lesbiantravel.net

When I start looking into a gay hotel, there are a few criteria I look at. I don’t want to write about/recommend something just because they cater to the lesbian crowd, or simply because they’re TAG approved. I look at both the facility itself and the reviews it’s gotten from travelers. I was pleasantly surprised when I found this spot as I scanned the Web for cheap Hawaii deals. Summer is almost gone here, and work is a grind, and a few weeks lying on the beach feels like a necessity these days, rather than a luxury!

I first heard about the Maui Sunseeker Resort being a good lesbian hotel in Hawaii on a message board, then started looking into it more. Located in Kihei on the south shore of Maui, it welcomes travelers of any orientation, but does cater to gays and lesbians.

The Basics:
Pacific Ocean Views (seasonal whale watching)
17 room gay owned and operated hotel
Close to beautiful Little Beach, the Iao Valley, Hana, Lahaina and the volcano, Haleakala
Clothing optional rooftop deck
Two hot tubs
Massage therapy available

From what I read, the cons some travelers mentioned were a lack of bars, shops and attractions near the hotel, so you will need to drive if you stay here. Also, there have been a few mentions of “motor lodge” type accommodations, though there are many, more that say the facilities were amazing, so I guess it depends on the type of room you opt for. Gay and lesbian single Hawaiian travelers may be disappointed, this is definitely more of a couples place.

Wondering where to go if you’re a lesbian in Seattle? I have only been here a few times, but the plan is to head over as summer turns to fall. From the bustling Pike Place market, to the Seattle Centre to the Seattle Art Museum, there is lots to do!

There are also a number of gay and lesbian bars in Seattle, from the leather daddy hangout The Cuff Complex to karaoke spot Changes Tavern. Here are a few of the favorite lesbian-friendly bars in Seattle: Continue Reading »

Right next door to Krave in Las Vegas is the lesbian dance club CandyBar. Well, a lesbian dance club on Saturdays, that is – Krave is the only dedicated gay bar on the Las Vegas Strip. CandyBar sits at 3663 Las Vegas Blvd.

DJs Joey Da Juice and Lisa Pittman spin some great tunes for girls to dance to. This place gets packed a little later in the evening, so hit up one of the many Las Vegas lounges for a pre-CandyBar martini. The crowd really goes wild when the go go dancers take the stage.

If you’re looking for gay and lesbian friendly hotels before your next vacation, what you really need to know is the phrase “TAG approved.” TAG approved hotels are not only gay friendly, but they also have to follow strict employment policies, support the gay community and provide certain services. A hotel or motel must enforce non-discriminatory policies – that includes sexual orientation, treat all hetero and gay or lesbian domestic partners equally, and provide diversity and sensitivity for employees. Finally, employees become watchdogs of its business practices, and can make a complain if these policies aren’t followed. The TAG website also takes complaints from those who have received “gay unfriendly” service. It’s all up on their website, and you can also find a listing of all TAG approved hotels. Find gay and lesbian hotels at TAG.

Empower customers and employees to be “watchdogs” of its gay and lesbian business practices.

San Francisco has so many awesome attractions: ride a cable car, take in the view of the Golden Gate at night, see how prisoners lived at Alcatraz, walk Fisherman’s Wharf…there is so much to see and do. Also, the fact that it’s got such a thriving gay community and was the birthplace of the gay movement is a plus for any gay and lesbian traveler. You can read a bit about Harvey Milk and the Castro Neighbourhood from a previous post.

There are some great gay and gay friendly events in San Francisco each year:

April/May: San Francisco International Film Festival.
May: San Francisco International Arts Festival.
May: Carnaval San Francisco Festival and Grand Parade
June: San Francisco International GLBT Film Festival.
June: San Francisco Pride.
July: San Francisco Theater Festival.
July: Up Your Alley (leather pride event)
Sept.: Folsom Street Fair (world’s largest leather event).
Oct.: Castro Street Fair.

I think the best lesbian bar in San Francisco is the Lexington (3464 19th Street at Lexington). The San Francisco lesbian scene is like many others out there: frequently changing nights at bars and clubs, and different events coming and going. That’s why I like the Lexington, it’s a lesbian bar seven days a week. It’s surprising as I think it’s the only fully lesbian bar in San Francisco.

If you visit the Lexington on a weekend, it is packed, mainly with lesbians, but with some guys and hetero couples as well. That was the major drawback I noticed, you have to wade through people to get to the washroom. It’s a smaller place, so it fills up fast.

There’s a very fun, vibrant, laid back vibe here, a few people dance but more just sit and enjoy cocktails or play pool. It’s got the friendly, neighbourhood pub feel to it, rather than an upscale lounge or dance spot. What do you think?