Dorint Kurfürstendamm is a strong option if you want proper five-star comfort in Berlin’s City West rather than staying directly in the gay district. It’s just off Kurfürstendamm, close to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Zoo station and some of the city’s best shopping. Rooms are unusually spacious, starting at around 40 square metres, with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, large bathrooms and plenty of room to unpack properly. There’s a substantial fitness and wellness area with a dry sauna, steam sauna and relaxation facilities, plus restaurant Le Faubourg and a comfortable lounge bar downstairs. Schöneberg’s gay bars are not directly outside, but they’re easily reached by U-Bahn or a short taxi, and the western end of the scene is walkable if you don’t mind a slightly longer stroll. GayMapper tip: a good choice when hotel comfort and space come before being right in the middle of the party.

The Hoxton, Downtown LA makes a convincing case for staying in DTLA rather than automatically defaulting to West Hollywood. Its historic Broadway building sits close to restaurants, theatres, the Fashion District and South Park, with Metro stations within walking distance. The ground floor is lively throughout the day, while the rooftop pool gives you skyline views and a place to switch off above the traffic. Rooms are stylish but intentionally compact, so much of the experience happens in the hotel’s shared spaces and restaurants. WeHo is a journey from here, but Downtown has its own bars and nightlife and works well if your LA plans stretch far beyond the gay strip. GayMapper tip: a good choice if you like busy neighbourhood hotels and want DTLA to be part of the experience rather than somewhere you merely visit.

Tucked into the residential El Vinyet neighbourhood, Hotel Sitges works well if you like being close to the beach but appreciate somewhere calmer than the town centre. The promenade is only around three minutes away, while central Sitges and the main gay nightlife around Plaça Indústria are roughly a 12–15 minute walk. The restored villa has bright, contemporary rooms, many with a terrace, balcony or small private garden. A welcome recent addition is the outdoor swimming pool, alongside a terrace bar and buffet breakfast. There’s also bicycle rental, free Wi-Fi and Utopia restaurant. It’s a pleasant part of town to walk through, and the flat promenade makes the journey into the centre particularly easy. GayMapper tip: A good middle ground if you want quieter nights and quick beach access while still being able to walk to the gay bars rather than relying on taxis.

Overlooking the Old Botanical Garden, The Charles Hotel offers a calmer take on central Munich luxury. Königsplatz, the museums of Maxvorstadt and the Hauptbahnhof are close by, while the Old Town begins just beyond the gardens. Rooms and suites are spacious and elegantly understated, many with views over the park or Munich rooftops. Downstairs, the large spa is a destination in itself, with an indoor pool, sauna, steam facilities and treatment rooms. Florio brings Italian dining and a garden-facing terrace, with the adjoining bar making a good spot for an aperitivo before heading out. Glockenbachviertel isn't immediately outside, but it's straightforward by U-Bahn or taxi and still close enough for a city break that combines nightlife with museums and shopping. GayMapper tip: A strong luxury choice for couples who value space, a proper spa and a quieter setting while remaining firmly in central Munich.