Guadalajara has quietly become one of Mexico’s most appealing cities for LGBTQ+ travelers looking for more than a standard hotel stay. Beyond its vibrant cultural scene, excellent food, and growing queer nightlife, the city offers something even more meaningful: a network of gay-owned Airbnbs, Mister BnBs, and guesthouses where travelers are welcomed into real homes and real communities. These stays go beyond a place to sleep — they offer connection, local insight, and a sense of belonging that can transform a short visit into something much deeper.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days, planning an extended stay, or even scouting the city as a potential retirement destination, choosing a gay-owned property adds a uniquely personal layer to your experience. From clothing-optional men-only homes to social guesthouses and lush garden retreats, these stays reflect the diversity of Guadalajara’s LGBTQ+ community. Each one is hosted by people who love the city and are eager to share it — its neighborhoods, traditions, favorite cantinas, and hidden corners — with guests who want to experience Guadalajara as more than just tourists.
Tucked inside one of Guadalajara’s oldest neighborhoods, Casa Romero is the kind of place that instantly feels like home. Owners Adam and Matthew, who moved from Los Angeles six years ago, have filled their vintage Mexican house with locally made furniture and art, blending timeless design with relaxed comfort. Every detail reflects their love for Mexico’s craft and community, while the layout of the home ensures plenty of space and privacy for guests to unwind and feel completely at ease.
The four-bedroom, two-bath home sleeps up to eleven guests and features a new garden where Matthew grows vegetables under the sun. Guests can enjoy his homemade bread, curated menus, and cocktails, along with thoughtful touches throughout the house that make it feel genuinely personal.
What truly sets Casa Romero apart, though, are Adam and Matthew themselves. Warm, creative, and active in Guadalajara’s queer community, they welcome guests like old friends and share insider tips through their neighborhood guides. Their favorite local spots—Habanero Negro, The Eagle Bar, and Sunday’s Vía RecreActiva—show how deeply they’ve embraced their adopted city. As Adam says, “Guadalajara feels big but still like a small town.”
CASA TRES SIGLOS
Casa Tres Siglos blends history and warmth in a home dating back to the early 1800s, built with original cantera stone and striking steel doors. Owners Randy and Eric, together 12 years and married in 2020, first visited Guadalajara in 2018 after hearing about it from friends in Puerto Vallarta. The city’s creative energy and classic charm reminded them of old San Francisco, inspiring them to return, eventually buy a home during the pandemic, and begin 3.5 years of renovations. Working with a respected local architect, they added a contemporary kitchen, a third floor, and a beautiful pool and jacuzzi deck, carefully preserving the historic structure of the first floor.
Located in Nueve Esquinas, known for iconic birria spots, neighborhood cantinas, and easy access to Centro, the home is perfectly placed for exploring Guadalajara’s LGBTQ+ scene. Though they hadn’t planned to rent rooms, the property naturally suited a men-only, clothing-optional stay. Guests enjoy purified water throughout the house, en-suite bathrooms with tile floors, a shared kitchen, and thoughtful touches that make longer stays seamless. Randy and Eric are always available with morning coffee, snacks, and local tips — including favorites like Cantina Occidental on Sundays and El Pilón de Los Arrieros for strong margaritas and traditional food.
What makes Casa Tres Siglos stand out is the experience the hosts share. Their love for the city shines through whether they’re recommending a bike ride during Via RecreActiva, an afternoon around Templo Expiatorio, or nearby gay venues and taco institutions like La Paz. For men seeking a clothing-optional stay rooted in comfort, charm, and connection — or for couples considering retirement in Mexico — Casa Tres Siglos offers an inviting window into Guadalajara living.
CASA LOS GECKOS
Tim and Ricardo are the kind of hosts who make you feel like you’re staying with friends rather than strangers. Originally from New Jersey and Guadalajara, the couple met in La Paz four years ago and — after falling in love with the city on repeat visits — decided to relocate to Guadalajara in early 2025. By June they had the keys to their new place in Libertad and immediately began renovating, opening their Airbnb at the end of September. What they love most about their new home base? The festivals in the plazas, colorful parades, and the sense that there’s always something happening just around the corner.
Their guesthouse feels simple, social, and thoughtfully set up for travelers. There are four private rooms, each with air conditioning and its own refrigerator, and guests share a comfortable living room and fully equipped kitchen. Coffee is always available, and visitors are welcome to cook meals whenever they like. Rates are refreshingly budget-friendly — about 500 pesos during the week and 600 pesos on weekends— making it an appealing stay for longer visits. The location is practical too: the La Luz del Mundo church and two neighborhood mercados are within walking distance, there’s a specialty hospital nearby, and both Uber and the train station are roughly 10 minutes away.
What really sets Tim and Ricardo’s place apart is how eager they are to help guests experience their neighborhood like locals. They happily point visitors toward their favorite spots — from hearty plates at Restaurante San Pedro, to neighborhood staples like La Chilaquila and La Güeras — and they’re always ready with directions on where to shop, snack, and explore close to home. With friendly hosts, fair pricing, and an authentic local vibe, their Libertad guesthouse makes a warm and welcoming base for discovering Guadalajara.
CASA 426
Casa 426 is one of Guadalajara’s newest cosmopolitan gay stays, created specifically for travelers who want more than just a room — they want to be part of the local scene. Designed as a social gaystay, Casa 426 feels more like a private neo-colonial home than a traditional hotel, with common spaces that naturally bring guests together. It’s an especially great fit for solo travelers, couples, and anyone who enjoys meeting other gay travelers while being immersed in the city’s creative energy.
