Tel Aviv is often jokingly referred to as a ‘straight-friendly’ city because of the high population of gay people that live here. With an estimated 25% of the city’s population identifying themselves as gay, it is no wonder that the city was once touted as the gay capital of the world. Tel Aviv’s gay scene rivals the other popular gay cities such as New York, Bangkok or Berlin. The city is renowned for its acceptance and liberal outlook, unlike some of the more conservative cities of Israel. So you’ll find both gay-friendly and welcoming gay hotels in Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv is not only popular for its gay nightlife but also for its other attractions. Its beaches with crystal clear water, dotted with gorgeous Israeli hunks, the beautiful Bauhaus architecture and its vibrant art and music scene are some of the reasons why the city is a big attraction for the gay community. There’s always something interesting happening in ‘the city that never sleeps,’ whether it’s a vibrant gay party or the annual Gay Pride in Tel Aviv (One of The Biggest Pride Parades in the World). However, So whether you’re in the city for Tel Aviv Gay Pride 2020 or just visiting, we’ve reviewed some of the best gay hotels in Tel Aviv, Israel to make your trip less stressful. Finding gay-friendly accommodation in the city is relatively easy though, as almost all hotels welcome gays.
Shenkin Hotel
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This boutique-style gay-friendly hotel is located at the heart of Tel Aviv’s White City neighborhood, a few steps from the trendy Shenkin Street. You’ll find numerous restaurants and lively bars in the neighborhood that is also renowned for its striking white Bauhaus architecture. The hotel is owned and operated by locals so you’ll definitely be able to get first-hand insight into the most happening gay places in the city. Tel Aviv’s pulsating gay nightlife and vibrant beaches are all within easy reach from here.
Besides information about the must-see attractions in Tel Aviv, the informative hotel staff will direct you towards places off the beaten tourist path. Within walking distance from the hotel, are a number of hidden gems of the city. If you’re interested in art and architecture, it would be a good idea to join the Tel Aviv Urban Tour. This tour will give you a better insight into fascinating facets of the city.
At Shenkin Hotel you’ll find tastefully designed rooms that combine the downtown chic with urban cool. Intimately sized Junior rooms are perfect for solo travelers while the bigger rooms can accommodate up to 3 travelers. Free high-speed Wi-fi, a mini-fridge, blackout curtains, and a flat-screen TV are an integral part of the rooms. The hotel also has a spa and a rooftop with deck chairs where guests can relax. Guests can indulge in a full Israeli breakfast at any of the 3 partner restaurants.
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Melody Hotel
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Just a few steps away from Tel Aviv gay beach (One of The 12 Best Gay Beaches In The World) is the Melody Hotel, a hotel that prides itself on its ‘Work & Play’ philosophy. Part of the Atlas Boutique Hotels, which caters to the gay community, the Melody is another popular gay hotel in Tel Aviv. Its location so close to the Hilton beach and other gay areas is what makes this hotel one of the favored destinations. Independence Park, a gay cruising spot is also within walking distance from the hotel while the popular gay bar Shpagat is about a 10-minute drive away.
The trendy hotel is furnished with modern interiors which have been completely refurbished with free wifi and cable TV. A rooftop on the 8th floor providing sweeping views of the ocean is another reason for this hotel being a popular choice with gay travelers. Complimentary yoga sessions are hosted on the rooftop on Sundays during the summer. You can also enjoy a wide range of other services such as complimentary wine and a buffet breakfast, plus get yourself pampered with a wide range of spa services.
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Prima Tel Aviv
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Centrally located, just a few meters from the city’s renowned Tayelet beach promenade and Frishman beach is the Prima Tel Aviv. Most of the city’s cultural sites are within easy reach from the hotel. The hotel is also surrounded by fun bars and well-known restaurants and is the perfect spot to begin a Tel Aviv pub crawl. Just five minutes away is Dizengoff Street, the main shopping hub of the city.
Inspired by the culture and art of the White City, the hotel has a chic and tasteful design that is intimate and cozy. Guests can choose to stay in a single small room, the bigger superior rooms or the spacious deluxe sea view rooms. Free wifi is offered in all rooms which are air-conditioned and stocked with the basic necessities to make your stay more comfortable. The hotel also has a restaurant which overlooks the Mediterranean and an art gallery that showcases contemporary local art.
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Hilton Tel Aviv
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In the heart of Independence Park, overlooking the blue of the Mediterranean Sea you’ll find the luxurious Hilton Hotel. A stone’s throw from the gay-popular Hilton Beach, this five star is possibly one of the most popular gay hotels in Tel Aviv, providing you with the ultimate gay Tel Aviv experience. Popular gay bars and gay nightlife are all within walking distance from the hotel. It’s also a short stroll from the hotel to the shopping centers and cultural landmarks of the city. If you want a break from all the gay parties and the beach we suggest joining the Modern Tel Aviv Walking Tour to discover more about the city.
Once back at the hotel you can pamper yourself at the spa. The hotel itself has enough amenities and facilities to keep you ‘homebound.’ The newly renovated contemporary rooms provide amazing sea views from private balconies. The spacious executive rooms and suites are also tastefully furnished and equipped with modern amenities. For a break from the waves, you can relax at the semi-Olympic saltwater pool with a decked terrace or at the regular swimming pool.
