One option is located close to the festivities, requiring little more than stumbling out the door to find the revelry. One spot caters to the budget-minded Pride traveler, and one choice is a little further afield, close enough to attend the Pride events, but removed enough -- in location or attitude -- to allow a break from the rainbow flag-waving.
Berlin Pride
http://www.csd-berlin.de/
Experience life as a cabaret June 27, during Berlin Pride Week. The main event, Christopher Street Day, unfolds with a parade from Kurfürstendamm to the historic Victory Column.
It's all about location
Totally refurbished, the Clarion Hotel Berlin (Lützowplatz 17; +49-30-2605-0; www.hotel-berlin.de; from EUR 121) sits on the parade route, close to the festival site. When making reservations, ask if any "rainbow offers" are available.
Easy on the purse strings
For those who like cocktail access close at hand, Pension Elefant (27 Fuggerstrasse; +49-30-306-07060; www.pension-elefant-berlin.de; from EUR 35) offers decent rooms with a shared bath and three gay bars right next door. It's also convenient to the subway and Pride festivities.
Get away from the scene
There's something for everyone at the Artist Riverside Hotel and Day Spa (Friedrichstrasse 106; +49-30-284-900; www.tolles-hotel.de; from EUR 50), which offers six room types, from budget to riverside deluxe. Don't miss the spa's relaxation baths in a tub shaped like a giant gold seashell.
San Diego Pride
http://www.sandiegopride.org/
L.A. and San Francisco tend to overshadow San Diego, but the Southern California city has a sizeable gay Pride of its own. Events take place July 18-19, with this year's theme "Stonewall 2.0 - Activism for Equality." The two-day festival is held in Balboa Park, with a parade that draws 150,000 spectators and a lavish dance party at the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
It's all about location
Gay fave Park Manor Suites is already booked for Pride weekend, but if you're lucky you'll still be able to snag a room at the Balboa Park Inn (3402 Park Blvd; 619-298-0823; www.balboaparkinn.com; from $99), a Spanish-colonial guesthouse on the edge of Balboa Park. Each of the 26 suites has a different, often over-the-top theme, ranging from Paris in the '30s to the Jungle Nook.
Easy on the purse strings
Fans of budget travel in Europe will embrace the new 500 West Hotel (500 W. Broadway; 619-234-5252; www.500westhotelsd.com; from $99), which offers tiny rooms in modern IKEA-cute style. A single room means one twin bed, and bathrooms are shared. The downtown location is convenient to the nighttime party venues.
Get away from the scene
About 20 minutes by car from Balboa Park, the gay-friendly Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa (9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla; 858-550-1000; www.estancialajolla.com; from $299) might lean toward the straight crowd, but it's just around the corner from Black's Beach, a clothing-optional gathering place for gay locals and tourists.
Vancouver Pride
http://www.vancouverpride.ca/
The largest Pride in western Canada unfolds against a backdrop of sea and mountains, Aug. 2 in Vancouver, British Columbia. "Educate, Liberate, Celebrate" is a three-year Pride theme that will run through 2011. The 31st Pride Parade starts in the heart of downtown and finishes at the Sunset Beach Festival Site, where over 100,000 people gather for post-parade entertainment.
It's all about location
The high-rise Sandman Suites (1160 Davie St; 604-681-7263; www.sandmansuites.com/davie.asp; from C$189) is quite pricey, but its prime location in the heart of the Gay Village will allow for as many outfit changes between the parade and parties as you need, and all suites have amazing water views
Easy on the purse strings
Located a couple of blocks from the Sunset Beach festival site, The Meridien (910 Beach Ave; 888-609-5100 or 604/609-5100; www.910beach.com; from C$149) is a cozy all-suite hotel beside the Sea Wall, a pedestrian/skate/bike path. A continental breakfast is included.
Get away from the scene
As glitteringly beautiful as Vancouver itself, celeb haunt The Opus Hotel (322 Davie St; 866-642-6787 or 604-642-6787; www.opushotel.com; from C$323) offers understated comfort with modern furniture and sophisticated colors. Its Yaletown location is mere steps from downtown shopping and the gay West End, but it's at the opposite end of Davie Street from all the Pride chaos.
Montreal Pride
http://www.diverscite.org/
Divers/Cité from July 26 to August 2 at Montreal Pride opens with a sunset parade and closes with a two-day festival.
It's all about location
Stay with hundreds of your new best friends at the Hôtel Gouverneur Place Dupuis (1415 rue Saint-Hubert; 514-842-4881 or 888-910-1111; www.gouverneur.com; from C$199) in the heart of the Gay Village. The property has an indoor pool, pleasant appointments and easy access to the metro system.
Easy on the purse strings
Although the restored Victorian B&B Alexandre Logan (1631 Alexandre-DeSève St; 514-598-0555 or 866-895-0555; www.alexandrelogan.com; from C$134) has earned numerous awards, it's still gentle on the wallet -- and located in the Gay Village. (It's small, so availability is limited.)
Get away from the scene
The architectural landmark on the corner of Sherbrooke and "the Main," in the Latin Quarter, has been reborn as Opus Montreal (10 Sherbrooke Ouest; 514-843-6000; www.opushotel.com; from C$279). Attracting a similar stellar celebrity set as its Vancouver sibling, the 136-room hipster haven is an easy fifteen-minute walk from the Gay Village.
Palm Springs Pride
http://www.pspride.org/
Escape to the West Coast for Pride in California's Coachella Valley. Palm Springs presents its annual festivities Nov. 7 - 8 at Sunrise Park/Palm Springs Stadium.
It's all about location
Most properties in Palm Springs are convenient to the downtown parade and festival in Sunrise Park, but The Hacienda at Warm Sands (586 Warm Sands Drive; 760-327-8111 or 800-359-2007; www.thehacienda.com; from $219) is a top-notch choice. The gay resort has spacious, elegant grounds, two pools and a welcoming country-house atmosphere.
Easy on the purse strings
With spacious and modern accommodations, Inn Exile (545 Warm Sands Drive; 760-327-6413 or 800-962-0186; www.innexile.com; from $124) is a fun, clothing-optional resort that's especially popular with gym bunnies. The young staff tends toward indifferent, but it's one of the best values in the Warm Sands area.
Get away from the scene
The Hyatt Grand Champions Resort and Spa (44-600 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells; 760-341-1000 or 800-223-1234; www.hyatt.com; from $229), a 15-mile drive from Palm Springs Airport, provides a true escape. This 35-acre enclave wows with its adults-only Oasis pool area and its exceptional tennis and golf facilities.
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