The capital of Arizona Phoenix was not more than a desert frontier settlement less than 100 years ago. Today, it’s rapidly grown to transform into one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the American West. It might be surprising to many, but this desert valley with more than 300 days of sunshine is a bit of a hidden gay gem! This fabulous and thriving gay metropolis in the Sonoran Desert has been a haven for years for the LGBTQ community and travelers. As for gay hotels in Phoenix, gay-friendly accommodations here run the gamut from high-rise and super-plush hotels to boutique properties. In fact, many resorts and hotels even offer a slew of special packages during Phoenix Pride. If that wasn’t enough, the city has a rollicking gay scene with bars, restaurants, and more, all of whose information is available in the LGBTQ+ Echo Magazine.
Clearly, the “Valley of the Sun” is actually the “Gay Valley of the Sun,” but the city is so much more. Firstly, it’s one of the Top Things To Do In Arizona. Right next door to the city sits the swanky resort community of Scottsdale, which is more of a suburb of Phoenix. What’s more, the gay-friendly town of Tucson. Finally, the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the USA’s Top Tourist Attractions and the Most Amazing National Parks On Earth, is less than four hours away. So, if you’re looking for a well-rounded gay-friendly getaway in the desert, then Phoenix is your answer. To that end, here are the top 11 gay-friendly hotels in Phoenix.
Table of contents
- The Saguaro Scottsdale
- Hotel Valley Ho – Scottsdale
- Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix CityScape
- The Scott Resort & Spa
- Clarendon Hotel & Suites – Phoenix
- Arizona Biltmore – Phoenix
- The Westin Downtown Phoenix
- The Camby
- Found Re Phoenix
- Sheraton Hotel
- Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia
- Best Gay Neighborhoods in Phoenix
- Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Phoenix
- Best Gay Saunas in Phoenix
- Best Gay Events/Shows/Tours in Phoenix
The Saguaro Scottsdale
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Having operated under different names – the Hotel Theodore, Mondrian, James – the now-Saguaro Scottsdale is one of the best gay hotels in Phoenix. This modern, design-driven Scottsdale hotel is operated by the very gay-friendly hotel brand Joie de Vivre. The rambling property is decked out in cheerful and vibrant colors, a la Mexican folk art. Gay travelers will love getting pampered at the Saguaro Spa or cooling it off in the long rectangular pool. Later on, relax on one of the comfy sunbeds under yellow umbrellas and enjoy desert-themed cocktails from the bar. Moreover, the fabulous bar restaurant serves excellent modern Mexican cuisine as well as delicious craft cocktails.
Even rooms and suites are minimalist but high-tech to the core with huge HDTVs and iPod docks. Accent walls, custom Mexican furnishings complement them, and brightly colored bed throws lend lots of warmth. Sliding doors to the stylish bathrooms lend an air of cheekiness to the place, especially since the walk-in showers have a huge area for two. We especially love the poolside patio suites, which have a private patio with a sunbed right outside the room, with the pool a few seconds away. So much so that the Saguaro is one of the Best Hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona!
Hotel Valley Ho – Scottsdale
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Hotel Valley Ho – Scottsdale is one of the most gay friendly hotels in Phoenix. There’s something absolutely amazing fabulous about the retro-chic hotel whose’s origins go back to 1956! Gay travelers love the mid-century modern architecture that’s hosted everyone from Frank Sinatra to Sammy Davis Jr. Enjoy a dip in the circular pool and lounge on a cabana while people-watching. Sip on cocktails in the colorful lobby bar ZuZu, whose weekend happy hour is very gay-popular. Don’t miss out on pampering yourself with a massage or a body treatment at the VH Spa. Are you the energetic kind? Rent the cute retro cruiser bikes and head off to explore the neighborhood.
