Hotel Axel
Carrer Aribau 33, Barcelona, Catalonia 08011, SpainWhy We Like It
There aren’t many gay-themed hotels in the city, and this is by far the best of the bunch. Considered a safe-space for like-minded LGBTQ tourists and their local friends, Hotel Axel is a fun, yet relaxing hotel with an outstanding rooftop bar, exquisite restaurant, and a central location that’s ideal for exploring the city. Come for the parties, stay for the food, and relax or workout at the fully-equipped spa. There’s a little something for everyone here as long as you keep an open mind.
Fodor's Expert Review
In a city that’s famous for its liberal lifestyle, Hotel Axel takes things up a notch as the best LGBTQ hotel in Barcelona. This boutique is known for its inclusive attitude, wild rooftop parties, and excellent Japanese/Peruvian fusion restaurant Nikkei 103. Inside, you’ll also find a dedicated staff to help you navigate the bustling and frenetic LGBTQ scene throughout the city and inside the hotel.
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Room
Tasteful rooms are decked out with light hardwood floors, comfy beds, toned down floral print wallpaper, work desks and mainly open floor plans. Smart TVs are standard and all premium rooms and higher feature balconies.
Tip If you’re visiting the hotel during a high-vacancy time of year, ask (nicely) for an upgrade as they’ll do their best to get you a great room for no extra cost.
Bathroom
The bathrooms feature open, leave-little-to-the-imagination showers with white tiles and Axel branded amenity kits in case you left anything at home.
Lobby
As you enter the hotel, you’ll find marble floors, colorful high-backed chairs and a rotating art exhibit that changes year-round. It’s not a hangout per se, but more a waiting area before a night out.
Pool
The summer-only rooftop pool is open from May-October and has leather loungers atop wood slats that look out over the city.
Spa
Wellness Club 33 is the hotel’s excellent spa center that features steam and sauna rooms and a giant hammam. The club is also open to non-hotel guests through outside memberships.
Gym
Part of Wellness Club 33, the gym is open from 8am-9pm and is an enormous space with Precor cardio machines, free weights, heavy bags, and more. Personal trainers are always available for an extra fee.
Dining
Nikkei 103 is the excellent Japanese/Peruvian fusion restaurant of the hotel that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Inside, you’ll be wowed by the bamboo ceiling and long wooden communal tables. You’ll be more wowed by the food, however.
Tip If you book direct on the hotel’s website you’ll get your breakfast included with your stay.
Drinking
One of the most fun nights in Barcelona can be found poolside at Sky Bar, the rooftop spot that’s open year-round with wild parties, drag shows, and more. Here you can indulge in craft cocktails and tapas as you peruse the LGBTQ singles scene any night of the week.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Axel is in a neighborhood nearby a university and within walking distance are dozens of bars, restaurants, and shopping areas. Also a few minutes away is metro stop Universitat for longer missions around town.
Restaurants
If you’ve had your fill of the hotel’s excellent restaurant, try heading to La Flauta (1-minute walk) for incredible tapas. For refined Michelin fare, check out Angle (1-minute walk) at the Hotel Cram right next door.