Mexico is one of the most progressive countries in Latin America, so it’s no surprise that it’s home to a lot of LGBTQ-friendly hotels and travel businesses. But not all are created equal, as evidenced by a recent report in Newsweek en Español that highlights the companies that really stand out for how they treat LGBTQ employees — which may also serve as an indicator of how they view and treat LGBTQ travelers.
The Newsweek report, which published this summer to time with Mexico’s gay pride festivities, names a total of 212 businesses in Mexico in various sectors, recognizing them as being the best places to work for LGBTQ people in 2021. This year’s roundup represents an impressive jump from last year’s listing, which only listed 126 businesses. The results are based on surveys by the nonprofit Human Rights Campaign’s HRC Equidad MX, which evaluates inclusive practices among major employers around the country.
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LGBTQ travel is a powerful market segment in many parts of Mexico, so it’s logical that a lot of hotels in Mexico scored particularly well, in both historically popular gay travel destinations and in places that normally aren’t as well known for LGBTQ vacations. Fair treatment should be a priority everywhere, after all.
As you’re making your plans for that next Mexico vacation, you might consider this list something of an LGBTQ travel guide, highlighting the forward-thinking airlines and hotels in Mexico that are making a difference. After all, you shouldn’t be limited to staying only in a gay Mexico resort to get respectful treatment.
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LGBTQ-Friendly Airlines in Mexico
It’s rather surprising — and disappointing — that only two airlines in Mexico made it to the list of good places for LGBTQ people to work this year — and one of them isn’t even a Mexican airline. The one that is, ultra low-cost carrier Viva Aerobus, has made impressive strides at proclaiming its dedication to inclusion. This year, the company opened a new Viva Store at Puerto Vallarta International Airport, complete with rainbow colors.
“Our new Viva store in Puerto Vallarta symbolizes the commitment we have at Viva Aerobus 365 days a year and on the more than 150 national and international routes that we operate, joining efforts to move towards a more inclusive, equitable and just society”, said Walfred Castro, the company’s director of corporate communication.
If you’re looking for flights to Mexico or ways to get around the country while supporting equality in the workplace, these are the top choices today, according to the Human Rights Campaign:
• American Airlines
• Viva Aerobus
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LGBTQ-Friendly Hotels in Mexico
There have been gay hotels for decades in some parts of Mexico — accommodations that offer gay travel packages, which historically were mostly targeted at gay men on vacation. But today’s inclusive environment goes beyond gay Mexico to include LGBTQ travelers and employees of every stripe. And the array of Mexico hotels that are providing a welcoming environment for diverse staff is truly impressive.
You can now check into hotels in cities large and small, gay tourism hubs and lesser-known destinations as well, in budget hotels as well as swanky Mexico resorts and luxury hotels around Mexico, with international branding that many travelers look for to be assured of reliable service and a pleasant Mexico vacation experience.
I’ve actually stayed at some of the hotels that are on the list this year, so I can personally vouch for their services and facilities. The sumptuous St. Regis Mexico City, for example, is a top luxury hotel that this year hosted an LGBTQ press trip for pride month, as did the beautiful St. Regis Punta Mita, in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit. Both provide gorgeous accommodations and spectacular views (one of the city, the other of the beach), as well as decidedly welcoming service.
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The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, meanwhile, has hosted LGBTQ tourism conferences (which makes sense, since Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s biggest international LGBTQ tourism destinations), while Le Meridien Mexico City offers accommodations on the prestigious Paseo de la Reforma boulevard, which just happens to be the parade route for the capital’s annual pride march (check out my video coverage of this year’s pride march in Mexico City here). All these properties are good choices for LGBTQ travelers looking to relax and enjoy a Mexico vacation.
This Mexico hotel listing is just a start. You can also find details about gay-friendly and LGBTQ-friendly hotels through IGLTA, the International LGBTQ Travel Association, and websites like Purple Roofs, which lists smaller, independent properties like gay bed and breakfasts. I’ve included more details in my post about how to find LGBTQ-friendly hotels in Latin America.
Cities like Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City and Guadalajara are among the best-known destinations for LGBTQ vacations and welcoming hotel properties, but as you can see on this list, there are a lot more options out there.
• AC Hotel Veracruz
• Courtyard Leon at The Poliforum
• Courtyard Mexico City Airport
• Courtyard Mexico City Toreo
• Courtyard Mexico City Vallejo
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Nogales
• Fairfield Inn Los Cabos
• Hyatt Regency Mexico City
• JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
• JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City
• Le Meridien Mexico City
• Marriott Cancun Resort
• Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
• Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts
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• Sheraton Ambassador Hotel, Monterrey
• Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar
• Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel
• Sheraton Mexico City Santa Fe
• Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos
• The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
• The St. Regis Mexico City
• The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
• The Westin Guadalajara
• The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta
• The Westin Santa Fe, Mexico City
• W Mexico City
• W Punta de Mita
• Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
On the cover: Festive LGBTQ pride dessert at the St. Regis Mexico City hotel.
I’m a travel writer, travel blogger and Mexico travel specialist, and I love sharing travel tips to make your next vacation or business trip better. Please feel free to share your comments, experiences and questions about Mexico travel and Latin America travel and vacations!
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