Travel suggestion

[Atlantagaguy]

Hi guys, I am stump and needing some help. Where could you suggest I go in November, I will be going alone. I am looking for a place that would be interesting to site-see during the day and have fun at night. A place that I won’t feel alienated, that has good gay areas, safe to walk around and good public transportation. It doesn’t matter if it is cold or hot. I have been to Montreal, NYC, San Francisco and Ft. Lauderdale recently, and looking for a new place. I will be staying 5 days. I have considered Toronto but I just haven’t heard much about the city. I really don’t want to go to Europe or anywhere I have to fly more than 6 hrs, If I am flying that far I like to stay at least 2 weeks. Thank you in Advance!

[Epigonos]

If you are into beach resorts, how about Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I always spend a week there in November and another in March/April. The weather is great that time of year and there are multiple things to do both during the day and the evening. Despite fears about safety in Mexico Puerto Vallarta is very safe.

[bigvalboy]

My thought was to go south also. I agree that Puerto Vallarta or Cancun is pretty safe. Friends just returned from PV and loved it. You might like New Orleans, weather should be cooler, less humidity, and as long as you stay in the tourist areas, you should be fine. Great city New Orleans, but my money would be on PV or Cancun.

[Atlantagaguy]

BVB are there gay clubs in Cancun? And also Strip clubs?

[bigvalboy]

BVB are there gay clubs in Cancun? And also Strip clubs?

 

I sent you a pm...

[down_to_business]

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-cities-for-gay-travel

[+ sf westcoaster]

Palm Springs celebrates Pride in November with a parade and a host of other activities

[Decatur Guy]

Austin and/or San Antonio, Texas. (Gay friendly, especially Austin; lots of sight-seeing, especially San Antonio; though the public transportation is lacking in both). I used to live in Austin and can't say enough great things about it. And San Antonio is just an hour and change down the interstate.

 

I've heard great things about Toronto. It should have public transportation too, I'd imagine.

[rvwnsd]

You said you are not concerned about weather, so I would suggest Chicago. The city has embraced the gay community with open arms, both in- and outside of the gayborhoods of Lake View and Andersonville ( a few miles apart along the Lake Michigan lakefront). If you timed your trip right, you could catch the lighting of the Great Tree at Macy's on State and the Michigan Avenue holiday lighting festival, which sometimes occur on the same weekend. The public transit system is excellent and makes it easy to get virtually anywhere in the city as well as to the very liberal and scenic communities of Oak Park and Evanston, both of which have thriving arts scenes as well as sizable gay communities. (Note that neither communities have gay bars - both were dry for many years). Lake View and Andersonville have a plethora of gay bars, clubs, and restaurants and the city as a whole has tons of clubs and restaurants that cater to the population in general.

[Epigonos]

If you are considering either Cancun or Puerto Vallarta I would strongly recommend Puerto Vallarta. Cancun is far less gay friendly than P.V. Inexpensive direct flights from Chicago, Dallas and Houston to Cancun keep the city full of middle aged overweight, over imbibed straight couple celebrating either some birthday or some anniversary. The Cancun airport even has a Bubba Gump's restaurant. My 70 year old cousin and his wife, who live in Cincinnati, wouldn't dream of vacationing any place else. They go on ceaselessly about all the wonderful American chain restaurants were they eat and how cheap the drinks are.

 

I love Mexico, spend a lot of time there and could easily live there. Now with that being said the one place in Mexico that I absolutely loath is Cancun. I'm not terribly fond of Mexico City but in my eyes, at least, Cancun sucks even on a good day.

[+ purplekow]

Cancun after all was carved out of the jungle to capture the American tourist dollar.

Puerto Vallarta was a very pretty small fishing village which has become a tourist attraction. It is nice but one does need to be more careful these day in Mexico, especially compared to the innocent days of yore, such as when i lived there for a year in the 70's.

[geoffk]

I liked Cancun when I was there, found more than enough to do. The bus on the strip was convenient enough. The water is beautiful.

 

I think Key West would be perfect for 5 days, November the weather will be perfect too, very walkable, who needs transportation here? Other than to and from the airport. You cannot run out of places to eat and drink. The Truman house is a nostalgic visit and so is the Hemingway house. And the schooner ride at sundown is terrific.

 

Perhaps Phoenix could work too. Not sure about transportation since I was there at a conference and only got out at night via cab. But there are many gay bars to go to. I'm sure there are places to visit during the day, but I guess you probably need a vehicle.

