Pride Holdings Group has announced that two of its flagship venues have earned top national recognition in Tripadvisor's 2025 rankings of the Best Gay Clubs & Bars in the United States. Aqua Nightclub has been named the #1 Gay Club & Bar in the United States, while Club One Savannah secured the #10 spot, placing both venues among the most celebrated LGBTQ+ nightlife destinations in the country. Tripadvisor's annual rankings are based on the volume, quality, and consistency of traveler reviews and ratings from guests across the globe, recognizing venues that deliver exceptional experiences, atmosphere, and service.
Michael Barrett, CEO of Pride Holdings Group, stated that this recognition is a powerful validation of the company's mission. He emphasized that having Aqua recognized as the number one gay club and bar in the nation, and Club One Savannah ranked among the top ten, speaks directly to the dedication of the teams, the loyalty of guests, and the importance of preserving iconic LGBTQ+ spaces. This acknowledgment from a platform like https://www.tripadvisor.com carries significant weight in the hospitality and tourism industries, as it reflects authentic customer feedback and global traveler sentiment.
Aqua Nightclub has become a nationally recognized destination for its high-energy entertainment, world-class drag performances, and inclusive atmosphere that attracts visitors from across the United States and beyond. Club One Savannah, a historic and beloved LGBTQ+ venue, continues to be a cultural cornerstone in the Southeast, known for its legendary shows, community engagement, and long-standing legacy. These rankings further reinforce Pride Holdings Group's strategy of acquiring, investing in, and elevating culturally significant LGBTQ+ venues while maintaining their unique identities and community impact.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond corporate achievement to broader cultural and economic significance. For the LGBTQ+ community, the recognition of these venues as top national destinations underscores the ongoing importance of safe, inclusive, and vibrant social spaces. In an era where many historic LGBTQ+ establishments face economic pressures or closure, the success and national ranking of venues like Aqua Nightclub and Club One Savannah demonstrate that these cultural institutions can thrive while preserving their authentic character.
From a business perspective, this recognition validates Pride Holdings Group's operational approach and could influence investment in the LGBTQ+ hospitality sector. The company's focus on acquiring and scaling LGBTQ+ oriented hospitality, nightlife, entertainment, and real estate assets appears to be yielding measurable success in terms of customer satisfaction and industry recognition. The Tripadvisor rankings may also boost tourism to these venues, contributing to local economies in Fort Lauderdale and Savannah while reinforcing the economic viability of LGBTQ+ focused hospitality businesses.
For travelers and patrons, these rankings provide trusted guidance for those seeking authentic LGBTQ+ nightlife experiences, potentially directing more visitors to these celebrated venues. The recognition also highlights the evolving standards of excellence within LGBTQ+ hospitality, where factors like inclusive atmosphere, quality entertainment, and community engagement are being formally acknowledged alongside traditional hospitality metrics. As Pride Holdings Group continues to execute its strategy, the success of Aqua Nightclub and Club One Savannah may serve as a model for preserving cultural spaces while achieving commercial success in the competitive hospitality industry.
