Top Picks: Hotels for Women

Just outside the white-washed town of Benamocarra up a country road, Bambú is a lesbian-only retreat with seven self-catering studios in a converted Andalusian farmhouse. Terraces with mountain views center around a nice pool, and come with useful extras like barbecues and loungers. Themed holidays include intensive Spanish, writing retreats, designated weeks for women solo travelers, lesbian honeymoons, walking tours and sightseeing to Granada, Alhambra, Malaga, Ronda and Cordoba.

Hotel Sappho claims to be the oldest hotel on the island and was the first to cater exclusively to women. The decor is a little dated, but there is plenty of hot water, comfortable beds, and a happening beach-front deck that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests particularly enjoy the hospitality of owner Elena, who is happy to sit over a glass of ouzo and share stories. Common areas have been recently refurbished and the WiFi, though spotty, is free.

Across the street from the Laeiszhalle concert hall and minutes from Planten un Blomen Park and the Hamburg Opera Hall, Frauenhotel Hanseatin is women-only. The historic brick building features 13 bright and airy rooms with a colorful and classic decor with plenty of charm. Breakfast is served downstairs in the garden-view cafe.

Surrounded by lush gardens, this Bed & Breakfast provides a quiet and rejuvenating retreat for women, just a stone's throw from Seattle. One studio apartment is available, with breakfast, including eggs and yogurt, offered. A haven for bird-watchers, nature enthusiasts, and those looking for some peace and quiet. Only twenty minutes from downtown Seattle. Lesbian owned. 

On the west coast of Palawan Island outside a small fishing village, the eco-minded and lesbian-run Kaibigan Soul Camp trades modern civilization, cell phone service and Internet signal for tranquility, adventure and sustainable recreation. Accommodations - designed in a breezy open air style and built of natural materials - come in various formats from beach villas and a garden cottage to open huts and bamboo tents. A larger guest house sleeps up to five.

Run by Anne and Trung, a Dutch-Vietnamese couple, Pink Tulip is at the center of the city's backpacker area with attractions, restaurants and clubs all within easy reach. Rooms are well-appointed with wood floors, comfortable beds and air conditioning, and the spa onsite offers foot, massage, facial, nail and waxing treatments.

Opened in 2012 and relocated in 2017, Hostelle is an all-female hostel. A girlpower sign sits above reception, where design-saavy owner and hostess Bianca Brasdorp welcomes guests to 5-, 8- and 10-bed individually themed dorms decorated by local women artists. Beds are comfortable and come with reading lights and lockers. Nelson Mandela Park and the Amsterdam ArenA are within walking distance, and Central Station is 15 minute by metro.