Affectionately called a “mini-Berlin by the seaside,” coastal Valparaiso overlooking the waters of the South Pacific Ocean is one of the most vibrant of Chile’s cities. What’s more, Valparaiso and its neighboring Viña del Mar are amongst the gayest places on the continent! Santiago might be home to a larger gay scene, but it’s Valpo, as it’s affectionately called, that’s more open-minded, tolerant, and downright fabulous. There are many gay hotels in Valparaiso, where the friendly staff is more than welcoming towards gay travelers. Plus, Valpo even has a gay scene, albeit small, but very vibrant. Most of the places are inclusive and mixed, but there are some out and out buzzing gay bars around the port area. Moreover, queer people are everywhere, and no one bats an eyelid.
Aside from its gay scene, there are a ton of Top Things To Do In Valparaiso. For one, it’s the home of the famous Chilean Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda. La Sebastiana, his home, sits atop a hill in Bellavista. Secondly, Valpo’s Historical Quarter is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Architectural marvels such as the five-storeyed Art Nouveau Baburizza Palace and Church Of San Francisco will thrill culture vultures. And, of course, Santiago is just over an hour away. If that wasn’t enough, one of The Most Amazing National Parks On Earth, Torres Del Paine, is less than two hours from the city. So, gay Valparaiso is a multi-faceted sojourn of museums, culture, cuisines, nature, and gay nightlife. To that end, here are the top 11 gay friendly hotels in Valparaiso.
Hotel Casa Higueras
11
Located close to Valpo’s gay scene is Hotel Casa Higueras, one of the chicest gay hotels in Valparaiso. This stylish boutique hotel lies on a quiet side street in Cerro Alegre and is a great place to celebrate a special occasion such as a honeymoon. Set in an elegant 1920s house, the hotel features lots of tropical plants, artwork, and dark wood furniture. Plus, the low-level lighting sets a romantic ambiance and tone across the hotel. There are just 20 rooms, all of which have small TVs, classy fabrics, comfy double beds, and charming blue-tiled bathrooms with bathtubs. Of all the rooms, go for the one with terraces, which have the best views of the sea and enjoy the fresh sea air.
The rest of the hotel is equally romantic, especially the lovingly maintained tiered garden with a pool and loungers. Aside from the surrounding gardens, the place even has a spa where you and your partner can enjoy massages after a day of exploring the city. Those interested in exploring Valpo can look at the programs that the hotel offers which combine food, stay, and walking tours. The restaurant serves excellent fare, of which breakfast is a delectable spread of tea/coffee, juices, jams, rolls, dried fruits, and cheeses.
Check Rates on:
Palacio Astoreca
10
Gay lovers of design will love Palacio Astoreca, one of the loveliest gay friendly hotels in Valparaiso. This boutique beauty is tucked in one of Valpo’s most vibrant neighborhoods and boasts swoonsome interiors. What’s more, it lies within walking distance of Valpo’s gay scene, making it a great base for delving into the gay nightlife too. An eye-popping blood-orange exterior with a white trim and mansard roof is beguiling right from the beginning. Mid-20th century interiors are stylish with the 50s, 60s, and 70s design references throughout. All rooms feature wingback-style king beds, white backdrops with pops of color, and statement lamps. Go for the higher category rooms that have outdoor terraces with superb views, claw-foot baths, and slippers, and bathrobes.
Service is as polished and attentive as it gets, complete with macarons at turndown service. After a day of exploring Valpo, head to the haven that is the spa. It not only has a wood-fired hot tub in a courtyard setting and the most divine emerald green plunge pool. The best spot to enjoy the sunset is the sweeping outdoor terrace which boasts views across the city and the ocean. After a drink at the Piano Bar and dinner at the on-site restaurant, head to the cozy library for a fireside game of chess.
Check Rates on:
Verso Hotel
9
Verso Hotel is one of the few boutique gay hotels in Valparaiso that lies slightly away from the bustle. The hotel showcases fine art at every turn, embracing Valpo’s expressive essence in its style. The rooms and suites at this hotel are outstanding with contemporary furnishings. But, what’s special is that each room is dedicated to a particular Latin American writer. For instance, one room pays homage to Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario, whose powerful words are inscribed on the walls. Plush beds aside, the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with the most dazzling views of the city. Enjoy a fresh cup of brew with your beloved every morning as you gaze out to sunrise views.
This hotel excels in the fact that it offers a slew of luxurious amenities at an excellent price. Also, what makes it a romantic getaway is the rooftop which has not only two hot tubs but also incredible 360-degree views of Valpo! During your soak, enjoy a Pisco Sour. After that, head to the on-site wellness center for workouts. What’s more, there’s even a small library therefrom you can borrow books to read. Wrap up your day with a delicious early dinner in the fine-dining restaurant before heading out to Valpo’s gay scene.
