GLBT Travelers - Any good SPG hotels (in / near gay areas or cities)

I'm dying to get out of town and have some Starwood points I'd like to use. Just wondering if anyone had suggestions or knowledge of Starwood hotels that are in or around the community in any large city. I'm flexible on destination and would like to stay someplace where I can walk to restaurants, bars, and nightclubs (I'd prefer not to rent a car).

I enjoyed the Westin River North in Chicago, nice rooms, not nearly as gigantic a hotel as the downtown Sheraton overall. Walkable to most all restaurants and shopping areas.

Internationally, London's Le Meridien Piccadilly is at the edge of Soho. You will be at any gay bar within a 5-min walk. If you're Plat, then you can have a great breakfast in the lounge with your newly-made friend. ;)

Sheraton Tel Aviv is my favorite. You can talk a walk down to Rothschild Boulevard for all the extracurricular gay activities. And the hotel itself, right on the beach, has stunning views.

In NYC, there is the Four Points Chelsea - also a few minutes' walk.

In Boston, Westin Copley Place. Typical Westin; amazing location - both for the gay district, South End, and for all the city's attractions.

Westin in Key west is a great walking area. And yes the Tel Aviv Sheraton is in a good location as well.

Thanks for the suggestions guys! Is Tel Aviv relatively safe these days? I'm a bit hesitant to travel anywhere in the Middle East given all the violence in the area.

Thanks for the suggestions guys! Is Tel Aviv relatively safe these days? I'm a bit hesitant to travel anywhere in the Middle East given all the violence in the area.

You put too much stock in US media reports, which enjoy sensationalizing sporadic reports of sporadic violence. Tel Aviv is probably the safest place in the Middle East. The city itself feels like any city on the MEditerranean in France or Italy. Friendly people, good food, nice beaches, laid back atmosphere (as contrasted with the in-your-face piety of Jerusalem).

Speaking of Jerusalem, it's about a 45 minute drive from Tel Aviv if you feel like getting a dose of 3000 years of history.

Go to Tel Aviv and enjoy yourself!

You put too much stock in US media reports, which enjoy sensationalizing sporadic reports of sporadic violence.

Probably so. It just never crossed my mind to venture anywhere in the Middle East in the near future but Tel Aviv could be a great destination. I also read that some countries won't let you in with a Israeli stamp in your passport, but those aren't places I'd probably go.

Most W's have a "Pride" package rate that can be both a good deal and include some fun perks.

Probably so. It just never crossed my mind to venture anywhere in the Middle East in the near future but Tel Aviv could be a great destination. I also read that some countries won't let you in with a Israeli stamp in your passport, but those aren't places I'd probably go.

You can ask that Israeli immigration give you a stamp on a separate piece of paper so there is no trace in your passport - that's what they did on our cruise last year.

I like the Le Meridien on Surawong in Bangkok.

Even though Honolulu doesn't have a gay district, the Royal Hawaiian is an indulgent place to redeem your miles. The Sheraton Waikiki next door was recently renovated, too. Both are beachfront properties and have terrific views of gorgeous surfers and sunbathers, and the adults-only infinity pool at the Sheraton is nice.

Not a traditional city trip, but if you are looking to visit a cool mid-size city with a vibrant gay life and a very vibrant night life, the W Austin is very well located.

... Just noticed that the OP may be a Dallas lawyer. If that is the case - the W Austin is a good suggestion for non-Texans :)

Yes, I can say with certainty Austin is a great city :) In fact if a non-Texan were to visit I would say that would be the best city to go to. When friends visit Dallas I struggle to find anything interesting to do besides take them to nice steakhouses.

I went to Dallas for the first time in April '11 - I didn't hate it. I really liked the Nasher Museum. And Dealey Plaza was important to see. After that, it was less steakhouses than BBQ I craved (We ended up at Peggy Sue and that scratched the itch nicely.)

The Sheraton in Nashville! awesome city!

The Sheraton Maria Isabel in Mexico City is across the street from Zona Rosa, the main gay district. The W Mexico City isn't far away (but not walking distance).

The W London Leicester Square is also right in the heart of Soho and near the action.

The Westin Sydney is a short walk from Oxford St.

I'm a real fan of the Minneapolis W - The Foshay. It's a great hotel with a lot of history and an easy walk to the gay bars/clubs in Minneapolis. Plus, if you haven't been, Minneapolis may be the most underrated US city.