A dominant force in the niche of LGBT tourism, Axel Hotels established itself long ago as the leader in upscale accommodation, welcoming all guests with equal hospitality.  With a tongue-in-cheek ‘heterofriendly’ policy, Axel has grown from being a single hotel in Barcelona to several properties across Europe and beyond.

A warm welcome at Axel TWO.

Such was the demand for rooms in Axel Barcelona that a second property, aptly named Axel TWO, was opened nearby on the edge of Eixample, the fashionable neighbourhood more familiarly known as Gayxample that succeeded in retaining its gay identity in a time when dilution of such areas is taking place in other major cities across the world.

The Axel concept is based on style and more style for a target market that notices and appreciates the small details and a live-and-let-live attitude.  Both Axel properties in Barcelona provide comfortable accommodations, friendly service, and rooftop pool/bar areas for socialising among fellow guests.  Breakfasts are bountiful, with diverse foods catering to contemporary dietary preferences.

Axel TWO is the smaller property; as such, it conveys a sense of home inside compared to the more prominent Axel, which is larger and has a more significant number of rooms.  Despite a perception among some straight people that gay hotels are nonstop parties where men want to have fun all night long, the client base at Axel is a not-so-surprising mix of families who don’t care one bit about people’s private lives, young single women seeking to avoid unwanted attention from straight men, and yes, gay men of all ages who want to feel relaxed in their accommodation.

Barcelona’s unique architecture attracts visitors from all over the world.

The original Axel is located in a grand building smack in the middle of Eixample, with bars, restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment venues all within easy walking distance, as is Passeig de Gràcia boulevard and the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí and his fellow Modernist architects for which Barcelona is well known.  Axel TWO is similarly convenient for sightseeing in the Catalonian capital; Barcelona’s rich history is evident around every corner, and the famous attractions such as the recently completed Sagrada Familia cathedral and La Rambla boulevard are complemented by less well-known but no less appealing places devoid of tourist hordes.

Among them is the Paradox Museum, a delightful collection of mind-bending displays that will turn normally sophisticated adults into wondrous children. The Museum Of Chocolate is virtually unknown to international visitors, yet the exciting exhibits and appealing café menu satisfy those who visit. The ingenious entrance ticket is a real chocolate bar.

Highly clever in opening new properties, Axel Hotels’ portfolio now includes hotels in such gayppealing locations as Berlin, Madrid, Canary Islands, Ibiza, Havana, and the newest Axel in South Beach Miami—certain to be as wildly successful as its predecessors.

Written by: Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur

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