By Tommy Burson, trivago — Who takes a gaycation in the Deep South? Why would you ever venture to flyover country for the drag bars? The LGBTQ renaissance.
Michigan’s Bible Belt has its own Fire Island. Columbus, Ohio’s drag scene is among the largest in the country. And Salt Lake City, Utah has an up-and-coming LGBTQ scene that may soon rival those on the coasts. Cities like Richmond and Columbus may not register on your gaydar like San Francisco and NYC, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have plenty to offer gay travelers.
Salt Lake City, Utah
The LGBT community and the Mormon church hasn’t always seen eye-to-eye. Although the LDS has long-advocated against gay marriage, that doesn’t mean they’re against gay rights. In fact, Utah is one of the first states to pass a comprehensive anti-discrimination law that protects LGBTQ individuals–and they passed it under a Republican supermajority. This agreement has helped reinvent SLC into a premier gay destination in the Rockies, and a unique city of contrasts where devout Mormons parade down Harvey Milk Blvd.
The Coolest Hotels In Salt Lake City
Take your pick of SLC’s most interesting places to spend the night whether you are with the fam jam, planning on hitting the slopes or just looking to rekindle some romance! The are some of the most romantic hotels in Salt Lake City!
Romantic roleplay with themed rooms
At the Anniversary Inn, pick your night’s adventures from rooms like the Mysteries of Egypt, Arabian Nights, Swiss Family Robinson, Rich’s Drive Inn, Romeo and Juliet or Sleeping Beauty’s castle and let the romance flow! Way less cheesy (other than the complimentary cheesecake) and way more fun than one would expect.
Modern love
Stay in the heart of the city in the modern boutique Hotel Monaco, part of the Kimpton chain. You can even bring the dogs — yes, even the trio of Great Danes. Their onsite restaurant Bambara was recently named the best restaurant in the city offering a tantalizing bistro style menu.
Dreams of breakfast
The Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Downtown breakfast will have you dreaming for weeks — free with your stay, you’ll enjoy things like hot breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit and juices after a marvelous sleep on the very cushy signature Hyatt beds.
Historical comfort
The Peery Hotel is the old dame of Salt Lake City exuding an air of quiet grace and modern comforts. The beautiful interior is charming and reminiscent of old world Europe but with complimentary WiFi and breakfast in the morning.
Salt Lake City romance
The Grand America Hotel is swashed in classic rococo opulence: Italian marble, hand-blown crystal, and heavy antique furniture. The hotel is famous for its Sunday brunch service in the inner manicured gardens of the courtyard. You’ll be able to gorge on everything from crepes and omelets to paella and carved meat.
The not so-little hotel America
The 850 room not-so Little America Hotel has a prime downtown Salt Lake City location along with the city’s biggest indoor/outdoor pool. It’s only an hour away from some of the best skiing in the country too if you’re looking for a trip where you can combine city time with fresh powder.