[Jscott]

I'd also suggest Puerto Vallarta (stay downtown where all the gay bars/clubs are, not in the newer marina area, unless you have a car). If you want to stay somewhere tropical in U.S. territory, San Juan is another option.

 

If weather really isn't a consideration, Portland is a charmer in many respects. And I love love love New Orleans. Always and forever. If you're a foodie, that's the place to go!

[Atlantagaguy]

Thank you guys for all of your suggestions, it is so nice to have a forum of guys that want to help. I still have not decided.

[+ Axiom2001]

I'd also suggest Puerto Vallarta (stay downtown where all the gay bars/clubs are, not in the newer marina area, unless you have a car). If you want to stay somewhere tropical in U.S. territory, San Juan is another option.

 

If weather really isn't a consideration, Portland is a charmer in many respects. And I love love love New Orleans. Always and forever. If you're a foodie, that's the place to go!

 

San Juan, Puerto Rico lacks in terms of gay clubs, now, from what I've read! When I was there in the late 90s, clubs existed. In terms of escort availability, I did not engage during the time that I was there, but today during 2013, the ads are dormant at the various sites. But someone who's been there within the past year or so should update you on this!

[+ Axiom2001]

Thank you guys for all of your suggestions, it is so nice to have a forum of guys that want to help. I still have not decided.

 

I'm curious! When you do decide as to where your travels will take you, might I kindly suggest that you return to your thread and inform all of us! This man would like to know

where you finally settled upon visiting. I just might follow in your footsteps later! - -

[Atlantagaguy]

I have booked my trip and even though I am going back to San Francisco there is enough of a twist to make it interesting. I will be flying into Denver and taking Amtrak through the Rockies and Sierra Nevada. I will depart the train in Reno for one night, the next day depart and arriving in San Francisco. Friends have done this and said it was beautiful, they also said don’t expect the Orient Express.

I really appreciate all the suggestion, one I found very intriguing was Puerto Vallarta; the flight was crazy expensive out of Atlanta. I am going to try to convince some friends to go there next year.

[+ FreshFluff]

I have booked my trip and even though I am going back to San Francisco there is enough of a twist to make it interesting. I will be flying into Denver and taking Amtrak through the Rockies and Sierra Nevada. I will depart the train in Reno for one night, the next day depart and arriving in San Francisco. Friends have done this and said it was beautiful, they also said don’t expect the Orient Express.

I really appreciate all the suggestion, one I found very intriguing was Puerto Vallarta; the flight was crazy expensive out of Atlanta. I am going to try to convince some friends to go there next year.

 

 

Puerto Vallarta was awesome. It's touristy, sure. But the resorts are great, as are the downtown areas.

 

I liked Cabos a lot less than Puerto.

[Guest]

BVB are there gay clubs in Cancun? And also Strip clubs?

 

Cancun isn't a place for a gay holiday. Puerto Vallarta has TONS of gay bars, discos, restaurants, strip joints, beaches, tour groups, and so on. It's really unbelievable. There are also plenty of guys for rent, although you probably have to stay in a gay hotel if you want to take a guy to your room. Most non-gay hotels have security which will stop any local from going with you to your room (be they an escort or not). I have gone there for about 8 Novembers through the years. Almost never get any rain (it's their dry season). I went on the Wet and Wild boat tour last year. They had some hunky escorts on the boat who would put sunblock all over you, and on the way back, you could drink tequila shots from their foreskins if you wanted. I hired one of them after the cruise, and could have hired him again later in the week if I'd wanted (he came by to say hello on the gay beach).

 

If you stay in the gay area you can walk to most places, and take a bus or a cab anywhere else. There are some really great restaurants in PV--some of my favorites in the whole world. Cafe des Artistes and the Vista Grill are fabulous. Oh, and take a cab to El Repollo Rojo (the red cabbage) for outstanding Mexican food--they don't take credit cards, though.

[+ WilliamM]

I really appreciate all the suggestion, one I found very intriguing was Puerto Vallarta; the flight was crazy expensive out of Atlanta. I am going to try to convince some friends to go there next year.

 

I drove through most of Mexico in my 20s, so I have never been more than casually interested in Puerto Vallarta. But, I have checked airfares from Philadelphia and Newark from time to time over the years. I agree with Atlantaguy, it is crazy expensive. If I wanted to travel to Sweden, Denmark or Norway in the spring or fall, I could do it non-stop or with one stop for just $100-$150 more than flying to Puerto Vallarta. So airfares to Mexico must be considerably cheaper from the midwest and west coast.

