Tajinaste Beach Gay Men Only is a small apartment complex tucked between the Yumbo and Playa del Inglés beach, so you don’t have to choose between nights out and easy days by the sea. There are only a handful of apartments, giving the place a much quieter and more independent feel than the big resorts. Each has its own kitchen and living space, while the shared pool and terrace provide somewhere to relax without much fuss. The Yumbo is around a ten-minute walk away, and the beach is even closer. GayMapper tip: a good fit if you prefer a small, low-key men-only stay and are happy looking after yourself rather than wanting full hotel service.

Beachfront location and serious rooftop space make Meliá Costa del Sol particularly tempting for a sunshine break. The hotel sits directly opposite Bajondillo Beach, close to the gay-popular stretch around Eden, while La Nogalera’s LGBTQ+ bars and clubs are around a ten-minute walk uphill into the centre. There’s plenty to keep you at the hotel during the day. The main outdoor pool overlooks the Mediterranean, while the adults-only Sky & Sea rooftop stretches across more than 1,200 square metres with another pool, bar, restaurant, chill-out areas and Balinese beds. The substantial Thalasso Spa adds a heated seawater pool, sauna, steam room and treatments, and there’s a fitness room too. Rooms are bright and contemporary, with many featuring terraces and sea views. GayMapper tip: One of the strongest choices if you want Torremolinos to feel like a proper beach holiday without sacrificing easy access to the gay nightlife.

One of Seattle’s more distinctive luxury stays, Lotte Hotel Seattle combines a modern glass tower with the beautifully restored historic Sanctuary next door. Philippe Starck designed the interiors, so expect something considerably more individual than the usual five-star business hotel, with playful details, contemporary rooms and excellent city or Elliott Bay views. The downtown location puts the waterfront, Seattle Art Museum and Pike Place Market within easy reach. Seattle’s main LGBTQ+ nightlife is concentrated further east in Capitol Hill around Pike/Pine, so you’ll normally want a short ride there for a night out. Facilities are suitably strong: Le SPA de l’hôtel LOTTE has treatment rooms, sauna and steam room, there’s a 24-hour gym, and the 16th-floor Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge combines Pacific Northwest cooking with big views. GayMapper tip: Request a higher-floor room if views matter — they’re a major part of the experience here.

Baseball fans barely need directions from San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter – Petco Park is right there. Everyone else gets the same advantage in different form: restaurants, Gaslamp nightlife, the convention centre and waterfront are all easily walkable. The real reason to remember this Marriott is 22 floors up. ALTITUDE Sky Lounge looks across Downtown, the bay and directly into Petco Park, making it one of the better hotel rooftops in the city. Downstairs, Soleil@k handles breakfast and Latitude Lounge takes over for cocktails and casual food later on. There’s also no resort fee, which feels increasingly refreshing in California. Hillcrest’s LGBTQ nightlife is a quick drive north rather than part of the immediate neighbourhood. GayMapper tip: Time ALTITUDE for a Padres game or sunset – even non-baseball people may suddenly develop an interest in the view.