, there’s even a helpful tour desk that would arrange tours of Lima.
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Second Home Peru
5
We’d had enough traditional hotels, so we were seeking something different in Lima. That’s when we came across one of the loveliest LGBTQ hotels in Lima in the heart of Barranco – Second Home Peru. This charming B&B is the private former “casa” of famed Peruvian sculptor Victor Delfin and retains its old artistic feel even today. In fact, it’s run by his daughter Lilian! This vibrant guesthouse featured sculptures and paintings at just about every turn, making for one of the most characterful stays in Barranco. During days when we weren’t exploring the city, we’d enjoy romantic walks in the lush gardens, complete with a pony sculpture by the artist. After a hearty complimentary continental breakfast, we’d head for a refreshing dip in the divine pool, which offered mesmerizing views of the ocean.
All eight rooms and suites at this Tudor-style mansion are decked out in calming white, offering a sanctuary of peace overlooking the azure blue waters of the Pacific. In fact, all but one has views of the sea, while the last one offers serene views of the lush garden. Since we’re all about the seaside vibe, we went for Mirador 3, which also came with a hammock.
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Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
4
In the heart of Miraflores sits Casa Andina Premium Miraflores, a unique LGBTQ-friendly hotel in Lima. Peruvian charm sprinkled with contemporary touches made this hotel the perfect base for modern travelers like us. For one, the hotel sported traditional interiors akin to Sacred Valley or Cusco Casonas. So, yowe found burgundy furnishings, cream walls, maroon carpets, and dark Amazonian wooden beams. What’s more, they’re complemented by Chancay ceramics and Spanish colonial artwork. We had a whale of a time glamming up our ‘gram with gorgeous photos. The property even had its own coffee shop, Sama, which serves the most delicious and potent Peruvian brews.
Going further, there’s a third-floor fitness center, a steam room, and a sauna. But our interests leaned more toward the divine pool next door, where we enjoyed a refreshing swim. Next up was a visit to the onsite spa for a soothing couple’s massage, followed by digging into modern versions of traditional Peruvian classics at the onsite restaurant. The best of them all was the breakfast buffet with extensive cheeses, meats, pastries, and fruits.
Authentic whitewash and teak trim designs lent the rooms a Peruvian gravitas that we didn’t see anywhere in Lima. The place was complete with simple but chic bathrooms, kettles with complimentary sachets and tea bags, and cheeky Chancay ceramic paintings and figures. Oh, did we mention the complimentary pillow menu? Bonus points.
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Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel
3
Lively? Check. Affordable? Check. Great location? Triple-check! Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel, which overlooks a small green space in the heart of Barranco, is one of the city’s liveliest hotels. Set in a magnificent white-colored mansion from 1916, the hotel derives its name from Lima’s 19th/20th-century “Republican-style” homes. Did you know the building is, amazingly, made not from bricks but from Adobe? Yes. We were impressed right off the bat by the colonnaded entrance that welcomed us within. It was an eclectic mix of Art Deco and Italianate elements – think elegant grills, stylish art, stained-glass windows, and lofty ceilings.
Aside from 24-hour room service, the hotel had a litany of amenities. For instance, we’d grab the free bikes and ride along the clifftop promenade nearby. Our day began with a superb breakfast spread of coffee/tea, made-to-order eggs, smoothies, cold cuts, bread rolls, cereals, and fresh fruits. Evenings were reserved for ceviche-making and free pisco sour, complete with snacks and drinks in the small rear garden. And being hardcore bibliophiles, we were in love with the first-floor library. Finally, the small rooftop bar was a great place for nightcaps.
With just 22 rooms and suites, staying here is an intimate experience. The ‘Garden’ ones downstairs overlooked the lush lawns, while the ‘Republica’ ones had huge windows and high ceilings. Nevertheless, they all had white-and-green decor, paintings, and marble bathrooms with bathtubs in the larger rooms.
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The Country Club
2
Best heritage. Staying in Country Club Lima Hotel in upmarket San Isidro was like stepping back in time! This majestic Hispanic-style property sat amidst lush gardens and was home to a whopping 300 pieces of art. A haven of sorts for culture lovers, the hotel sat in a 1927 South American palace brimming with gilded mirrors, grand arches, mahogany armoires, brocade-covered chairs, and red-carpeted steps. You can only imagine the stunning photographs we took during our stay! That said, a slew of contemporary flourishes is what made staying here comfortable, even for royalty and presidents.