Check Rates on:
La Joya Hostel
8
Gay travelers on a budget will absolutely love La Joya Hostel, one of the gorgeous gay friendly hotels in Valparaiso. The well-designed hostel sits close to Baron Pier and is a 15-minute walk to Valpo’s gayborhood. Set in a newly renovated building, the hostel is all about fun social areas. The rooftop terrace and bar is a great place to mingle with and swap stories with fellow travelers. Aside from free Wi-Fi all over, the hostel even offers a free hot breakfast in the morning. The on-site restaurant also serves drinks and snacks throughout the day.
What’s more, you can even show off your culinary skills in the shared kitchen. In the evening, gather around the barbeque and enjoy meeting new people. Even the digs are impressive, and you can choose between dorm rooms and private beds. The best bit? The rooms include the highly-rated breakfast, which some travelers called the ‘best breakfast in a South American hostel!’ It’s no wonder it’s one of the most highly rated gay friendly hotels in Valparaiso.
Check Rates on:
Augusta Hotel
7
One of the most affordable yet luxurious gay hotels in Valparaiso is the Augusta Hotel. The hotel is set in a sleek, modern, all-glass highrise right in the heart of Valpo in on Cerro Alegre. Not only is it within walking distance of the city’s sights but also its gay scene, making it an excellent base for LGBTQ travelers. All rooms and suites come with fully equipped kitchens and kitchenettes, complete with minibars and dining areas. So, it’s perfect for a group of travelers who’re heading to Valpo. Private bathrooms with free toiletries aside, the units also come with balconies and wonderful views of the Pacific ocean. Yet, there are others that offer views of the Chilean Coast Range mountains.
What’s excellent is that the price of the units includes a hearty breakfast, which includes South American and continental specialties. Furthermore, it’s even delivered to the comfort of your room so you don’t have to trudge down half-asleep to dig into the food. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, which is very helpful for exploring the city.
Check Rates on:
Casa Galos Hotel & Lofts
6
One of the most design-centric gay friendly hotels in Valparaiso is Casa Galos Hotel and Lofts. This modern boutique hotel lies just outside the UNESCO area but is still right in the center of the city. What’s more, it offers six self-contained lofts and apartments that feature one of the most appealing décor and designs of any Valpo hotel. The hotel boasts an almost all-white decor with splashes of neutral hues, elevating it to the point of being elegant. There’s free Wi-Fi all over, and if you’re staying here around New Year’s, then you’re in for a real treat. You’re offered one cocktail and aperitif on the communal terrace where you can enjoy the New Year fireworks! Moreover, the hotel also serves a superb breakfast with continental and South American specialties.
All rooms and suites come with seating areas and kitchenettes perfect for whipping up meals and relishing them together. What’s more, there are even standard rooms for those travelers who don’t want kitchens for making meals. However, the highlight is the bathrooms, which come with huge freestanding baths right next to a window, making it a great place to unwind with a glass of wine.
Check Rates on:
Fauna Hotel
5
The Fauna Hotel is one of the most charming gay hotels in Valparaiso. True to its name, the hotel makes use of organic materials such as recycled native woods in its architecture. So, wooden handrails, stairs, and floors form a natural surrounding whose effect is most stunning. Set in a three-story mansion from the 1840s, Fauna Hotel retains much of the original adobe walls, thus making for a lovely earthy vibe. Design-loving gay travelers will love every aspect of the hotel, including its rooms. They have a long outdoor deck and large windows that offer spectacular views of the bay and the ocean beyond. What’s more, room No. 5 enjoys views of the rock foundation of the hill the hotel lies on, which juts in. Wooden floors, mod-cons, and contemporary bathrooms complete the place.
A restaurant located on the rooftop is perhaps one of the best amenities at this hotel. It offers stellar 360-degree views of the bay and also serves some of the best food in Valpo. Enjoy sundowner cocktails before heading out to explore Valpo’s gay scene. The best bit is that the hotel can even arrange for in-room massages, which are a great way to unwind with your partner after a long day of exploring.
Check Rates on:
Hotel Boutique Acontraluz
4
One of the best-located gay friendly hotels in Valparaiso is Hotel Boutique Acontraluz. This 13-room boutique hotel doesn’t skimp on any amenities and lies right in the heart of Cerro Alegre. Not only are Valpo’s best sights within an easy distance, but so is its gay scene. But, that’s not all. The hotel has a distinctly romantic feel and is a great romantic base for you and your partner in the city. Classy fittings and wooden floors adorn the rooms at this hotel which exudes a distinctly 19th-century feel. Contemporary bathrooms aside, they all boast views of either the city or the sea. If you want to splurge, go for the rooms with individual terraces, where you can even enjoy a hearty breakfast provided by the hotel.
A well-presented continental breakfast that includes tea, coffee, and juices is a great way to begin the day. What’s more, the hotel has a ton of places to chill, including a sitting room and a library that bibliophiles will love. There’s even a terrace bar, one of Valpo’s most popular, which is a great place to enjoy a cocktail with wonderful city views. Don’t miss checking out their wine cellar as well as the lush outdoor garden, where you can steal a few moments of peace and quiet with your beloved.
