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The Seven Most LGBT+ Friendly Hotels in Toronto for Your 2026 Visit
Whether you're seeking a stylish boutique hotel or accommodation close to the city centre, explore these queer-friendly picks for your 2026 trip to Toronto. Aidy Smith Friday 23 January 2026 08:31 GMT
Toronto's neighbourhoods stand as a profound testament to inclusivity. From the vibrant murals adorning the Church-Wellesley Village to the city-wide Pride celebrations that feel more like a warm embrace than a mere parade, this Canadian metropolis proudly displays its allyship. As a queer traveller, I've come to understand that where you choose to rest is as crucial as the destinations you explore. It transcends plush pillows and champagne at check-in—though those are delightful—it's fundamentally about feeling safe, seen, and celebrated. Whether visiting for Pride Month, a personal milestone, or a much-needed escape, your hotel choice can define your entire journey.
Toronto has long shone as a beacon of progressive values, yet it's the people behind these properties—queer-owned businesses, Rainbow Registered hotels, and affirming front desk staff—that genuinely bring the magic to life. Coupled with Canada's robust legal protections and cultural celebrations of LGBT+ rights, this destination allows you to authentically be yourself. I've curated seven hotels that don't merely tolerate difference but actively celebrate it. Each offers something uniquely special for LGBT+ travellers, whether you desire artistic flair, downtown buzz, or a cosy home-away-from-home.
The Best LGBT+ Friendly Hotels in Toronto for 2026
At a glance:
- Best overall: Chelsea Hotel
- Best for staying steps from the Village: Courtyard Toronto Downtown hotel
- Best for boutique luxury: The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel
1. Gladstone House Hotel
Gladstone House welcomes you like a homecoming. Nestled in the vibrant heart of West Queen West, this iconic Victorian building has been lovingly reimagined into a boutique hotel that wears its LGBT+ legacy with immense pride. For decades, it has served as a gathering place for artists, drag performers, and activists. Today, that dynamic energy still pulses through every corridor. Each room is uniquely designed by a different local artist, many from within the community, ensuring no two stays are alike. Then there's the legendary Melody Bar, where drag brunches, queer cabaret, and late-night dancing are the cherished norm. It's loud, proud, and bursting with creative joy that makes you feel truly alive.
Address: 1214 Queen St West, Toronto
Price: From £152
2. The Anndore House Hotel
The Anndore House exudes effortless style. Positioned just south of Bloor-Yonge, it provides a perfectly placed launchpad for exploring the Church-Wellesley Village, Yorkville, or Downtown Toronto on foot. The rooms feature a distinct vibe with exposed concrete ceilings, vintage-style record players, and Grown Alchemist amenities. This hotel boasts a moody, minimalist flair without appearing overly try-hard. However, what truly distinguishes this spot for LGBT+ travellers is its Rainbow Registered status. This stamp isn't merely a badge; it signifies that the entire team has undergone training to deliver safer, more welcoming experiences for LGBT+ guests.
Address: 15 Charles Street East, Toronto
Price: From £159
3. The Drake Hotel
The Drake Hotel doesn't just offer a room; it provides a front-row seat to Toronto's creative soul and an open invitation to participate. Located in the heart of Queen West, this hotel is loud in all the right ways. Imagine vibrant street art, rotating in-house galleries, rooftop cocktails, and DJs who masterfully keep the energy alive. From the moment you enter, you sense this place thrives on expression, inclusion, and unapologetic vibes.
The staff are sharp, switched-on, and casually affirming. This inclusivity feels like the default, not a diversity initiative. Whether gallery-hopping by day or dancing under the stars on the rooftop by night, The Drake encourages you to embrace who you are. If your ideal stay includes bold design, electric atmosphere, and queer-friendly energy, this is your scene.