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The Drisco
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If you’re looking for something classy with a touch of history, then The Drisco will definitely bowl you over. This luxurious hotel located in the trendy Noga neighborhood at the border of Tel Aviv and Jaffa predates the city of Tel Aviv by 40 years. Built in 1866, the hotel was the first prestigious hotel outside the former gates of Jaffa. However, by the 1950s it was no longer in use. After a massive renovation, the beautiful heritage hotel now welcomes modern-day travelers to indulge themselves.
You can take your pick from 42 luxurious rooms and suites, tastefully designed to suit various tastes. Featuring lavish king-sized beds adorned with Egyptian cotton bedding and linen, a Carrara marble bathroom with a walk-in rain shower and other amenities, the rooms are comfortable and cozy. The hotel also has a wide range of tailored services such as a restaurant, a bar, in-room dining, rooftop deck, and spa treatments. The iconic neighborhood of Neve Tzedek is less than a kilometer from the hotel as is the Jaffa Flea Market, while the Independence Hall Museum is about 2km away.
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Poli House Tel Aviv
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Poli House is another gay hotel in Tel Aviv that puts you close to all the action. Whether its the local attractions, Rothschild Boulevard, the pulsating nightlife or the Carmel Market, you’ll find it all within walking distance from this rather funky hotel that is part of the Brown Hotels. Whilst the D.T.M Gay Bar is about a 10-minute drive away, Apollo is hardly a 3-minute walk. Just a few minutes’ walk from the trendy Florentin district, the Bauhaus architectural style of Poli House definitely stands out.
Within its interiors, you’ll find quirky yet futuristic touches such as egg-shaped yellow and pink lounge chairs and corridors with digital swirl patterns and LED screens. A heated rooftop swimming pool with a sun deck and lounge area is extremely popular with guests. There’s also a rooftop spa and a small sauna and hot tub. All the rooms are air-conditioned and fitted with a flat-screen TV and offer free wifi. Large windows and a glass-walled bathroom add character to the otherwise minimalist rooms. Breakfast is served at a cafe adjacent to the hotel.
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The Setai Tel Aviv
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If you’re looking for a gay-friendly hotel with a difference, we recommend The Setai. Sitting on 900 years of preserved history, The Setai Tel Aviv is another great hotel with one of the sexiest rooftop pools in the city. It’s hard to imagine that this snazzy gay friendly hotel in Tel Aviv was once a stone-clad fortress and Ottoman prison. Sharing space with the famous Jaffa Clock Tower, the hotel is situated along a bustling roundabout, with its length running parallel to the coastline. The beach is just across the street from the hotel. Late-night bars and restaurants and the Jaffa Flea Market are hardly two minutes away whilst the popular DTM Gay bar is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
The hotel has plenty of amenities such as a spa with Turkish hammam, a beauty salon, and a gym but the standout feature is the rooftop infinity pool. Rooms are comfortable and equipped with a mini-fridge, coffee machine, and free wifi. The bathrooms are also tastefully designed with bathtubs and separate rain showers. Although the hotel has a restaurant and lobby bar, the Sunset Lounge is the place to hang out for some complimentary bites and wine.
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The Jaffa
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InTel Aviv’s hip Jaffa neighborhood, you’ll find The Jaffa, a gay-friendly hotel set on a hilltop. What makes this hotel special is the history behind it. This 19th-century building was a former monastery and hospital. Today, however, the luxurious interiors are a far cry from its stark past. The friendly staff at the hotel will be more than happy to regale you with stories of its past.
Within walking distance from the hotel are the Jaffa flea market and a cluster of cocktail bars and concept stores. Sauna Paradise is about a ten-minute drive from the hotel. There’s a lot to explore in and around the area. The hotel also offers panoramic views of the ancient Jaffa port and the Mediterranean Sea. If the view from the hotel doesn’t charm you, we recommend the Tel Aviv Balloon Flight. It’s for those who would like to combine an adrenaline rush with beauty.
The rooms are spread across the historic structure and the new wing. But although they may differ in style, tall windows and high ceilings are the hallmarks. Neutral colors and a few extra touches like televisions built into bespoke mirrors and backgammon boards add to the charm. The hotel also has an outdoor pool with a distinctly adult-centric feel. Find the expansive spa tucked away in the lower levels of the hotel, away from the restaurants and lobby.
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Brown TLV Urban Hotel
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Although most travelers converge on Tel Aviv to enjoy the beach vibe, the coty center’s also a great place. With a lot of happening places within the city, you’ll enjoy your stay at the gay friendly hotels in Tel Aviv. The Brown TLV Urban Hotel is situated in the midst of Tel Aviv’s south-central Lev Hair district. Rothschild Boulevard, the cultural and financial center of the city is situated on one side. And on the other side, you’ll find the UNESCO World Heritage ‘White City.’