Choose from two distinct yet gorgeous sections of accommodations; the classic or the upscale Tower rooms. The former have white-brick walls and patios or balconies, while the latter have floor-to-ceiling windows and terrazzo-tiled bathrooms. Nevertheless, all rooms have spacious and modern bathrooms with huge walk-in shower areas large enough for two people.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix CityScape
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From the gay-friendly brand of Kimpton comes yet another fantastic offering, the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix Cityscape. One of the best gay hotels in Phoenix, the stylish hotel boasts airy, contemporary, and spacious rooms. What’s more, they boast an unfussy and sleek aesthetic that’s a far cry from the usually trite Southwest schemes. iHomes on bedside tables, minibars stocked with fun snacks, and super-soft linens on beds make staying here a top-notch comfortable experience. Are you here for a romantic tete-a-tete? We’d suggest the top units, which also have deep soaking bathtubs.
The rest of the hotel is equally impressive, especially the plethora of nightlife and dining options. Of them all, a favorite is Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, which also serves delicious mod American food. The best bit is that it sits right by the third-floor sundeck and pool, one of the Best Hotel Pools In Phoenix. Sip on craft cocktails at the stylish Lustre Bar, which has a particularly huge LGBTQ fan following. And even though there’s no full spa on-site, the hotel is more than happy to arrange for in-room spa services.
The Scott Resort & Spa
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The Scott Resort and Spa, formerly the FireSkt Resort & Spa, is one of Phoenix’s most gay friendly hotels. In fact, the luxurious and contemporary hotel is the Scottsdale offering of the hip Kimpton brand. Thanks to its central Scottsdale location, it’s a rather favorite retreat with gay travelers who’re looking for some fun in this desert city. Choose from 204 rooms and suites at this resort, all of which are decked out in soothingly cool hues. Go for the ones that face the lagoon or the pool – they’re especially inviting. Nevertheless, all rooms feature the comfiest bedding, well-stocked minibars, high-grade amenities such as iHomes, and deep-soaking tubs in the bathrooms. Bespoke toiletries and a pair of bathrobes set the mood for an amorous soak – and later on too.
The resort’s centerpiece is the curvy lagoon, which is a sight to behold day or night. Swim around and lounge at one of the two pools, or you even have a manmade sandy beach waiting for you right on the property! After a swim, relax on the deck chairs while admiring the absolutely lush landscaping, which comes alive with torch lights and fire pits at night. Above all, the major draw here is the calm and soothing Jurlique Spa, where a couples massage is just what you and your partner need before retiring to the comfort of your rooms.
Clarendon Hotel & Suites – Phoenix
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Younger and free-spirited gay travelers will love the Clarendon Hotel & Suites, one of the best gay hotels in Phoenix. This centrally located mid-rise property in the heart of town is also affordable, making it a nice budget gay-friendly place as well. The Clarendon has long been popular with gay travelers, and it’s easy to see why. Choose from three kinds of rooms, which range from 325 to 500 square feet. Besides being nicely spacious, all units are decked out in bright blue-white-and-red color schemes and feature huge flat-screen TVs. If you go for the largest rooms, they even have iPod docks and separate sitting areas.
Just because it’s a budget property doesn’t mean that it skimps on amenities. For instance, the most favorite part of the property is the central pool. Indulge in a refreshing and cooling dip before laying down on one of the colorful Italian cabana beds. In the evenings, enjoy a sundowner on the chic rooftop deck that offers excellent views of the city’s skyline and the mountains. The best bit? A mere $20 service fee nightly includes round-the-clock access to a fitness facility, internet, and a handful of other amenities.
Arizona Biltmore – Phoenix
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Designed by fascinating (and controversial) architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Arizona Biltmore is one of Phoenix’s best gay friendly hotels. Nestled on lush acres of land, this Waldorf Astoria Hotel on the northeast side of Phoenix lies tucked in the shadows of Piestewa Peak. Gay travelers who love a wealth of amenities will absolutely love this place and stay on the property for most of their stay. Think about it – a fitness center, tennis courts, one of the region’s top golf courses; now who wouldn’t? To top that, there are multiple artfully designed pools, complete with sun loungers and cabanas by the side. After a nice and cooling session in the pool, why not head to the spa for a massage or a body treatment? It’s a great way to unwind, whether by yourself or with your partner.
