It’s officially Pride month — and in the spirit of celebrating LGBTQIA+ travel plus all the sparkle that comes with it, Hotels Above Par and Leading Hotels of the World have teamed up to share a highly-curated selection of fabulous independent hotels to stay at when attending some of the globe’s most festive Pride celebrations. Whether you choose glitter (or diamonds), here’s where we recommend visiting and staying for a luxe Pride this year.
São Paulo, Brazil
Pride: June 7-11
São Paulo is often overlooked as most Brazil-bound travelers elect to spend their time in Rio de Janeiro. But this shouldn’t be the case: South America’s largest city brims with culture, from its stature as the continent’s main fashion capital to its wealth of museums, and thriving LGBTQIA+ scene that boasts the Guinness Book of World Records’ largest Pride celebration on record. When here, stay at Hotel Fasano São Paulo Jardins, which occupies a 1940s-style brick edifice in the metropolis’ Jardim Europa district. The interior appears refined: travertine fireplaces & floors, hand-woven carpets, and French leather club chairs are just a portion of the high-echeloned design here. Grab dinner at one of Brazil’s most lauded Italian fine-dining establishments, Restaurante Fasano, then after that, head to the onsite bossa nova & jazz bar Barreto.
Mexico City
Pride: June 23-25
Serving as the capital of Mexico and the country’s cultural hotspot, Mexico City is home to a vibrant atmosphere of museums, restaurants, clubs and local gems — the perfect backdrop to celebrate Pride. Mexico City Pride is known locally as Marcha del Orgullo LGBT de la Ciudad de México. Stay in Polanco — one of the city’s safest and chicest areas. When choosing a neighborhood boutique hotel, opt to book the, luxe 19-room Casa Polanco, which occupies a Spanish-colonial-revival edifice: Mexican artwork, antiquarian spaces, and Egyptian cotton occupy the inside.
Toronto, Canada
Pride: June 23-25
Pride-oriented festivals, pool parties, parades, street fairs, and nightlife institutions are aplenty in Canada’s largest city during June. When here, elect to rest your head at The Hazelton Hotel Toronto: a boutique stay in the metropolis’ oh-so-stylish Yorkville neighborhood. Sleek interiors suffuse various materials: green granite, polished wood, and silver velvet can be found throughout. Spacious guestrooms sport plush furnishings and French doors, and a scheme of greys, browns, and beiges feel omnipresent. If you need a break from the crowds outside, the Spa by Valmont — a lofty French skincare brand that needs to be on your radar — is replete with treatments such as facials, exfoliating body rituals, wraps, body contouring, and massages.
New York City, USA
Pride: June 23-25
New York City Pride is often considered “the pride of all prides.” And with good reason: a long history of impactful events that helped advance LGBTQIA+ rights have occurred here, such as the Stonewall Riots in the 1960s. When in the USA’s most buzzy metropolis, stay at The Greenwich Hotel, which sits in Manhattan’s quiet Tribeca neighborhood. From Locanda Verde — the onsite Italian restaurant by chef Andrew Carmellini — to the Japanese-inspired spa Shbiui Spa — which features five treatment rooms and an expansive fitness center — this urbane slice of serenity serves as an escape from the hustle and bustle (and unending honking horns) that come with a trip to NYC.
Oslo, Norway
Pride: June 23-July 1
Hotel Continental is a storied, upscale stay in Oslo’s locus. Those who love art are in for a treat when staying here: the hotel lobby bar boasts Norway’s most extensive private Munch collection. Among its five restaurants & bars, onsite café Theatercaféen is the most iconic due to its century-old reign as a watering hole for Oslo residents and visitants alike. Those seeking a splurge-worthy place to rest their head should book the Continental Suite, which comprises a corner space, two floors, and an eclectic art collection due to steal your attention.
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