Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Once summer hits, there’s one place in New York State you have to visit: Gay Fire Island. Famous for its gorgeous beaches, gorgeous sea, and gorgeous men, this tiny island has everything you need for a classic weekend break.
A long-established gay Mecca, this island just below the coast of Long Island has provided joy in the sun with beautiful people for decades. Here you can find national parks, car-free communities and vibrant gay nightlife.
Neighborhoods like Cherry Grove – America’s First Gay and Lesbian Town – and Fire Island Pines are the areas most strongly associated with the gay community on Fire Island. LGBT people from New York flock here every summer — and it’s easy to see why. While these fabulous LGBT havens are some of the most popular places to stay, you can enjoy gay-friendly stays and all the fun and freedom your heart desires anywhere on the island.
So if you’ve decided you need a weekend break, this is the place to go. If you prefer the luxury of a hotel to a faded beach house, we have some suggestions for the best Fire Island gay hotels to stay or play in…
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The Belvedere Guest House for Men
You’ll see the white towers of the Belvedere as you approach Fire Island on the ferry. Its palatial front offers spectacular views of the bay, and you can enjoy amazing sunsets from its terrace or front deck.
It’s men only, and the pool and sundecks are clothing-optional, so if you’re looking for an open and friendly weekend away, this is the place to go. The staff is renowned for their approachability and welcome; you’ll be sure to feel at home.
There’s a wide range of rooms to suit any budget – if it’s a trip for a special occasion, splash out on a luxury room, preferably with a view of the sea. There’s even a complimentary breakfast on offer each Sunday if you need some sustenance to recover from your wild Saturday night!
The Cherry Grove Beach Hotel
Reopened in 2017 after extensive renovation work required by a fire that destroyed much of the building, the Grove Hotel is a charming clapboard building with peaked roofs decorating its skyline. It is right in the heart of Cherry Grove, so a perfect destination for weekend visitors who want to be in the middle of the action.
Enjoy the good-sized pool before popping next door to the Ice Palace nightclub. Or if clubbing isn’t your scene, there are plenty of nearby cafes, bars and shops to keep you entertained for your weekend (or longer!).
The Madison Fire Island Pines
The Madison is a more low-key yet glamorous option among the Fire Island gay hotels. There’s a modern and beautiful building set in a secluded compound that feels far away from all the comings and goings of the main part of town, even though it’s only a minute’s walk.
Minimal white décor with blonde wooden floorboards creates a clean, contemporary and elegant feel. Every amenity you can imagine is present, from air conditioning and en-suite in every room to pool decks and massages. After a day’s relaxing and pampering, you can stroll down to the beach and watch the sunset. It’s a delightful retreat, perfect for me time or time with that special someone.
The Hotel is run by ShareGurl, a Fire Island company committed to helping a new generation of gays discover and love Fire Island. It’s the affordable option – but don’t let the word ‘affordable’ put you off. This is a true beach hotel, right on the shore, where you can come back after a hot day on the beach, wash that sand off, and then head out for a drink with fellow guests.
There are Standard and Super Rooms, as well as Two Room Suites. We love the bright and breezy blue decorations in the rooms, which is a great reminder of the beach you’re just about to head to! Private bathrooms have plenty of quality toiletries to help you prepare for that Fire Island gay night out!
Fire Island Pines Retreat
Enjoy incredible sea views at this decadent and welcoming Fire Island gay hotel – or, as it terms itself, a gay retreat. There is a range of private suites that are quirkily decorated and have all the extras your heart desires. Community spaces include the saltwater pool, panoramic deck and a living room for when you want to kick back.
It’s right on the beach and offers a range of beach and outdoor activity gear for whatever you might want from your Fire Island stay. There’s also a food plan option, so if you don’t want to go shopping, you can pay $25 per day for unlimited food and drink. Come and stay at this retreat; you might seriously consider relocating to Fire Island.
Pines Bluff Overlook
This charming oceanfront B&B is located right on Ocean Walk, perfect for that morning stroll. With the sounds of the waves crashing in the background, the Pines Bluff Overlook is the perfect choice for a more chilled-out Fire Island weekend break.
No matter what size your room is, they all have private baths and sliding doors out onto the deck area. Enjoy an iced tea on the deck or jump in the rooftop hot tub to completely unwind. The owners are welcoming and go out of their way to make guests feel at home. They are even pet friendly, in case you can’t bear to leave your pooch at home!
Any of these fabulous Fire Island gay hotels offer you the perfect hub where you can enjoy the famous beach life and nightlife – if you even manage to leave the hotel. With these turquoise pools, cool refreshments and the Atlantic on your doorstep, why even head out?
Cleggs Hotel
A waterfront hotel located in Ocean Beach that has been faithfully serving Fire Island’s tourists since 1946. Clegg’s Hotel resembles a sailor’s rooming house with charming, country blue decor, and while it is not exclusively gay, it is a very popular LGBT-friendly Fire Island hotel option!
Facing the Great South Bay, steps away from all the town’s offerings and just a five-minute walk from the Atlantic Ocean, it is no wonder Clegg’s Hotel has so many faithful customers who love this quaint hotel for its peaceful and simple atmosphere while being located near everything of desire.
Gay Hotel Map Of New York
Feeling a bit lost while planning your journey to New York? No worries, darling! Our detailed LGBTQ+ tailored map is here to guide you. We’ve pinpointed all the vibrant gay-friendly bars, exhilarating clubs, extravagant parties, cozy hotels, relaxing saunas, and soothing massage parlors to ensure you find the perfect spot.
And these aren’t just any spots; we’re talking about the creme de la creme of locations in the heart of the city’s vibrant gay scene. Think panoramic views, easy access to nightlife, and all the amenities to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
But hold on to your feather boas! These hot spots are so fabulous they vanish quicker than a drag queen’s five o’clock shadow. Don’t delay; book now to secure the best deals and locations. Remember, the early bird catches the best deals in New York! So, pack your rainbow flag, and get ready to experience the ultimate gay-friendly holiday in New York.
