Hotel Erwin – Gay Friendly Venice Beach Hotel

Hotel Erwin - Gay Friendly Venice Beach Hotel

Oceanfront Gay Friendly Venice Beach Hotel Close to Restaurants, Shops

Venice is different. Sure, it’s California, but it’s an area of California unlike any other; an area that Hotel ERWIN has personified since the ‘70s with its eclectic décor, friendly staff, and predominant location right on the beach and adjacent to the world-famous Venice Beach Boardwalk. 

From our gay friendly Venice Beach Hotel, it’s just an 8-minute walk to trendy restaurants/shops on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and a 10-minute walk to the Venice Canals.

Our colorful rooms feature fun artwork, flat-screen TVs, plus private balconies, some with city or partial ocean views. We also offer suites with separate living and dining areas.

We even offer bikes for guest use!

See the Hotel Erwin Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Venice Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Lesbian Venice, A One Day Itinerary – Once Upon a Journey

Lesbian Venice - Once Upon a Journey

Venice, the city of many canals, beautiful bridges, narrow streets, amazing architecture, and cute balconies. And don’t forget the romantic gondola rides. Plus, the oh so delicious Italian food. Get ready for this one-day itinerary!

This picturesque city was already on my travel bucket list for a long time, and I’m so happy that I could finally see it with my own eyes. Yes, Italy has plenty of beautiful and romantic cities, but Venice is for sure one of the Italian cities you have to visit at least once. No place on earth is like this!

Spend a Day in Lesbian Venice

In this one day in lesbian Venice itinerary, we will you all about the top things to do here. One day is enough time to see the highlights this picturesque city has to offer.

But if you have more time, there are also many other stunning places, like the islands Burano and Murano, that are great to visit. We will tell you all about it. Plus about the transportation in Venice, where to stay in Venice, the best time to go, where to eat, and much more.

Before you go, it’s good to know the city is located on over 110 small islands, which is why there are many canals and bridges!

The city is a pedestrian-only city, so you won’t find any cars, busses, or other motorcycles. The way to get around is by foot or boat.

Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Venice Lesbian Travel Resources

Gay Venice – The Globetrotter Guys

Gay Venice - The Globetrotter Guys

Venice is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

It’s a unique set of archipelago islands, with only boats and gondolas for transport and many beautiful bridges connecting what used to be over hundred individual villages.

Once we had set foot into the city, we immediately fell in love with its charm and felt like we had escaped into some sort of romantic film set.

What’s more, when travelling to Venice, gay travellers like ourselves should feel very welcome. Whilst it may not have a big gay scene, Venice felt safe, gay friendly and put us straight at ease. We had no issues, or even looks, walking around hand in hand and being openly affectionate.

We spent two nights on our ‘gay Venice’ trip and managed to cover plenty of the city whilst still having a relaxing and enjoyable time.

In this guide we have shared our itinerary of how to spend two days in gay Venice as well as a look into gay friendly hotels in Venice, the gay scene, gay rights in Italy and local attitudes.

Full Story at The Globetrotter Guys

Gay Venice Travel Resources

 

Queer Venice for Families – 2TravelDads

queer venice - 2traveldads

When you live in the United States and you think about taking a trip to Europe, your mind darts so quickly from place to place and you start to create an enormous to-do list of sights and experiences you MUST cross off. Venice, Italy is at the top for everybody, I swear, and rightly so. But today you hear stories from everybody who visits of being over-run by tourists and walking through narrow streets in single file lines. Not cool. But we know how to enjoy a stress-free trip to Venice and now you can too.

Known as “la Serenissima”, the most serene, Venice is chalked full of history and beauty. It’s calm and peaceful in the wee hours, and yet it’s crazy and crowded with tourists in the daytime and around famous landmarks. Our method of exploring and tips are sure to help you have a relaxing and unforgettable trip to Venice.

Living on the west coast of the USA, the oldest structures we have anywhere are barely 150 years old, so immediately any fascinating architecture must go on the travel list. And then there is art. In the Seattle area we are inundated with local art (subjects of orca whales, boats, produce, modernism…), so the chance to visit every single museum filled with historic pieces in every city cannot be missed. But here’s some real talk: if you want to enjoy Venice stress free, let yourself be okay with not visiting every single museum.

Oh, and food. I can’t even begin to talk about that, so our friend Kavita will tackle that for us over on her blog. The best food in Venice should be left to the experts. My only thing to say about the food in Venice is that their preparation of seafood is unique in comparison with other places in Italy and at least one meal in Venice needs to be local seafood dishes.

You could say that Venice is a foot traffic nightmare, and you wouldn’t be lying, but that doesn’t mean it has to cause anxiety. Stress free Venice is all about letting the city lead you to the best experiences for YOU.

By Rob Taylor – Full Story at 2TravelDads

Venice Gay Travel Resources

 

Gay Friendly Venice Hotels – The Nomadic Boys

Gay Friendly Venice Hotels - The Nomadic Boys

Venice will always have a special place in the Nomadic Boys’ hearts. It was where we celebrated one of our earlier anniversaries together as a young gay couple, visiting for a romantic weekend. And boy did we love it!

This is the place where you will want to profess your love to your significant other, on a cheesy gondola ride through the picture perfect canals, marvelling at the same buildings James Bond was blowing up in “Casino Royale“.

