What will it take for a giant hospitality brand to be considered one of the most LGBTQ-friendly in the country? These hotels show their support during Pride month, Spirit Day and LGBT-themed milestones (such as the Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality). They have been spotted advertising in LGBT publications and sponsoring non-profit events. They have community-specific packages and special offers and prioritise creating a diverse and inclusive environment for guests and staff.
Here is our list:

Kimpton Hotels

Longtime ally Kimpton is dedicated to positive change by supporting and identifying organizations that can make a difference for the LGBTQ community. In 2014, it became the first major hotel sponsor for The Trevor Project (the nation’s largest organization, a lifeline for LGBTQ youth in crisis and suicide prevention), offering its guests the opportunity to receive a rebate on their room while donating a portion of the rate to the project. Kimpton also has a special section on its website dedicated to updating promotions and packages of interest to LGBT people.

Marriott International

Marriott offers a travel web for its LGBT customers, highlighting popular destinations and events and providing resources for LGBT couples planning a wedding. Marriott has achieved and maintained a perfect 100 score on the HRC CEI, and in 2014, Marriott launched the #LoveTravels campaign, which aims to make every traveler feel comfortable with who they are, wherever they travel. The campaign was led by videos and images starring Jason Collins, the NBA’s first outspoken player, Geena Rocero, a transgender supermodel and its own LGBTQ staff.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Along with advertising in LGBTQ media and offering services and packages for LGBTQ travelers, Starwood brands publicly congratulated LGBTQ couples and their allies on the historic Supreme Court decision upholding marriage equality by posting rainbow-colored of the Starwood’s logo
Starwood’s W Hotels has been a strong ally since its founding more than 15 years ago (it was the first hotel brand to participate in New York City’s annual Pride parade). In partnership with HRC and Jennifer Hudson, W Hotels launched the “Turn It Up For Change” campaign in 2014 to raise awareness and financial support for LGBT rights. As part of the campaign, W Hotels hosted monthly music concerts at properties across the country, with 20% of the proceeds supporting HRC’s work.

Hyatt Hotels

Hyatt Hotels

Hyatt Hotels has retained a perfect score on the HRC CEI since 2005 and was the first major hospitality company to offer domestic partner benefits.

Hyatt has also worked with various LGBTQ organizations, including the IGLTA, GLAAD, and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) over the years. When the Supreme Court decided in favor of marriage equality, the Hyatt-owned Andaz Hotels (a longtime supporter of marriage equality) celebrated on social media with photos of LGBTQ couples. Now, the Andaz West Hollywood hotel is famous for hosting LGBTQ weddings.

Hilton International

Through Stay Hilton. Under the Go Out programme, LGBT travellers to Hilton International can enjoy holiday packages designed for couples, families and singles. The program, introduced in 2012, provides LGBT news and travel tips from out and proud celebrities (such as musician Mary Lambert on what to do in her hometown of Seattle).

MGM Resorts

MGM Resorts, which has over 18 hotels across the US, was the first Las Vegas resort company to market heavily to LGBTQ travellers. The events are amazing too. Luxor offered the city’s original LGBTQ-centric pool party (Temptation Sundays) and Gay Days Las Vegas has been home to Luxor for the past three years.

MGM Resorts has been the premiere sponsor of Las Vegas’ PRIDE parade for a couple of years now, and the resorts’ wedding chapels have long offered same-sex couples marriage ceremonies.

Boana Torre Malibu

Boana Torre Malibu is one of the biggest gay condo-hotels in Puerto Vallarta. Ideally located near the famous gay beach, Playa Los Muertos, you will find streets lined up with restaurants and pubs with an excellent and lively nightlife. They know how to cater to a vast array of individuals that make up the rainbow nation.