While many hotels have made great strides toward equality, some have really gone the extra mile when it comes to welcoming the LGBTQIA+ community.
What does Pride look like for these hotels and resorts? Actively welcoming LGBTQIA+ travelers and celebrating Pride milestones year-round, not just in June. Creating special LGBTQIA+ travel vacation packages that cater to the community. Speaking up about legislation and initiatives. Sponsoring community support groups to help the most vulnerable.
At American Express Travel, inclusivity is at the heart of what we do, from our internal processes to the properties we include in Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection, and beyond. In March of this year, we joined the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) as its first financial services global partner, to further our commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community.
John Tanzella, President & CEO of IGLTA, says increasing visibility, representation and safety for LGBTQIA+ travelers is crucial, and that LGBTQIA+-friendly hotels are a key part of this.
“It’s often hotels and other tourism businesses that lead the way in creating welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ travelers, even when governments lag behind,” Tanzella says. “This commitment to developing safe spaces not only allows LGBTQIA+ travelers to explore the world without fear, but also leads to greater understanding of LGBTQIA+ people within local communities.”
We’ve selected seven hotel and resort groups that are going above and beyond to show their Pride and welcome LGBTQIA+ travelers. Whether or not you’re a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, show your support by traveling to one of these inclusive Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection properties.
The world’s largest independent hotel brand, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, shows its commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community year-round with its Preferred Pride collection. These properties welcome the LGBTQIA+ community into inspiring atmospheres that celebrate diversity from check-in to check-out.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts also gives back to the community through its participation in programs such as Jeffrey Fashion Cares, Aspen Gay Ski Week, IGLTA Global Convention and GMHC, which works to end the AIDS epidemic. The brand has also donated more than $300,000 worth of hotel stays for silent and live auctions that have benefited LGBTQIA+ charities. From the elegant XV Beacon Hotel in Boston to the stately Cavallo Point Lodge in California, both of which are Fine Hotels + Resorts® properties, Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio of LGBTQIA+-friendly properties has you covered.
Hilton Hotels has proudly shown its support for the LGBTQIA+ community for years. A Platinum-level IGLTA Global Partner since 2010, Hilton has been recognized in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation Corporate Equality Index as one of the best places to work for LGBTQIA+ equality for nine years in a row. As an ally to the community, the hotel brand has also included LGBTQIA+ couples in its advertising and been vocal about depicting its guests’ diversity. Hilton has always openly welcomed LGBTQIA+ travelers around the world, encouraging guests and team members alike to embrace their true, authentic selves and travel proud.
Many Hilton hotels around the country celebrate Pride with specially themed foods and curated cocktails, rainbow light shows, Pride picnic baskets, and more. Head to the historic in Chicago, Hilton Los Cabos or Conrad New York Downtown for a refreshing, LGBTQIA+-friendly escape.
Hyatt celebrates Pride every day, and the proof is in the perfect score it’s maintained since 2005 on the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. The hotel brand has worked with various LGBTQIA+ organizations, including GLAAD and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and it's been a Gold-level IGLTA Global Partner since 2009.
Hyatt was also the first major hospitality company to offer domestic partner benefits and include gender reassignment as a covered benefit. For a luxurious LGBTQIA+-friendly getaway, stay at the sleek and sophisticated Andaz 5th Avenue in the heart of New York, or the stately historic landmark The Driskill in Austin, Texas, both properties in the The Hotel Collection.
Marriott International proudly supports the LGBTQIA+ community and has a longstanding commitment to diversity, inclusion and social good. The hotel brand has earned and maintained a perfect 100% score on the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index for over a decade, which designates it as one the “best places to work for LGBTQ+ people.” A consistent champion for LGBTQIA+ equality, Marriott welcomes all, regardless of race, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, faith or ability. Consider staying at Chicago’s glamorous Art Deco gem The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, or the gorgeous Noelle, in the heart of Nashville.
IHG® Hotels & Resorts has a history of celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community with colorful Pride packages and partnerships with national and local organizations that provide ongoing support for the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a corporate partner and board member of the National Diversity Council, Rainbow-level sponsor of the annual Atlanta Pride Festival, and Gold-level sponsor of the Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Last year IHG® Hotels & Resorts celebrated its seventh year in a row of being recognized by the HRC Foundation as a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQIA+ Equality,” and maintained its perfect score of 100 on the Corporate Equality Index. IHG® Hotels & Resorts has continued to build on its Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, and joined a business community coalition to advocate for the passage of Georgia’s Hate Crime Bill, which was signed into law in June 2020. Book a stay at Kimpton EPIC Miami, an extravagant downtown paradise that truly lives up to its name, or the luxury Bay City sanctuary InterContinental San Francisco, which is part of The Hotel Collection.
