Black, white, straight or gay, here’s a pick of our ultra-modern hotels with an open-minded and laid back atmosphere and often in the juiciest city districts and lusty green countryside getaways. More gay friendly hotels in Europe and beyond at Escapio.com.

1. Axel Hotel, Barcelona, Spain: Lap up personal style advice in the hotel’s own chic boutique, then enjoy zingy cocktails in the sky bar and a night out in the surrounding gay district Eixample. Sister Axel hotel in Berlin!

2. Zanzibar International Hotel, Sussex, England: Egypt, India, Morocco, Manhattan, be whisked around the world in this innovative luxury B&B in Hastings, Sussex. The themed suites have squeaky clean designer bathrooms and sumptuous sea views.

3. Hotel Magnolia, Salou, Spain: just past Sitges down the Catalonian coast, this chilled out design hotel is a haven for couples of any orientation, with three gay clubs in the vicinity.

4. Palacio de los Navas Hotel, Granada, Spain: This cute little hotel was originally a 16^th century palace, and is in a fab flirting location not far from Calle Elvira, jammed with lively tapas bars; and Granada 10, a fabulous old cinema converted into a popular discoteca.

5. Palazzo Gattini, Basilicata, Italy: breathtaking luxury hotel with stunning views and just 20 rooms for the ultimate intimate moments. Excellent cuisine and a suite with private terrace and pool.

6. Feldmilla.designhotel, South Tyrol, Italy: Distinctive design hotel in the midst of nature, breaking away from the traditional chalet-style mountain hotels. Perfect for active types who want to lounge around in true style after a day hiking, climbing or biking.

7. Classical 2, Fashion House Hotel, Athens, Greece: Fresh, hip and really rather camp, the kitschy décor conceived by Greek designers and stylists claims to be a “crime scene for fashion victims”. The eclectic mix of classic furniture pieces and post-modern furnishings are ideal for five star luxury lovers craving that extra something in the heart of Athens.

8. Hotel Otto, Berlin, Germany: Near the colourful gay district Schöneberg, a stylish and good value abode to retire to after a spontaneous night. And, even if you don’t get to bed, the Etage07 breakfast restaurant invites to a irresistible morning-after-the-night-before feast of organic produce on the roof terrace.

9. Hotel Cocoon, Munich, Germany: This clean-cut designer hotel will appeal to trendy professionals in the Bavarian capital – for work or for pleasure. Curvaceous plastic seating and striking colours provide a bright backdrop for metrosexual suited and booted types having an after work drink, or curious guests out to experience the Glockenbachviertel’s lively offerings.

10. Room Mate Grace, New York, United States: Hotly styled rooms with all the mod-cons, and a 24 hour kiosk to suit guests returning at any earthly hour. This youthful hotel is colourful and fun, and promises groovy ‘alternative’ in-house events… in an enviable Times Square location.