Address: 1150 Queen St. W, Toronto
Price: From £176
4. Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Toronto Downtown Hotel
As a queer traveller who regularly reviews hotels, I notice when one tries too hard or not at all. Hampton Inn & Suites is refreshingly easy-going, with staff making no assumptions. There are no awkward moments, just a team that treats you with genuine warmth.
Not every LGBT+ traveller seeks an artsy boutique experience, and that's where Hampton Inn & Suites excels. Situated just a few blocks from the Church-Wellesley Village, this downtown Hilton delivers precisely what it promises: clean, comfortable accommodations with a refreshingly inclusive attitude. The vibe is more unfussy than flamboyant fanfare, and sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
Address: 300 Jarvis Street, Toronto
Price: From £100
5. Chelsea Hotel
Chelsea Hotel stands as one of those iconic city stays that seems to cater to everyone, emphatically including LGBT+ travellers and families. As Canada's largest hotel with 1,590 rooms, it manages to be grand in scale yet surprisingly thoughtful in its approach to inclusivity. Positioned right in the middle of Downtown, you're minutes from everything: Eaton Centre, Queen Street shopping, and the Church-Wellesley Village.
Inside, the focus is on comfort and convenience. This isn't merely a corporate mega-hotel; it's also Rainbow Registered. This means LGBT+ travellers and families can trust that staff are trained to welcome all guests with respect and awareness. It shows—from check-in to breakfast service, the vibes are consistently inclusive and easy.
Address: 33 Gerrard St W, Toronto
Price: From £110
6. Courtyard Toronto Downtown Hotel
Sometimes you desire the predictability of a trusted hotel brand, coupled with a location and service well-suited for LGBT+ travellers. That's precisely what Courtyard Toronto Downtown delivers. As the largest Courtyard by Marriott in the world, it's located right at the gateway to Church-Wellesley Village, Toronto's queer beating heart.
Having stayed here solo, I felt completely at ease. The staff are warm, respectful, and switched-on without being overbearing. It serves as an excellent central base, making it effortless to step out and explore queer Toronto—from its brunch spots to bars and everything in between—then retreat to a comfy bed when ready to recharge.
Address: 475 Yonge St, Toronto
Price: From £132
7. The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel
If you crave five-star finesse without the frosty stares that sometimes accompany it, allow me to introduce The Yorkville Royal Sonesta. Set in Toronto's leafy and elegant Yorkville neighbourhood, this hotel artfully blends art, architecture, and top-tier service, minus any pretension. It's across the street from the Royal Ontario Museum and a short walk from the University of Toronto and the upscale shops on Bloor.
The hotel is also quietly one of the most LGBT+ affirming hotels in the area. It makes you feel seen without making a song and dance of it. So if you seek a grown-up getaway with style, soul, and a solid guarantee that your identity won't be questioned, this one delivers. Think Yorkville elegance, but make it inclusively welcoming.
Address: 220 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Price: From £156
Why Trust Us
Aidy Smith is an award-winning broadcaster, TV presenter, journalist, and inclusivity spokesperson. Aidy writes on food and drink and presents Amazon Prime's award-winning The Three Drinkers series, while also serving as The Independent's LGBT+ and neurodivergence travel specialist. As the only global TV presenter with Tourette syndrome and a proud inclusivity advocate, he aims to offer wisdom and inspiration to help his community get the very best from their travels. Having visited Toronto multiple times, he provides a personal and informed perspective. When selecting hotels to include, he considered his own experience staying at these properties, evaluating location, facilities, service, and all other details that contribute to an exceptional stay for all types of travellers.
FAQs
When is the best time of year to visit Toronto? The optimal time to visit Toronto is between May and September, when the warm weather reaches its peak.
Where are the most LGBT+ friendly areas to stay in Toronto? Toronto Gay Village remains the most popular area among the city's LGBT+ community.
What is the best LGBT+ nightlife in Toronto? Woodys, Crews & Tangos, and Pegasus On Church rank among Toronto Gay Village's top bars and clubs.
