New York

Overview

is simply fantastic and fabulous. New York has been the US' number one gay travel destination - as voted in 2006 in the PlanetOut Travel Awards. The bars and pubs of areas like Greenwich village continue to attract an eclectic crowd from all over the world. Gay hotels in New York, along with Pubs, bars and Sauna, make New York number one Travel Destination for all the right reasons.


New York is a city made up of small neighbourhoods.  Each New York neighbourhood has a distinctive characteristic, but what they all have in common is a gay friendly atmosphere.  Chelsea and Greenwich Village have the greatest concentration of gay life, although the Upper West Side is not far behind.  Fashion, theatre, advertising and the arts have perpetuated New York into one of the most gay friendliest cities in the world.  Visitors to Gay Hotels in New York will find world class facilities, superb gourmet restaurants and amazing museums.Greenwich Village is the traditional home of gays in New York.  This part of town has been home to artists, writers, non-conformists, entertainers, intellectuals and bohemians since the start of the 20th century.  The Village is made up of quaint brownstones bordered by lovely gardens.  The Village is also home to the country's largest Halloween parade.  In Washington Square, one will find skate boarders, jugglers, stand-up comics, etc.  At night the Village comes alive with the sounds from late-night coffeehouses, cafes, experimental theatres and music clubs.

 

Culture

There is so much to do in New York - museums and art galleries abound and whether you love the opera, pop music or late night dancing you will find something to appeal in this vibrant city.  

Equality

Gays are accepted, welcomed and positively embraced in New York

Note to HIV+ Individuals:

As a New Yorker and a U.S. Citizen, it hurts me to have to add this, but visitors to the U.S. should be aware that U.S. Immigration law prohibits HIV+ non-citizens from entry to the country (with a few exceptions).  The U.S. is one of only a handful of nations that does this.  Citizens of nations, which require a tourist visa will be asked questions about their health when applying for a visa.

Citizens of Visa Waiver Nations (including most Western European nations) are generally not required to obtain visas for short tourist trips to the U.S.  However travelers should be aware that under the law, HIV+ individuals are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and are legally required to obtain a visa (which because of the HIV status is unlikely to be issued).  While I have no doubt that many HIV+ travelers do enter the U.S. successfully under the Visa Waiver Program, they should be aware that attempting to do so is at their own risk.  Carrying HIV medications through customs (if the person is searched) can and has resulted in a denial of landing.  

 

Travel Information

New York City is a very accessible city and is easy to travel in.  I

f you are arriving by plane then you will come into one of three airports: JFK (30 to 45 mins by car from Downtown), Newark (16 miles southwest of midtown Manhattan), La Guardia (9 miles from midtown Manhattan).

Driving in New York is not recommended - the pace is fast and parking is difficult at best.  As New York is an island the only access to the city is by tunnel or bridge and these can get very busy during peak hours.  If you do drive then leave your car at the hotel and take a taxi around the city.  Hailing a yellow cab is easy - just stand on the corner, hold up your hand and a taxi will generally appear.  Service is quite reasonable and although their knowledge of the more obscure streets is questionable they are generally efficient and since all taxis are metered you can watch the price

Contrary to popular opinion, the subway in New York is quite safe and easy to use.  After a significant clean up in the 1990s, the subway system is generally clean and efficient.