 

And to Atlantaguy, it sounds like a great trip. Have a good time!

[+ Axiom2001]

Cancun isn't a place for a gay holiday. Puerto Vallarta has TONS of gay bars, discos, restaurants, strip joints, beaches, tour groups, and so on. It's really unbelievable. There are also plenty of guys for rent, although you probably have to stay in a gay hotel if you want to take a guy to your room. Most non-gay hotels have security which will stop any local from going with you to your room (be they an escort or not). I have gone there for about 8 Novembers through the years. Almost never get any rain (it's their dry season). I went on the Wet and Wild boat tour last year. They had some hunky escorts on the boat who would put sunblock all over you, and on the way back, you could drink tequila shots from their foreskins if you wanted. I hired one of them after the cruise, and could have hired him again later in the week if I'd wanted (he came by to say hello on the gay beach).

 

If you stay in the gay area you can walk to most places, and take a bus or a cab anywhere else. There are some really great restaurants in PV--some of my favorites in the whole world. Cafe des Artistes and the Vista Grill are fabulous. Oh, and take a cab to El Repollo Rojo (the red cabbage) for outstanding Mexican food--they don't take credit cards, though.

 

Unicorn, could you give us the names of the gay hotels in PV? escort websites for PV and the like. Thanks for the restaurant recommendations and your post in general. I'd requested these if you had not done this! -

[Epigonos]

Axiom2001

 

If seeking information regarding Puerto Vallarta http://www.gayguidevallarta.com is extremely helpful. As far as hotels are concerned I always rent a condo on the beach overlooking the bay. The one I rent is on Los Muertos beach directly behind the restaurant La Palapa. The unit I rent is on the fifth floor and looks directly over the water and pier. It has two bedrooms, two baths, a completely stocked kitchen, and a living room dining room. Only the bedrooms are air conditioned but as I go for a week in November and a week March/April air conditioning isn’t really necessary. The price is approximately $200 a night. Many other condos are available in all price ranges and all locations.

 

Now if you are really looking to stay in a hotel some of the following are possibilities. All of the following hotels are locate in or above the Zona Romantica which is where most gays, including myself, hang out:

1. Blue Chairs Resort by the Sea – The Blue Chairs beach club is on the most famous part of Los Muertos Beach and is almost exclusively gay. The hotel isn’t really all that great and there are many complaints regarding it on Tripadvisor. It is, however located right on the beach.

2. Casa Cupula – Located away from the beach in the foothills behind the Zona Romantica with magnificent views of the town and bay. It is very much a boutique hotel - very contemporary, very chichi, and rather expensive. The restaurant serves excellent food.

3. Hotel Mercurio – This hotel is a high rise which located away from the beach but has many rooms with bay views. Not my cup of tea but I know many people who life it.

4. La Terraza Inn – A small hotel a block from the beach. I haven’t stayed there but it is well landscaped and looks interesting.

All of these hotels have reviews on Tripadvisor and though I frequently don’t agree with the people writing the reviews it is a place to start

 

Only Mexico City has a better selection of restaurants than Puerto Vallarta. Tripadvisor now list over 600 restaurants in the area. Over the years I have found a group of restaurants I really enjoy. I usually return to four or five of my favorites every visit and then look for two or three new ones. When in Puerto Vallarta I NEVER look for hamburger, hotdog or pizza joints though many American and Canadians do. I want either great Mexican food or great continental food. In my opinion what the Mexican do to fish is incredible – I’m convinced that some of the best fish in the world is prepared in Mexico. Now the following are some of my current favorites which are listed in NO particular order.

1. Archie’s Wok – I always eat here my first night in town. It is located near the new pier on Los Muertos Beach. The restaurants was started by director John Huston’s former cook and has an excellent array of Thai, Chinese, and Pilipino dishes

2. El Palomar de Gonzalez – Located in the hills above the city with great views. The place is magical at sundown. I like the shrimp here.

3. Melissa’s – Located in the old town not too far from the cathedral. It serves excellent Mexican style seafood. Has a very local feeling.

4. Trio – My all-time favorite restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. It serves wonderful continental food and has an excellent wine list. It isn’t all that expensive considering the atmosphere, the service and the quality of the food.

5. El Sazon de Aca – Located in the old town across from the central market. It serves outstanding Mexican food and is a particular favorite of mine for breakfast.