Check Rates on:
MM450 Hotel Boutique
3
MM450 Hotel Boutique has to be one of the most stylish gay hotels in Valparaiso. In fact, this tiny boutique hotel is so excellent that it’s also one of the Best Hotels in Valparaiso, Chile. The hotel is set in a historic 19th-century former residence that’s now this chic, stylish, and funky boutique hotel. Choose from nine individually decorated and airy rooms, which feature large windows with superb views. Interesting heavy wooden furniture aside, the classy digs also feature plush beds, contemporary bathrooms, and cushy armchairs next to the windows. The best bit? The hotel even offers breakfast in the room in case you want to enjoy a lie-in.
When it comes to amenities, the terrace is one of the highlights of this boutique hotel. It’s a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee at the comfy couches or the wooden tables, surrounded by tons of tropical plants. The deli and the coffee shop are great for satiating hunger pangs. In fact, homemade pastries and cakes at the coffee shop are an absolute must for foodies.
Check Rates on:
Viaviacafe Valparaiso
2
What can be a better gay friendly hotel in Valparaiso that’s also gay-owned? Welcome to Viaviacafe Valparaiso, which is run by a pair of very friendly French-speaking Belgians. The hotel lies in an older part of Valpo, just a couple of blocks from the sea. What’s more, this solar-powered hotel lies in a refurbished Art deco structure that’s perched atop a flight of stairs, offering some of the best views in the region. Gay travelers will love the rooms at this hotel, which feature minimalistic Art Deco décor and light parquet floors. If you want to enjoy cooking in your digs, go for the lofts that come with complete kitchens as well as dining areas and patios with excellent views of the city.
One of your most favorite things at ViaVia will be enjoying a hearty continental breakfast in the leafy patio area. Dig into jams, cheeses, bread, cereal, fresh juices, and Chilean coffee while planning your day ahead. The hosts are lovely and will even dish out handy tips for exploring the city. Look out for the charming and constantly purring resident cat Menu – yes, that’s his name! In true Belgian style, the restaurant offers Chilean and Belgian specialties along with delicious beer and chips.
Check Rates on:
Hostal Maison de la Mer
1
It’s only fitting that a superb, open-minded hostel sits stop the list of best gay hotels in Valparaiso. Behold Hostal Maison de la Mer, which lies a stone’s throw from the beach on Yungay Hill. This super-funky inn or hostel attracts a young bohemian crowd and is perfect for solo or even groups of gay travelers to Valpo. Run by a wonderful French couple, the hostel boasts an excellent staff who give out helpful information on lesser-known spots to visit around Valparaiso. You get to choose between dorms and private rooms, all of which feature sturdy wooden beds with the plushest mattresses ever. Immaculate private bathrooms with towels and toiletries aside, you’ll also find windows with excellent views and bedside tables. Plenty of local art adorning the walls gives the room a cozy vibe.
Since it’s a hostel, there’s a kitchen area you can use to whip up cheap and simple meals. Moreover, the communal zone with table football and a TV is perfect for swapping stories with fellow travelers. The entire hostel is sprinkled with murals by local artists, with the bar and outdoor patio area being the epicenter of all the fun. It’s also where they serve a generous continental breakfast and cheap beer, making this the perfect fun-filled place to stay in Valpo.
Check Rates on:
Just So You Know:
- Valparaiso has the highest number of same-sex couples living together after the metropolitan area of Santiago. In fact, Valparaiso is one of the top three cities in Chile that are a favorite with gay tourists, along with Santiago and San Pedro de Atacama.
Get Some Culture in Valparaiso:
- Valparaiso doesn’t have any Pride celebrations as such because Santiago and its gay scene are so close by. What’s more, just south of the city lies the gay-friendly resort town of Viña del Mar, which is one of Chile’s best gay party destinations. Most nights, you’ll find gay travelers on the dance floor at the gay Club Divino, one of the largest gay clubs in Latin America.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Valparaiso:
- Pagano: This is Valparaiso’s definitive gay nightclub and is one of the most hedonistic venues in Latin America. Cocktails are strong yet fantastic, the music is super, and the beautiful people dancing in the bright red hue of the club makes the whole atmosphere all the sexier.
- Morgana: This unique pagan-themed gay bar is open only on weekends and is yet so popular! The bar is filled with LGBTQ people and all the most unimaginable wonderful weirdness. That’s what makes it the hotbed of alternative and underground activity in Valpo.
- Mascara: One of Valpo’s coolest bars in Valpo, the indie Mascara has the best crop of Chile’s most handsome boys. Drink specials make it easy for you to meet people here before moving on to one of the dance clubs.
- Club Divino: This Vila del Mar staple is Chile’s largest and gaudiest gay club. It’s the definitive spot in the entire country to meet gorgeous local boys. Excellent music, great cocktails, and drag events make this the best LGBTQ nightlife place in the region.
Best Gay Saunas in Valparaiso:
Valparaiso, unfortunately, doesn’t have any gay saunas, but Santiago sure does. We’re hoping we’ll see the rise of gay saunas in this gay-friendly city soon!