A big reason guests love Casa 426 is its exceptional location. From the front door, you’re just an 8–12 minute walk to more than 30 cultural venues — including galleries, theaters, museums, and live-performance spaces — plus a dozen gay bars and clubs across Centro Guadalajara. Surrounding areas like Colonia Americana and Avenida Chapultepec are a pleasant 20-30 minute walk or a quick Uber ride.
Casa 426 has very reasonable nightly rates ranging from 500 to 650 pesos, depending on the room. In addition, there is a one-time 500-peso reservation fee. If you’re looking for a stay that blends style, community, and one of the best walkable locations for LGBTQ+ travelers in Guadalajara, Casa 426 is a standout choice.
CASA LAS SABILAS
For those looking for a peaceful escape in Guadalajara’s Centro, Las Sabilas is one of the city’s most charming hidden gems. Owned by Wyn and David for the past decade, this gay-owned and gay-friendly guesthouse welcomes everyone—from local couples on weekend staycations to travelers from the U.S. and Europe. The moment you step inside, the city noise fades into the background and you’re surrounded by beautifully designed tropical gardens created by the former owner. It really does feel like stumbling into a quiet oasis in the heart of the Centro.
The property has an easy, communal rhythm: fresh morning coffee, breezy outdoor spaces, and quiet corners meant for reading, relaxing, or connecting with fellow guests. Many gay single travelers love the warm, unpretentious vibe, and the location makes it simple to explore on foot. Just across the street is Riilax, one of Guadalajara’s most popular gay saunas—convenient if you’re looking to mix relaxation with a bit of fun. And around the neighborhood, you’ll find a lively mix of restaurants, mercados, and local life that reflect the city’s authentic, working-class character.
Staying at Las Sabilas also puts you steps away from some great local favorites. You can wander up toward Alcalde past the Palacio de Gobierno, browse the energetic Alcalde Market & grab delicious bites at Elvira Tacos. When it comes to going out, David loves SinFin Cantina, a laid-back spot perfect for drinks and conversation. With its lush gardens, welcoming energy, and unbeatable location, Las Sabilas offers a relaxing, authentic base for discovering Guadalajara at your own pace.
FAQS
Is Guadalajara a good destination for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Yes, Guadalajara has a growing and visible LGBTQ+ scene with welcoming locals, gay bars, cultural events, and inclusive neighborhoods. It offers a great balance of history, creativity, nightlife, and everyday Mexican life.
Why choose a gay-owned Airbnb or guesthouse instead of a hotel?
Gay-owned stays often provide a more personal, social, and welcoming experience than traditional hotels. Hosts typically share local tips, community connections, and insider knowledge you won’t find elsewhere.
Are these guesthouses safe for solo gay travelers?
Absolutely — many of these stays are especially popular with solo travelers looking for a relaxed, friendly environment. Hosts are attentive and neighborhoods are well-established, walkable, and easy to navigate.
What neighborhoods are these properties located in?
Most are located in or near Centro, Nueve Esquinas, Libertad, and surrounding historic neighborhoods. These areas offer easy access to cultural attractions, gay nightlife, restaurants, and public transportation.
Are any of these stays clothing-optional?
Yes, Casa Tres Siglos is a men-only, clothing-optional property designed for comfort, relaxation, and connection. This option appeals to guests seeking a more open and body-positive stay.
Are these guesthouses suitable for longer stays?
Many of these properties are ideal for longer visits thanks to shared kitchens, purified water, laundry access, and comfortable common areas. Hosts are often happy to accommodate extended stays at fair, budget-friendly rates.
Do hosts help guests explore Guadalajara?
Yes, hosts frequently provide personalized recommendations for food, bars, markets, events, and day-to-day living. Many love helping guests experience the city like locals rather than tourists.
Are these stays affordable compared to hotels?
Most of these gay-owned stays are very affordable, with nightly rates often ranging between 500 and 650 pesos. They offer excellent value considering the location, comfort, and social experience included.
Is it easy to get around Guadalajara from these guesthouses?
Yes, Uber is inexpensive and widely used, and many attractions are within walking distance. Public transportation and bike-friendly routes like Vía RecreActiva also make getting around simple.
Are these stays good for couples or retirees considering Mexico?
Definitely — many guests visit as couples or return multiple times while exploring longer-term living options. Staying in a gay-owned home offers a realistic glimpse into daily life and community in Guadalajara.
CONCLUSION
What makes these gay-owned Airbnbs and guesthouses special isn’t just their design, pricing, or location — it’s the people behind them. Whether it’s morning coffee with local tips, shared kitchens that spark conversation, or recommendations that lead you far beyond guidebook highlights, these stays offer an experience rooted in trust and community.
Choosing one of these properties also means supporting LGBTQ+ residents who have invested their lives and creativity into Guadalajara. For travelers who value connection, authenticity, and local knowledge — or for those dreaming about a longer future in Mexico — these guesthouses provide an intimate window into everyday life in the city. If you’re looking for a stay that feels personal, inclusive, and distinctly Guadalajara, these gay-owned homes are some of the best places to begin.
About the Author
Tim is a seasoned gay travel writer and the creator of Out in Mexico, a dedicated resource for gay travelers exploring Mexico’s vibrant destinations. After relocating to Guadalajara, he has spent years immersing himself in Mexico’s gay culture, from the iconic beaches of Puerto Vallarta to the nightlife of Mexico City.
With firsthand experience in Mexico’s gay scene, Tim has personally visited the bars, hotels, and events featured in this guide. His insights have helped gay travelers plan unforgettable trips while ensuring they feel safe, welcomed, and informed.
When he’s not writing, you’ll find him sipping a mezcal cocktail at a bar in Colonia Americana or travel to a new exciting destination in Mexico.
📍 Follow his adventures: @i.am.out.in.mexico
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