The Peel Hotel

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.

0 STARS. This is not an LGBTQ+ inclusive space AT ALL. Avoid at all costs do not give your money to this club or its owner. On Saturday night I was there with my partner and friends. This venue has countless naked and topless men (which I have no issue with & I am for the freedom of the LGBTQ community). However they should make this clear as this is not a sex party it is a gay club. I was approached by the owner who said “you can’t wear that’. I was wearing a long waist to ankle skirt and a bralette, so I obviously turned and said to him “are you joking” because I genuinely thought he was. He proceeded then to grab me and call security and told me to get out. My partner and I were then wrestled out aggressively by security who had no idea why they were kicking us out. The owner is clearly misogynistic and this was a CLEAR and totally reprehensible act of discrimination. This is not safe place for women.

*PLEASE READ IF YOU’RE PLANNING ON VISITING* Last night, on the final night of the Midsumma Festival ‘26, after the Pride Street Party, my friends and I waited in line for over an hour and a half, only to be told at the door that no women were allowed - “only gay regular men,” according to the security guards. I’ve never experienced this at a gay venue before, especially on such a significant night dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ pride. It’s incredibly disgraceful to treat people this way after they’ve waited patiently in line and intended to support the venue financially- all because the owner wants to exclude queer people that aren’t cis gay men. If you’re wanting to have a fun night out with friends, I suggest a place that isn’t gonna promote exclusion and gender discrimination.

Fun gay bar in Melbourne, I’m a regular here and it’s always a good vibe. Good smoking area and music, people are fairly friendly too. I did lose my belongings here a few weeks ago however, and when I’d emailed in to ask about them I received no response from them which was a bit upsetting.

Amazing vibes coming here straight from Flash on Saturday which was just around the corner. Friendly cute crowd, fun pop music and cheap drinks. What more can you ask for?