Since its founding in San Francisco in 1981, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants (a part of IHG Hotels & Resorts) has been consistently “proud and loud” in its support of the LGBTQIA+ community. A Silver-level IGLTA Global Partner since 2019, Kimpton recognizes the importance of providing a safe space. The hotel brand has been involved in fundraisers for over a decade as the Premier National Hotel Partner of The Trevor Project, the crisis and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQIA+ youth. The brand also shares a range of information about LGBTQIA+-friendly travel locations on its website. Book a stay at the art-filled Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, Chicago’s historic Kimpton Gray Hotel or Montana’s modern adventure basecamp Kimpton Armory Hotel.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is part of the Accor Group, which has also been a Platinum-level IGLTA Global Partner since 2021. While it may have a smaller footprint in the US, with 20 properties, it has a growing influence in LGBTQIA+ travel. Many of the hotel brand’s properties take part in LGBTQIA+ events and programs, from Fairmont Pittsburgh hosting LGBTQIA+ wedding receptions, to the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa partaking in the annual Gay Wine Weekend. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, a Fine Hotels + Resorts® property in Seattle, has also been praised as a great LGBTQIA+ family-friendly getaway with an excellent high tea. There is no shortage of love for the LGBTQIA+ community here!
*Terms and Conditions
Fine Hotels + Resorts Program: Fine Hotels + Resorts® (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer, Business, and Corporate Platinum Card® Members and Centurion® Members (Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. The average total value of the program benefits is based on prior-year bookings for stays of two nights; the actual value varies. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of experience credit varies by property; the experience credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the experience credit. Advance reservations are recommended for certain experience credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amount will be applied at check-out. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change.
The Hotel Collection Program: The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Gold Card, Platinum Card® and Centurion® Members (Delta SkyMiles® Gold and Platinum Card Members are not eligible). Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. Room upgrade is subject to availability and is provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of experience credit varies by property; the experience credit will be applied to eligible charges up to $100. Advance reservations are recommended for certain experience credits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional THC benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke the THC benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your THC benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change.
$200 Hotel Credit: You can earn up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when you use an eligible U.S. Consumer Basic Platinum or Additional Platinum Card to pay for eligible prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel (meaning through AmexTravel.com, the Amex® App, or by calling the phone number on the back of your eligible Card) or when you use an eligible Additional Gold Card on such Platinum Card Account to pay for eligible prepaid bookings for The Hotel Collection made through American Express Travel (meaning through AmexTravel.com, the Amex® App, or by calling the phone number on the back of your eligible Card). Fine Hotels + Resorts® program bookings may be made only by eligible U.S. Consumer Basic Platinum and Additional Platinum Card Members. The Hotel Collection bookings may be made by eligible U.S. Consumer Basic and Additional Platinum Card Members and Additional Gold Card Members on the Platinum Card Account. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card Members are not eligible for the benefit. To receive the statement credits, an eligible Card Member must make a new booking using their eligible Card through American Express Travel on or after July 1st, 2021, that is prepaid (referred to as "Pay Now" on AmexTravel.com and the Amex App), for a qualifying stay at an available, participating Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection property. Bookings of The Hotel Collection require a minimum stay of two consecutive nights. Purchases by both the Basic Card Member and any Additional Card Members on the Card Account are eligible for statement credits. However, the total amount of statement credits for eligible purchases will not exceed $200 on the Card Account per calendar year. Eligible bookings must be processed before December 31st, 11:59PM Central Time, each calendar year to be eligible for statement credits within that year. American Express relies on the merchant to process transactions within the same calendar year that you made the prepaid booking in order to apply the statement credit in the calendar year that it was intended. For example, if you make an eligible prepaid booking on the last day of the year, but the merchant doesn't process that transaction until the next day, then the statement credit available in the next calendar year will be applied to the Card Account, if the purchase is eligible. Statement credits may not be received or may be reversed if the booking is cancelled or modified. Eligible bookings do not include interest charges, cancellation fees, property fees or other similar fees, or any charges by a property to you (whether for your booking, your stay or otherwise). Please allow up to 90 days after an eligible charge is posted to the Card Account for the applicable statement credits to be posted to the Card Account. Call the number on the back of your eligible Card if statement credits have not posted by that time. To be eligible for this benefit, your Card account must not be cancelled or past due at the time of statement credit fulfillment. If American Express does not receive information that identifies your transaction as eligible, you will not receive the statement credits. For example, your transaction will not be eligible if it is a booking: (i) made with a property not included in the Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection programs, (ii) not made through American Express Travel, or (iii) not made with an eligible Card. Participating properties and their availability are subject to change. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit, American Express will not have an obligation to provide and may reverse any statement credits provided to you. Please refer to AmericanExpress.com/FHR and AmericanExpress.com/HC for more information about Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection, respectively.
