5* Conrad Fort Lauderdale

The Grand remains one of our favourite Fort Lauderdale stays because it combines the easygoing social feel of a gay men’s resort with a location just a couple of blocks from the beach. It’s now closely connected with the wider Worthington resort complex, giving guests access to multiple pools, hot tubs and tropical courtyards. The full-service men’s spa is another reason people return, whether you want a massage or simply a haircut before heading out. Sebastian Street gay beach is an easy walk, while Wilton Manors is better reached by rideshare in the evening. GayMapper tip: a particularly strong all-rounder if you want a gay resort, the beach nearby and enough going on at the property to enjoy a lazy day without leaving.

Inn Leather knows exactly who it’s for. This men-only, clothing-optional guesthouse has long been part of Fort Lauderdale’s leather and Levi scene, with a relaxed, sex-positive atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to socialise. The location south of Downtown is especially handy if you’re arriving for a cruise, with Port Everglades close by, while Las Olas, Sebastian Street beach and Wilton Manors are all straightforward rideshares. There are also everyday restaurants and shops within walking distance. Rooms range from studios to larger suites, and yes, the famous sling in every room remains very much part of the setup. GayMapper tip: choose it for the leather-community atmosphere and sociable, adults-only vibe rather than proximity to Wilton Drive.

Casa Hermès puts you right in Wilton Manors but takes a very different approach from the larger clothing-optional resorts. It’s an intimate, design-conscious gay guesthouse with just a few rooms and particularly hands-on hosts. Wilton Drive and its bars, restaurants and cafés are just steps away, so evenings couldn’t be easier. Back at the house there’s a clothing-optional saltwater pool, hot tub and peaceful garden, while the homemade Mediterranean-style breakfast gets plenty of attention from returning guests. The small scale makes it feel more like being welcomed into a very stylish private home than checking into a hotel. GayMapper tip: a great splurge for couples who want Wilton Drive on the doorstep but prefer personal service and a calmer atmosphere at home.

Cabanas gives you the gay-resort experience in Wilton Manors without putting you directly on the bustle of Wilton Drive. It sits beside the water in a lush, private setting, with the bars and restaurants of the gayborhood only a short trip away. There are two distinct pool areas — one more sociable, the other deliberately quieter — so you can choose the mood rather than having it chosen for you. The clothing-optional setup, hot tub, tiki bar and men’s spa make it easy to spend an entire day here without getting bored. Staff get particularly warm feedback from repeat guests, which suits the friendly, unpretentious feel. GayMapper tip: a good match if you want both the social side of a gay men’s resort and easy access to Wilton Manors nights out.

BeachPlace Towers is a useful option if you want a mainstream beachfront stay but also want Sebastian Street gay beach close by. The location puts you right amongst the restaurants, bars and general holiday bustle of Fort Lauderdale Beach, with the sand directly across the road. One- and two-bedroom villas have proper kitchens, living space and laundry facilities, which can work especially well for friends travelling together or a longer beach stay. Wilton Manors is still a rideshare away, but you’ll have plenty within walking distance on beach days and quieter evenings. GayMapper tip: a practical choice for friends or longer stays when space and a great beach location matter more than having a dedicated gay-resort atmosphere.

Alcazar is part of the large Worthington resort complex just behind Fort Lauderdale Beach, so staying here gives you much more than a standalone guesthouse. Garden walkways connect the different buildings, pools and courtyards, creating a sociable gay-men-only resort where it’s easy to meet people without feeling obliged to join in. Sebastian Street gay beach is only around a five-minute walk away, which is the big attraction of staying on this side of Fort Lauderdale. Wilton Manors and its bars are a rideshare away, so you can have the beach during the day and head to The Drive when you fancy a bigger night out. The resort is clothing optional and adults only, with a broad mix of couples and solo travellers. GayMapper tip: a great beach-side choice if you want the social atmosphere of a proper gay resort rather than a mainstream hotel.