6. Daiquiri Dick’s – I absolutely love this place. It is located right on the beach, has a wonderful manager, outstanding service and a very interesting mixed menu. The drinks are great. I’ve never really understood why this place isn’t rated high than it is on Tripadvisor.

Well these are just a few of my favorite placed.

 

There are really only two outstanding strip clubs in Puerto Vallarta. There are very different.

1. Anthropology – This place is located right near the bridge over the Rio Cuale and above the Banco Santander. The guys “dance” on the bar and some show it all. After dancing they circulate play with customers, ask for drinks, and allow a lot of hand play. They can be pushy attempting to get customers to take them for on premise private shows. I have never done a private show so can’t address that.

2. Wet – This bar is located in the Zona Romantica. Behind the bar is a glassed in shower where strippers perform. The dancers start their performance wearing a speedo which quickly comes off. The bottom half of the glass enclosure is opaque so seeing all of the guy’s equipment can be challenging. The dancers here are generally of a higher quality than those at Anthropology and are better built and better looking. They also do private shows here.

3. The Roof Bar and Blue Chairs – This place has four or five dancers performing every afternoon. They never strip beyond their speedos and the whole thing is a hit or miss depending on who is performing. I did hire a dancer here for a private back and my place and had a great time.

 

Axiom I hope this helps and give you an idea of what to expect in Puerto Vallarta. Needless to say I love the place. If you have any additional questions please feel free to private me.

[Guest]

Axiom2001

 

Now if you are really looking to stay in a hotel some of the following are possibilities. All of the following hotels are locate in or above the Zona Romantica which is where most gays, including myself, hang out:

1. Blue Chairs Resort by the Sea – The Blue Chairs beach club is on the most famous part of Los Muertos Beach and is almost exclusively gay. The hotel isn’t really all that great and there are many complaints regarding it on Tripadvisor. It is, however located right on the beach.

2. Casa Cupula – Located away from the beach in the foothills behind the Zona Romantica with magnificent views of the town and bay. It is very much a boutique hotel - very contemporary, very chichi, and rather expensive. The restaurant serves excellent food.

3. Hotel Mercurio – This hotel is a high rise which located away from the beach but has many rooms with bay views. Not my cup of tea but I know many people who life it.

4. La Terraza Inn – A small hotel a block from the beach. I haven’t stayed there but it is well landscaped and looks interesting.

All of these hotels have reviews on Tripadvisor and though I frequently don’t agree with the people writing the reviews it is a place to start

 

Just a little correction: the hotel you described as the high rise is the Abbey Hotel, not the Mercurio. I have stayed in both. I have stayed in the Mercurio about five times (the friend with whom I usually go to PV prefers staying here) and the Abbey once, over 10 years ago (went under a different name then). The Mercurio rooms don't have any views--in fact, ask for a room which faces the pool, not the street (quieter). Neither is upscale, but you pretty much have to stay in a gay hotel if you want to take guys into your room. The Mercurio and the Abbey are about a block from each other, and fairly ideal in location for the gay traveler. They are essentially half-way between most of the gay bars and the gay beach: about 5 blocks in either direction. The Blue Chairs are right on the beach, but they are a bit of a schlep to the gay bars--about 10 blocks. Short and walkable, but I'd rather go 5 blocks one way during the day, go back to the hotel, shower, have dinner, then go 5 blocks the other way. If you need a nice place to stay, you'll have to go to Casa Cupula, but not only will you pay twice the price in pesos, but you'll also pay the price on your gluteus maximus. The place is a 10 minute walk from the beach or downtown--straight uphill! Not necessarily fun in the tropical heat.

In terms of restaurants, another place I love is the River Cafe. The setting on the island in the River Cuale is idyllic.

[Epigonos]

Unicorn you are absolutely correct I confused the Abby and the Mercurio - SORRY. Staying in a condo I have never had a problem returning with an escort.

[+ FreshFluff]

The resort where I stayed, Fiesta Americana, is gorgeous. It's rated well on Tripadviser, and one reviewer calls it "gay friendly."

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g150793-d155673-Reviews-Fiesta_Americana_Puerto_Vallarta-Puerto_Vallarta.html

Review: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g150793-d155673-r16739085-Fiesta_Americana_Puerto_Vallarta-Puerto_Vallarta.html

 

Not sure what their guest policy is but it's a big resort. I'd be surprised if they had time to stop and check every visitor, especially if you're coming in with him.