The outstanding Bauhaus architecture is what makes this area of the city so special. To discover more of what the city has to offer we suggest the Tel Aviv Urban Tour. Also within walking distance is the hip neighborhood of Neve Tzedek. The beach and the best gay clubs of Tel Aviv are also nearby. Sauna Paradise is less than 500 meters away while Shpagat is just around the corner from the hotel.
The hotel itself has a fantastic bar and a rooftop deck with an open-air Jacuzzi bathtub. In the summer the Rooftop Bar is open in the summer evenings for cocktails and private parties. Rooms at the Brown TLV Urban are well designed. The designer bathroom in black marble includes a hydromassage shower. The pricier rooms have bathrooms outfitted with a double Jacuzzi bathtub and a private balcony. You can even avail of in-room spa treatments.
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Inta Hotel
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Tel Aviv’s first ‘urban gay hotel’ is the Inta Hotel, located in Jaffa. Housed in a restored Ottoman building dating back to the 1920s, the hotel is chic and comfortable. It’s just a short walk away from the beautiful Tel Aviv beaches, the old heart of Jaffa and trendy Florentine. The iconic flea market, Shuk Hapishpishim, is also a 5-minute walk from this dedicated gay hotel in Tel Aviv. There are plenty of gay bars in the vicinity. However, the Inta Lounge Bar at the rooftop is also a great place to hang out. With various gay events such as queer cabaret nights and live art performances, you’ll definitely enjoy your time here.
Rooms at the Inta are spacious and uniquely designed to make them aesthetically appealing. The rooms are a fusion of the trendy lifestyle of Tel Aviv with the timelessness of Jaffa. The deluxe rooms can accommodate up to 4 people. Meanwhile, the superior rooms have large leafy terraces with an open view. Guests can enjoy free coffee and tea at the lobby throughout the day.
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Carlton Tel Aviv
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Undoubtedly one of the best gay-friendly hotels to stay at in Tel Aviv is The Carlton. It’s also one of the best hotels in Tel Aviv. It offers a superb location and fantastic amenities. Located on Tel Aviv’s Marina, the hotel puts you close to where most of the gay action is. The Tel Aviv gay beach is within walking distance. But, if you prefer to relax in the hotel we recommend the rooftop pool. It offers stunning views of the surroundings, with a rooftop restaurant and bar.
All the rooms at the hotel have a private balcony, free wifi, and a flat-screen TV. While most would prefer the sea-facing rooms, the view of the city isn’t too bad either. For those wanting to enjoy a ‘king-size’ vacation, the accommodation doesn’t get better than the amazing Presidential Suite. The hotel also has an excellent spa & health club.
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Just So You Know:
- What makes Tel Aviv’s gay nightlife unique is that it is not restricted to specific bars and clubs but revolves around weekly parties. Expect a wild night at these large parties where alcohol flows and restraint is thrown out the window. Be prepared for a night like no other.
- The Israeli Army is LGBT supportive and does not discriminate against the community. Gays can openly serve in all branches of the Israeli Defense Force. The military even recognizes same-sex couples in the cases of widowers or war widows.
- About 25% of Tel Aviv’s population is said to be gay, which is a huge number for a city of 400,000.
Get Some Culture:
- Tel Aviv Pride – One of the most popular pride events in the world, Tel Aviv Gay Pride is held in the first weekend of June every year. The event attracts over 100,000 people from all over who descend on the city to enjoy the wild revelry that is associated with the pride parade in Tel Aviv. You can expect a really wild night out on the town with parties and Pride events happening everywhere. However, if this is your first pride parade, remember that it’s going to be super hot in terms of temperature and people!
Tel Aviv Graffiti Tour – Marvel and learn about the fascinating urban art scene that Tel Aviv is so famous for. Choose this tour of either of the two hippest areas of the city, Florentine or Nahalat Binyamin. This tour will give you a deeper insight into the different street art forms.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Tel Aviv:
- Shpagat – Extremely popular with locals and tourists, Shpagat is touted as one of the best gay bars in the city. During the day it’s a chilled out cafe. But at night it’s one of the liveliest gay bars to hang out at. The bar is spread out across levels. There, find an eclectic atmosphere with some of the best DJs pumping out the best music.
La Boheme – The first cocktail bar of its kind specifically catering to the LGBTQ community. This new gay bar is quickly becoming a popular hotspot. Here you can indulge in an extensive selection of expertly crafted cocktails amidst a laid back atmosphere.
Apolo Club – This men-only gay dance bar and nightclub is another staple on the Tel Aviv gay bar scene. It’s been around for a while and is undoubtedly one of the more popular gay bars with 2 dance floors. It also comes with a darkroom in the basement.
Best Gay Saunas in Tel Aviv:
- Sauna Tel Aviv – Established in 2015, this is one of the more popular saunas in Tel Aviv renowned for its weekend parties. With so many facilities on offer such as a jacuzzi pool, wet sauna and dance floor, to name just a few, it’s no wonder that this sauna is so popular.
- Paradise Sauna – There are only two gay saunas in Tel Aviv and this is one is also quite special with its spa, rich bar and foam parties with dancers. This prestigious, luxurious sauna is also open to bisexual men.
