25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin is one of the city’s most enjoyable lifestyle hotels, especially if you want somewhere that feels distinctly Berlin rather than like another international business hotel. It occupies the Bikini Berlin building beside the Zoo, right between Kurfürstendamm and Tiergarten. Rooms are divided between urban-facing and jungle-facing categories, with the latter looking across the zoo and Tiergarten. The playful interiors continue throughout the hotel, and there are even hammocks in some rooms. Upstairs you’ll find the popular NENI restaurant and Monkey Bar, whose huge windows provide some of the best views in City West. There’s also a sauna overlooking the zoo, bicycle hire and excellent public transport from Zoologischer Garten. The Schöneberg gay scene is a short ride or a longer walk away, so choose 25hours for its atmosphere and location rather than immediate nightlife access. GayMapper tip: one for travellers who like their hotel to have a bit of personality.

Right beside Metropolitan Avenue subway station, Hotel Indigo Williamsburg - Brooklyn makes it easy to enjoy Brooklyn without feeling cut off from Manhattan. Williamsburg’s bars, restaurants and galleries surround you, while the alternative LGBTQ nightlife spread across Williamsburg and Bushwick is much closer than the traditional gay scenes of Midtown or Greenwich Village. Inside, local street art and neighbourhood references give the hotel a stronger sense of place than the average chain property. There’s a fitness centre, complimentary bike hire and three places to eat and drink, while the outdoor pool is a major bonus during New York’s warmer months. Larger rooms and suites can also deliver sweeping views over Brooklyn towards Manhattan. GayMapper tip: One of the better choices for a summer Brooklyn trip – particularly if a proper outdoor pool sounds appealing after a hot day exploring the city.

Location really is the star here. Alenti Sitges Hotel sits on Carrer Primer de Maig, right among the streets surrounding Plaça Indústria where much of Sitges’ gay nightlife is concentrated. Walk in the opposite direction and you’ll reach the promenade and beach within a couple of minutes. The hotel itself is much calmer than its lively surroundings suggest. There are 23 bright contemporary rooms with a relaxed Mediterranean style, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and coffee-making facilities. Some of the more indulgent room categories have private terraces and outdoor whirlpool tubs. Up on the roof there’s a small swimming pool, loungers and an honesty bar — perfect for cooling off before getting ready for the evening. GayMapper tip: Few hotels make Sitges quite this effortless. Beach in one direction, the main gay bars in the other, and barely any walking involved in either.

If your idea of queer London leans more Dalston than Soho, Staycity Aparthotels London Dalston puts you right in the middle of it. Dalston Superstore is just along Kingsland High Street, The Divine is nearby and the surrounding streets have an enormous choice of independent bars, restaurants and late-night food. The apartments are particularly useful if you’re staying for more than a weekend, with proper kitchens, dining space and enough room to feel less like you’re living out of a suitcase. There’s also a gym and 24-hour reception. Dalston Kingsland station is around three minutes away, while Dalston Junction gives you another Overground option, so central London is easy to reach even though you’re staying firmly in the East End. GayMapper tip: a great choice if you want London’s more alternative LGBTQ+ scene on the doorstep and are perfectly happy swapping Piccadilly Circus for Kingsland High Street.