There’s a nice posse of restaurants as well, including the celebrated Wright Bar. It’s an excellent place to enjoy a date night with some cocktails, with jazz and piano playing in the background. Rooms and suites, especially in the historical sections, are very interesting. However, for a splurge-worthy vacation, go for the ones in the swanky Ocatilla wing. Besides being exceptionally opulent and plush, they even have deep-soaking tubs in the bathrooms and a bevy of personalized perks and services.
The Westin Downtown Phoenix
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LGBTQ travelers who want to explore the city and stay in the thick of it all will love the Westin Phoenix. Tucked right in the heart of Downtown, it’s one of the most well-located gay hotels in Phoenix. In fact, the gay scene is a mere five-minute drive away. So, explore the city by day and delve into the gay scene at night – and sleep your hangover away in the plush rooms at Westin! Rooms and suites are very comfortable, with every window boasting vertical vistas of downtown Phoenix. Are you here celebrating a special occasion? Or are you in the mood to splurge? We highly recommend the corner studio suite with its wraparound wall of windows, making it one of the most decadent accommodations around. It’s no surprise then that this is one of the Best Hotels in Phoenix, Arizona.
Since the hotel is so amazingly self-contained, travelers visiting in the summer rarely leave the property. That’s not surprising, considering just how much there is to do here. Dig into delicious and award-winning Southwestern cuisine at the Province Urban Kitchen & Bar. However, the best feature is the pool terrace, which sits a wonderful and temperature-controlled lap pool.
The Camby
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The Camby is one of the most different and most unique gay friendly hotels in Phoenix. Design-loving gay travelers will love the decor, which is a postmodern blend of antique and sleek. Think copper Mylar ceilings, daringly abstract artwork, and lamps shaped like cow skulls! The centerpiece of the rooms and suites are the cleverly deconstructed canopy beds, thus making the rooms feeling larger than they are. However, it’s the bathrooms that are eye-popping, complete with rain showerheads and classic white marble baths. The vibrant graphics and modish lighting fixtures, along with the fluffy cotton robes, make the huge bathrooms an absolutely fun place to unwind with your partner.
You’ll love the rest of the hotel too, which offers an array of luxury options. Begin your day with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, followed by sipping cocktails from the poolside bar at your poolside perch. Later on, choose from a bevy of wellness treatments at the Zest Spa. Later on, choose from three solid restaurants to dine at, including the opulent and well-known Artizen.
Found Re Phoenix
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When it comes to sheer “cool” in the city, Found Re is one of the coolest gay hotels in Phoenix. Located on Roosevelt Row, this boutique hotel boasts a bohemian flair with cheeky decor and avant-garde design. In fact, the lobby is a full-blown art gallery featuring rotating installations. Every nook and cranny of this painfully fashionable hotel is innately Instagrammable. Think about it; where would you find a shower stall with the words “Not So Sexy” emblazoned across the glass? You’ll love the loft-style rooms too, which will make you feel like you’ve entered some L.A. penthouse of a rock star or something. Edison bulbs and reclaimed wood lend a sense of primal sexiness to the place, as do the half-and-half see-through bathrooms.
At the same time, the rest of the hotel is equally impressive. The down-to-earth staff help with just about everything, while the in-house restaurant is the perfect place to sig into good food. Since local gays also frequent here for craft cocktails, it’s a great place to meet people. A 24-hour front desk and a fitness center wrap up the offerings here.
Sheraton Hotel
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The grande dame of gay friendly hotels in Phoenix Downtown is Sheraton Hotel. Staying at this hotel, you can expect just about everything from the Sheraton brand. Think uber-comfortable rooms with views that overlook all of Downtown Phoenix. Coffeemakers and huge flatscreen TVs certainly add to the joy of staying, as do the white-brick shower stalls in the bathrooms. However, the best bit is that the bathrooms come with deep-soaking bathtubs, even in the entry-level rooms. After a long day of exploring the city or a long night out in the gay scene, a soak with your partner is just what you need.
The actual fun at the hotel lies outside the rooms, specifically at the outdoor Breeze Bar, which serves delicious cocktails in the rooftop garden. However, the best feature is the lap pool right beside it, which offers fabulous city views. Don’t miss a meal at its restaurant, one of the city’s most respected restaurants. Not only is the food a work of art, but it’s also very affordable. One of the major draws here is the “Nothing Over $9” lunch menu.
Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia
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Located in the heart of Paradise Valley, Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia is one of the best gay hotels in Phoenix. The sprawling resort offers the perfect fusion of Moroccan design and architecture in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. Its biggest draw is the three creatively drawn-out swimming pools, of which two are adult-only. In fact, the Moroccan-inspired spa-like rooftop pool is one of the Best Hotel Pools In Scottsdale. After a refreshing dip in one of the pools, or all of them, enjoy a massage session or a body treatment at the highly acclaimed Joya Spa. Energetic gay travelers will love the wide array of activities this five-star resort offers, such as guided his, spinning classes, and even yoga. A world-class gym and a top-notch modern Italian restaurant serving delectable fare top everything off.
Rooms and suites are all spacious and decked out with sophisticated decor and private patios offering excellent views. While some rooms have views of the green landscape and the idyllic pools, others have absolutely gorgeous and dreamy desert vistas. High-tech amenities and deep-soaking bathtubs in the bathrooms are the icings on the cake of what is a very inviting offering.
Best Gay Neighborhoods in Phoenix
When it comes to a gayborhood in Phoenix, the starting point for everything gay is the historic Woodlea Melrose area, also known just as Melrose. Located right in the heart of the city, the neighborhood, dating back to the 1940s, boasts a mile-long stretch on 7th Avenue between Indian School and Camelback Mountain roads. It’s home to a higher concentration of gay-owned and for-gay businesses than anywhere else in all of Arizona! Next, even the Mill Avenue District and the Biltmore neighborhoods are considered very gay-friendly as well.
However, if we have to name one epicenter of LGBTQ nightlife, it would definitely be Melrose. It’s also home to one of Phoenix’s two rainbow crosswalks, which symbolizes the lasting LGBTQ+ presence in the city. In fact, Phoenix is such a compact city in many ways. So much so that the gay scene is merely 15 minutes from the airport! Have a short layover? Here are the Best Hotels Near Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Phoenix
- Pat O’s Bunkhouse Saloon: This place is a welcoming den for local leathermen, bears and their admirers. Boasting a right-at-home ambiance, this is the perfect place to enjoy Wednesday karaoke, poker, darts, pool, and enjoy meetc-utes by the fire pit on the outdoor patio.
- Dick’s Cabaret: Now, who wouldn’t love an establishment that’s called ‘Dick’s?’ This sexy naked male strip club is perfect for a dirty and raunchy night out and is full of all kinds of beautiful muscular bodies. Sip on drinks and enjoy private lap dances on an erotic night out in Phoenix.
Best Gay Saunas in Phoenix
- The Chute: Friendly, butch, and big in all respects, the gay bathhouse Chute has been popular in Phoneix for more than 25 years! Thus attitude-free space is perfect for gay men to mingle and meet in a dark, no-frills atmosphere. What’s more, it’s the only place in Phoenix catering specifically to the BDSM/fetish, blue-collar, bear, and leather communities. It has video lounges, dual shower areas, and many, many places to play!
Best Gay Events/Shows/Tours in Phoenix
- Phoenix Pride: Phoenix Pride has been organizing entertainment, parades, rallies, marches, and other events to celebrate the city’s LGBTQ+ community. The two-day festival sees more than 150 entertainment performances and a fabulously vibrant Parade that celebrates the city’s LGBTQ+ past, present, and future. The parade sees more than 20,000 participants with walkers, colorful floats, decorated vehicles, and more. What’s more, Phoenix’s Pride takes place in Aprill, when the weather is less hotter than in June during Pride month.
- Rainbows Festival & Street Fair: “Arizona’s Greatest Street Fair” takes place in Phoenix! Behold the Rainbows Festival & Street Fair, which celebrates the diversity of the local LGBTQ+ community in the city. Taking place in the historic Heritage Square Park in Downtown Phoenix, this family-friendly festival sees a host of artists from various fields provide entertainment over the weekend.