5X Points for Platinum Card: You will get 1 Membership Rewards® point for each dollar charged for eligible purchases on your Platinum Card® from American Express and 4 additional points (for a total of 5 points) for each dollar charged for eligible travel purchases on that Card (“Additional Points”), minus cancellations and credits. Eligible travel purchases are limited to: (i) purchases of air tickets on scheduled flights, of up to $500,000 in charges per calendar year, booked directly with passenger airlines or through American Express Travel (by calling 1-800-525-3355 or through AmexTravel.com); (ii) purchases of prepaid hotel reservations booked through American Express Travel; and (iii) purchases of prepaid flight+hotel packages booked through AmexTravel.com. Eligible travel purchases do not include: charter flights, private jet flights, flights that are part of tours, cruises, or travel packages (other than prepaid flight+hotel packages booked through AmexTravel.com), ticketing or similar service fees, ticket cancellation or change fees, property fees or similar fees, hotel group reservations or events, interest charges, or purchases of cash equivalents. Eligible prepaid hotel bookings or prepaid flight+hotel bookings that are modified directly with the hotel will not be eligible for Additional Points.
Bonuses you may receive with your Card on other purchase categories or in connection with promotions or offers from American Express cannot be combined with this benefit. Any portion of a charge that you elect to cover through redemption of Membership Rewards points is not eligible to receive points. Additional terms and restrictions apply.
Merchants are assigned codes based on what they primarily sell. We group certain merchant codes into categories that are eligible for Additional Points. A purchase with a merchant will not earn Additional Points if the merchant’s code is not included in an Additional Points category. You may not receive Additional Points if we receive inaccurate information or are otherwise unable to identify your purchase as eligible for an Additional Points category. For example, you may not receive Additional Points when: a merchant uses a third-party to sell their products or services, a merchant uses a third-party to process or submit your transaction to us (e.g., using mobile or wireless card readers), or you choose to make a purchase using a third-party payment account or make a purchase using a mobile or digital wallet.
Please visit americanexpress.com/rewards-info for more information about rewards.
5X Points for Business Platinum Card: You will get one point for each dollar charged for an eligible purchase on your Business Platinum Card® from American Express. You will get 4 additional points (for a total of 5 points) for each dollar spent on eligible travel purchases. Eligible travel purchases include scheduled flights and prepaid flight+hotel packages made online at AmexTravel.com, minus returns and other credits. Additionally, eligible travel purchases include prepaid hotel purchases made through American Express Travel, over the phone with our Travel Consultants or made online at AmexTravel.com, minus returns and other credits. Eligible travel purchases do NOT include non-prepaid hotel bookings, scheduled flights and prepaid flight+hotel packages over the phone, vacation packages, car rentals, cruise, hotel group reservations or events, ticketing service, cancellation or other fees, interest charges, purchases of travelers checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, or purchases of other cash equivalents. To be eligible for the 5x Membership Rewards® points, you must both reserve and charge the travel purchase with the same eligible Business Platinum Card®. To modify a reservation you must cancel and rebook your reservation. You can cancel and rebook your reservation on AmexTravel.com or by calling a representative of AmexTravel.com at 1-800-297-2977. Cancellations are subject to hotel cancellation penalty policies. If hotel reservations are made or modified directly with the hotel provider, the reservation will not be eligible for this 5X Membership Rewards® point benefit. Extra points for air, prepaid hotel, and travel packages will be credited to the Membership Rewards account 10-12 weeks after final payment is made. Bonuses you may receive with your Card on other purchase categories or in connection with promotions or offers from American Express may not be combined with this benefit. The benefits associated with the Additional Card(s) you choose may be different than the benefits associated with your basic Card. To learn about the benefits associated with Additional Card(s) you choose, please call the number on the back of your Card.
Merchants are assigned codes based on what they primarily sell. We group certain merchant codes into categories that are eligible for additional points. A purchase with a merchant will not earn additional points if the merchant’s code is not included in an additional points category. You may not receive additional points if we receive inaccurate information or are otherwise unable to identify your purchase as eligible for an additional points category. For example, you may not receive additional points when: a merchant uses a third-party to sell their products or services; or a merchant uses a third-party to process or submit your transaction to us (e.g., using mobile or wireless card readers); or you choose to make a purchase using a third-party payment account or make a purchase using a mobile or digital wallet.
Please visit americanexpress.com/rewards-info for more information about rewards.
Pay with Points: To use Pay with Points, you must charge your eligible purchase through American Express Travel to a Membership Rewards® program-enrolled American Express® Card. Eligible purchases through American Express Travel exclude non-prepaid car rentals and non-prepaid hotels. Points will be debited from your Membership Rewards account, and credit for corresponding dollar amount will be issued to the American Express Card account used. If points redeemed do not cover entire amount, the balance of purchase price will remain on the American Express Card account. Minimum redemption 5,000 points.
See membershiprewards.com/terms for the Membership Rewards program terms and conditions.
If a charge for a purchase is included in a Pay Over Time balance on your Linked Account the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time balance. Instead the statement credit may be applied to your Pay in Full balance. If you believe this has occurred, please contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card.
Terms and Conditions for the Membership Rewards® program apply. Visit membershiprewards.com/terms for more information. Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice. The value of Membership Rewards points varies according to how you choose to use them. To learn more, go to www.membershiprewards.com/pointsinfo.
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information visit americanexpress.com/travelterms
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