The Year of Reinvention: 5 LGBTQ-Friendly Hotels Where You Can Work Remotely

On the employment front, 2020 was the year that most Americans evacuated their business spaces and joined the home-office workforce. Some have embraced the concept by tricking out a workspace with ergonomic accessories and mesh WiFi. Others resisted seeing their bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms double as temporary work HQs, surrendering only enough to get by with stock Zoom backgrounds and dreams of their abandoned cubicles.

No matter which camp you're in, these past months of locked-down living are getting monotonous. Where art thou, conference rooms and off-site lunches?

While the pandemic may have us holed up for a few more months as vaccines roll out, it may be time to consider a change of scenery that actually includes work. Here are five fab hotels where you can get your biz done, then head out for some old-fashioned not-at-home time – all for discounted rates and special perks.

The James New York - NoMad

A working retreat at this LGBTQ-welcoming, luxury boutique hotel comes with free WiFi, a $25 credit for nearby Bourke Street Bakery, a $30 "Raid the Mini Bar" credit, gym access, and an in-room yoga mat for a workout break. The day-stay package is perfect for a dose of solo time to boost your focus and creativity. The James - NoMad also offers "Stay Longer" discounts that increase the more nights you stay; and the "Stay Local" deal for half off a second night's stay, free parking, and dining credit. P.S. Dogs are welcome, too!

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino

This summer, Hyatt launched "Work from Hyatt" getaway packages at dozens of its properties. And ski bums and winter-fun lovers will especially appreciate a working vacation at its Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino.

Perched on the north end of Lake Tahoe (in Incline Village, Nevada), you can knock out your to-do list in a spacious guestroom or suite with dedicated work areas with zippy WiFi. Then take advantage of the $50 daily food and beverage credit, 20-percent-off spa treatment, and access to the region's legendary skiing and snowboarding, plus hiking, biking, and other outdoor action. At the resort, you'll also get to enjoy the pool, fitness center, laundry, and business services.

MacArthur Place, Sonoma

The six-acre hotel is located near downtown tasting rooms, galleries, and restaurants and comes with complimentary e-bikes for active meetings or off-site sessions in the historic city square. Then again, you may be just as content staying on-site (with property-wide free WiFi) for al-fresco work sessions in the lush gardens, by the pool, or beside a firepit. The package applies to three-night stays, which bring a 25-percent rate discount, complimentary suite upgrade, early check-in and late check-out based on availability, and a $50 daily resort credit. In-room dining and snacks from Layla and The Porch can be ordered to-go via text, including Sonoma's greatest gift to the world, wine.

Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, New Orleans

Extended-stay discounts start at the one-week-stay mark, with rates beginning at $560 total, or you can stay up to a month for $1,800 (plus tax). Access to the hotel's gym, room service, valet parking and other services are included, along with the many flavors of New Orleans. FYI, other offers include the "stay two nights, get the third night free" discount – a steal for a shorter NOLA visit.

Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

If you listen closely, you can hear the Big Island of Hawaii calling you to come work remotely on the Kohala Coast. It sounds exactly like rolling waves and rustling palm trees and comes with ocean views and a great "Work, Stay & Play" offer from the Fairmont Orchid.

The package includes a waived daily resort fee, 25 percent off oceanfront cabana rentals, 20 percent off food and beverage, 10 percent off laundry service, in-room mini-fridge and microwave, plus free WiFi and access to the Executive Boardroom for virtual video conferencing (help from the hotel's Technology Concierge is standing by, too).