Queer travelers often keep inclusivity top of mind, especially when it comes to choosing a hotel. This fall, Hotels Above Par and Edge Media Network team up to present a monthly series of expert-curated guides to the world’s best LGBTQ+-friendly boutique hotels and destinations. Today, we start with the USA! 🏳️🌈⬇️
The Herwood Inn (Woodstock, NY):
The Herwood Inn is a queer woman-owned boutique inn located in the heart of Woodstock, NY. Each of the four suites pays homage to iconic female musicians: Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Stevie Nicks, and Joni Mitchell. Additionally, the property partners with female, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and minority-owned businesses, a nod to Woodstock's history of inclusivity.
The Garland (Los Angeles, CA):
Founded by actress Beverly Garland in 1972 as the Howard Johnson Motor Lodge, The Garland in North Hollywood, CA, is a boutique hotel with a queer upbringing: It was a safe gathering space for LA's LGBTQ+ community in the '70s and '80s. Beverly's son, James, who took over in 2013, remembers all his parents' parties and the array of queer celebrities who attended. Groovy to its core, James refurbished the hotel and on-site restaurant The Front Yard's '70s California bohemian décor. The Garland hosts Brave Trails Annual Fundraiser—an LGBTQ+ leadership organization—and the Drag Yourself to The Valley show.
The Gaige House (Sonoma Valley, CA):
A tasteful mélange of vintage and contemporary, this Sonoma Valley-located and TAG-approved inn features 23 thoughtfully appointed guestrooms with a modern, Asian flair. Next summer, stay here during the area's Gay Wine Week, which offers queer winemaker dinners, winery tours, and events benefiting local charities.
Clayton Members Club & Hotel (Denver, CO):
Denver-bound travelers will love this TAG-approved hotel's 63 debonair rooms, ambrosial restaurant, and rooftop bar with a connecting pool. The property collaborates with dozens of diverse artists to establish its unique aesthetic, including Black queer ‘Inaugural Poet in Residence’ Don B. Wilson.
