The Peel Hotel

Great happy hour prices. Friendly helpful staff. Plenty of room to find your spot. Inclusive and fun. Friday night pop goes off. Love the extra large disco ball.

literally the best gay bar / club in the country. This establishment is the theme-park of clubs. Make sure you visit smokers island on your way to front bar town but not before you get trapped in the spooky cubicle coaster line.

Finding these current reviews super interesting and reminded me of an experience I had on my birthday a few years ago that left me humiliated. Upon trying to enter I was told by one of the bouncers that I wouldn't be going inside "dressed like that" and proceeded to say they had a modesty clause. I initially thought it was a joke because I had been in before wearing similar without a problem and once or twice in the exact same thing. So he turned me away and, as I walked, I heard the other two bouncers arguing vigorously with him that they felt I was dressed appropriately and there was nothing wrong. He was arguing back and screaming so loud about what I was wearing that people were turning to look and could be heard two blocks away. I was wearing much more than some of the other women in their reviews, and more than many of the shirtless male patrons. I will try and include the exact photo here so you can see for yourselves. I am still baffled and humiliated to this day because I was wearing much more than most standard clubbing fare. I am a straight woman and was with my two male gay friends and I fully support people feeling included and safe in a space, but I really do not believe any of the males felt threatened by what I was wearing (the contrary, in fact, many would stop to tell me how pretty and amazing I looked and compliment me on previous nights in the SAME dress). I wonder if it was a cultural thing for that bouncer or something, but I do appreciate his two colleagues for standing up for me. My legs and arms were exposed but it was always boiling in there so I was also dressing so I didn't pass out. I decided I finally want to speak up for myself because it has stuck with me how awful I was treated that night and still cannot work out why it happened when the other two bouncers were all for my entry and accused this guy of being on a power trip. It is discrimination and it made me feel like nothing, on my birthday no less. It makes me feel sad that many wonderful and inclusive clubs closed over time and this place continues while treating patrons like this. I also understand anyone has a right to refuse service and have a dress code, but I am also fair enough to agree if my outfit was too much. But the fact two other employees of the establishment also felt I was dressed appropriately and within code tells me this was something else.

Great venue! However, it’s always extremely hot inside. I don’t think they have AC, or if they do, it’s never turned on. I’d honestly prefer paying an entry fee if it meant they would invest in improving the ventilation or cooling. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like investing in the venue is a priority for them. Usually the crowd is good, but some weekends the number of women and straight couples becomes a bit ridiculous.

The first bar / club I ever went to. What an amazing experience, a life long memory. Thanks to Bruce for getting us in (back in the day). Awesome music and and awesome memories! Thank you!