Axel Hotel Barcelona is where the brand began, having opened in 2003 as the world's first hotel created specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community. The building is a 19th-century modernist property on Calle Aribau in the heart of the Eixample district, within the area locals call the Queerxample or Gayxample, where gay bars, clubs, restaurants and shops have concentrated over several decades. The hotel has grown from a bold experiment into an institution, and remains the flagship of the Axel Hotels chain. Facilities include a rooftop pool and terrace, a spa with sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and gym, a restaurant and bar serving lunch and dinner, and a ground floor venue running drag and DJ nights most evenings of the week. The hotel is adults only and positions itself as a safe and open space where guests can be themselves without explanation.
Address:
Axel Hotel Barcelona
Aribau 33
08011 Barcelona
Spain
Phone:
+34 933 239 393
Email:
barcelona@axelhotels.com
Website:
https://www.axelhotels.com/en/axel-hotel-barcelona/hotel
My stay at Axel Hotel Barcelona was once again an excellent experience. The highlight, was Carlo from Cuba at reception. His professionalism, warmth, and genuine care made a lasting impression. He is an exceptional team member, and any hotel would be lucky to have someone like him.
The entire team was welcoming and attentive, which is one of the reasons I keep coming back. As a member, Axel Hotel Barcelona continues to be my preferred choice whenever I visit. Thank you for consistently providing such a wonderful atmosphere and experience.
There were some minor problems in our room that I imagine will be taken care of. The staff was friendly and helpful. The location was perfect. It was pretty central. We walked everywhere. It was nice being in the gay district at a gay friendly hotel. We did not visit Parc Guell or Sagrada this trip, but probably would have taken the train. That was a longer walk. It should be noted that we walk a lot. There was a nice menu for room service, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a pool that we did not take advantage of. We did not stay long enough. We will have to come back.
The hotel is very well located and the main public areas are clean and in good condition overall. I had a superior room which was a great size and comfortable. It was cleaned every day. All my interactions with staff were professional and friendly. Special mention for Alvaro who checked me out and was very charming. Close to many gay venues but also connected well to public transport and a good base to explore Barcelona
The hotel was clean and well maintained, and the staff were very kind and helpful. Overall, the service was good and we had a pleasant stay.
However, one thing that surprised us is that it is mainly oriented toward the LGBTQ+ community, and this was not clearly mentioned in the description or in their messages. If you are not familiar with this type of environment, it might feel a bit uncomfortable.
That said, everyone was respectful and friendly, and overall it was a good experience. It’s just something future guests should be aware of.
want to share my experience with this hotel so that other travelers are aware.
Due to the current war situation in Israel and the closure of Israeli airspace, it was physically impossible for me to travel. This is a clear case of force majeure and completely beyond my control.
Despite explaining the situation and providing full context, the hotel chose to show absolutely no understanding or basic human consideration. Instead of acting with empathy during a very difficult and dangerous situation, they insisted on enforcing cancellation fees.
What makes this even more disappointing is that I had previously received written confirmation that the cancellation fees would be waived once the cancellation was requested. Despite this, the hotel later reversed their position.
In a time when people are dealing with war, missile attacks, and closed airspace, I expected at least minimal understanding and decency. Unfortunately, the response I received was the exact opposite.
Travelers should be aware of how this property treats guests in extreme circumstances. I sincerely hope no one else has to go through a similar experience.