You can’t beat gay friendly Venice for its charm. It’s world famous for good reason, which is why we chose to spend our first anniversary here. When researching, we stumbled on several gay friendly places to stay both in the city, and around. When choosing where to stay in Venice, it’s also worth considering the area outside the city as there are more options for gay bars and clubs in Padua and Verona than in Venice itself.

Villa Gasparini: unique Venetian villa

This is one of those hidden gems you’ll want to check out. It’s actually located just outside the built up Venice island area in “Dolo”, around 30 minutes by bus. It is a gorgeous Venetian villa, recently refurbished, with just 15 rooms, some with a private Jacuzzi. We particularly love that they have special packages for LGBTQ travellers.

The reason we recommend this for gay travellers to Venice is because from our experience, Venice as beautiful as it is, lacks any gay hangouts. It is city mainly filled with hotels, museums, gorgeous buildings etc, but lacks much local life. For the best gay nightlife when visiting Venice, you’ll want to head to either Padua or Verona, which Villa Gasparini is located near to. Therefore, staying here is ideal for not only being close to the touristic highlights in Venice, but also being close to the best gay hangouts that LGBTQ locals go to like Anima + Hot Dog Club in Padua + Lucla and Romeo’s Club in Verona.

By Stefan Arstis – Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Venice Gay Travel Resources

 

5 Interesting Facts about the Doge’s Palace in Venice – Keep Calm and Wander

Doge's Palace - Keep Calm and Wander

If anything that strikes our minds after hearing the name “Italy”, it is definitely Venice – a city where everything is shrouded in romance and intrigue. Doge’s Palace, in particular, is one of those places.

Here are some interesting facts about it.

1. It exhibits Gothic Architecture

The architectural exuberance of the palace is the first thing that meets the eyes of an onlooker. The building is purely gothic; however, there is a huge influence of the Venetian art; thus, making it Venetian Gothic style.

2. The “White House” in its heyday

This palace was the central government building at its peak time. “Doge of Venice” or the ruler used to live here with his family for his lifetime.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Venice Gay Travel Resources

Ten Things to Do in Venice – Keep Calm and Wander

Venice - Keep Calm and Wander

Lying on 117 small islands, Venice is an Italian haven for tourists, cradling 250,000 residents. I had the pleasure of visiting it last summer. Here’s my list.

1. San Marco Cathedral and Square

A perfect place to people-watch, San Marco square has three famous tourist sites, namely Doge’s Palace, San Marco Cathedral, and Torre dell’Orologio.

2. Doge Palace / Palazzo Ducale

Next to the San Marco Cathedral is a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge Palace or the Palazzo Ducale has served as the seat of the Venetian government in the past. All the remains of that and the gothic past of the palace are all too mesmerizing.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Venice Gay Travel Resources

Basilica Santa Maria della Salute in Venice – Keep Calm and Wander

Basilica Santa Maria della Salute in Venice - Keep Calm and Wander

Standing at the mouth of the Grand Canal, Basilica Santa Maria della Salute ‘s imposing Baroque structure looks like it guards the beautiful city of Venice. Its impressive dome was put in by the survivors of the plague. For their salvation, the city built the church as a dedication to Our Lady of Health/Deliverance (Salute).

One of the survivors of the plague was Titian who died at age 94. Inside, you’ll find 12 of his original paintings hanging at the sacristy.

Unfortunately for me, despite running as fast as I could, the basilica was already closed when I went there. Well, I arrived there at 4:45 PM but they told me that they won’t sell me tickets anymore because they’d be closing soon. And it was my last day in the city, so no more time to go back the next day.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Venice Gay Travel Resources

Rialto Bridge Views – Keep Calm and Wander

Realto Bridge Views in Venice - Keep Calm and Wander

Rialto Bridge is the oldest bridge in Venice that connects San Marco and San Polo areas. It was first but in the 12th century and has been rebuilt so many times since then. There’s no doubt that Rialto Bridge is the most famous bridge and most photogenic of all 4 bridges in the Grand Canal. You can’t speak of Venice without mentioning the Realto Bridge.

Today, no tourists would miss crossing the bridge and leave his footprints without standing on it. It has become one of the city’s most-visited tourist attractions.

As you can see, Rialto Bridge is a covered bridge, which is a good thing, especially under the summer heat.

However, due to constant foot traffic and camwhoring tourists, you might not be able to litter here for a long time. Don’t be selfish. Give others a chance to take their own photos.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Venice Gay Travel Resources

The Mosaics of San Marco Basilica – Keep Calm and Wander

San Marco Basilica - Alain

These mosaics of San Marco Basilica are from 11-th century but they never lose their luster. They’re our windows to Byzantine arts.

Be warned: you can’t take photos inside St. Mark’s Basilica. While there’s no entrance fee, the number of visitors allowed to get inside is controlled, limited. There’s usually a queue outside in the morning and late afternoon. Go inside at lunch time when tourists try to avoid the nasty summer heat. A huge hat or an umbrella can be helpful, too.

One of the most interesting things to ogle at Basilica di San Marco is the presence of mosaics. You can’t miss them. They’re ubiquitous inside and on the facade of this holy place. You’ve got to remember that these mosaics date back from 11th century. Though their colours aren’t as brights as ages ago, they refuse to fade.

Except for the last mosaic (which I took near the entrance), the rest were taken from the facade. The ones that decorate the portals outside are said to be the oldest mosaics of the basilica.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Venice Gay Travel Resources