While the look might be traditional, the service and amenities were attentive and thoroughly 21st-century. An 18-hole golf course aside, the standout here was the English Bar, which is where the Pisco Sour is first said to have been created! Now, who would miss drinking that, right? It had the air of a gentleman’s club, complete with dapper, tuxedo-clad concierges and sommeliers that dotted the entire place. In fact, they even gave us helpful tips and assisted with bookings of all sorts. Food was a high-end affair, too, with afternoon teas and seafood buffets. The lip-smacking buffet breakfast with meats, fruits, cakes, and fresh bread was the cherry on top.
Choose from 83 rooms and suites, all of which feature cream carpets, white walls, dark hardwood furnishings, and light marble bathrooms with huge bathtubs. Those with deep pockets should book the Presidential Suite or the Dom Pérignon Suite, which are the pinnacle of luxury. Even if you don’t, the other rooms and suites, like the Legacy Garden Suite, where we stayed, are equally amazing.
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JW Marriott
1
Best chain hotel. Occupying the top spot on the list of best LGBTQ-friendly hotels in Lima is the JW Marriott Hotel, which is also one of the overall best hotels in Lima, Peru. Stretching out over a huge plot of land in Miraflores, the hotel was just steps from the beach as well as Lima’s gay scene. Whether you go for the standard deluxe rooms or splurge on the Presidential Suites, all of them are soundproof and come with enviable views of the Pacific Ocean. Not just that, but they all have signature Marriott beds and slick all-marble bathrooms with freestanding and deep-soaking bathtubs for a romantic night in. Did we tell you about the jacuzzi tubs with the jetted spas in the suites? Yes! Trust us; the spa suites are worth every penny.
We began our exploration of the hotel’s amenities with the outdoor pool sprinkled with sunbeds for a relaxing lounge after a refreshing swim. After the pool, we headed to the decadent spa to indulge in their signature facials and body scrubs. If you’re here on a romantic vacation, then you could even try their couple’s massage for you and your partner. Follow up your treatment with Peruvian staples and market-fresh sushi at the JW Sushi Ceviche Lounge, which we found to be one of the best places for sushi in the city. In fact, they’re also known for their impeccable sashimi, nigiri, and sea bass. Yum.
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Our Verdict!
While we love all the LGBTQ-friendly hotels in Lima, the ones below are extra-special for their specific features:
- Most romantic: Hotel B
- Most luxurious: Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel
- Best boutique: Atemporal
- Best value for money: Apart Hotel San Martín
- Best heritage: The Country Club
Just So You Know:
- You’ll see a rainbow flag flying just about everywhere in Lima and the whole of the Andes region. But, on closer inspection, that isn’t the gay pride flag, unfortunately! If you look carefully, it has an extra blue line – it’s the flag of the Incan empire.
Get Some Culture in Lima:
- Lima Pride: Lima doesn’t have an official pride organization, but that doesn’t stop thousands of supporters of the Peruvian gay community to march through the capital’s streets. The annual Pride celebrations in the city have long been demanding basic LGBTQ rights such as gay marriage and recognition of same-sex civil unions. What’s more, the participants have also demanded that the Peruvian government do more to protect the LGBTQ community’s rights, especially since they’re subject to hate crimes and discrimination.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Lima:
- Valetodo Downtown: After the closure of Lima’s most popular gay club Lenegdaris, it’s the flamboyant Valetodo that’s come to the fore. This disco is famous with the younger crowd and has drag queen performances. Oh, and also, the upper deck is one of the most popular cruising bars in town.
- Sagitario Disco and Sauna: Imagine a disco and a sauna coming together – that’s Sagitaro for you! This gay disco and sauna is one of Lima’s original gay-only bars and also perhaps the only gay bar option in central Lima today.
- Open Deck Cruise Cafe: This latest bar on Lima’s gay scene opened in the middle of the Covid pandemic and has been thriving since then. It boasts a lovely and super-friendly staff, excellent cocktails, and amazing events.
Best Gay Saunas in Lima:
- Sauna 240Club: This clean and well-maintained sauna is Lima’s only gay sauna. It has showers for pleasure, a massage center, a video and darkroom, a steam bath, and a dry sauna. If you want to take a break, there’s a bar and kitchen too.