From the sultry streets of Havana to the sun-soaked shores of Ibiza, welcome to Axel Hotels, where the art of accommodation is redefined. This chic collection is entering a new era and celebrating its 20th Anniversary, read all about it, here.
Meet These Hotels That “Celebrate Freedom Inside”
Havana, Cuba
Cultured connoisseurs will delight in finding the popular Bodeguita del Medio, which serves the best mojitos, just around the corner from the birthplace of the Daiquiri. For more than 200 years, far-famed patrons have frequented El Floridita, even Ernest Hemingway became a loyal regular for a 20-year run.
© Eye via Unsplash
Countless parties were thrown, with the writer bringing politicians, intellectuals, and starlets such as Katharine Hepburn to the Havana hotspot.
Telégrafo Axel Hotel La Habana | Circa 1860
Settled in the historic Hotel Telégrafo, which opened its doors in 1860 Telégrafo Axel Hotel La Habana is the oldest hotel in Cuba. This iconic change of the guards came a few years after the first telegraph station was installed in the country, ultimately inspiring the name a few years later.
Barcelona, Spain
Two decades ago, the opening of Axel Hotel Barcelona marked the first of the chain’s collection of LGBTQ+ hotels, as well as one of the first worldwide to set space specifically aside for the collective community.
Axel Hotel Barcelona | Circa 2003
Taking on the role of fairy godmother, the concierge could teach a class in allyship, providing personalized recommendations around the area that awaits, just outside their front doors. Dance with DJ and drag queen extraordinaire Ari Korrales as “Queerology” takes the weekend to new heights, with pop-house hits and easy-going games beginning on Thursday and ending on Sunday nights.
© Axel Mag
As night falls, swing by the Sky Bar, the entertainment epicenter soaring high above the stimulating streets of Gaixample from the 7th floor. From here, night comes alive with exclusive events, panoramic views, and creative cocktails to sip on poolside. Dive into a pop-up pool party or toast to the community at a drag brunch, regardless, no one’s doing Catalan charm quite like Axel.
TWO Hotel Barcelona By Axel | Circa 2021
Another Gaixample gem, TWO Hotel Barcelona by Axel resides in the neighborhood of Saint Antoni. This area is best known for its wrought-iron architecture and Sunday book market with stalls selling antique volumes, rare stamps, and vintage postcards.
© Mercat Dominical de Sant Antoni
Watch the shoppers stroll by from the comfort of the hotel’s Sky Bar! This sky-high terrace is perfect for basking in the beautiful weather of Barcelona, whether you opt for sunbathing in the hammocks, cooling off in the pool, or flipping through the selection of seasonal spirits available in the summer.
Madrid, Spain
© Alvaro Bernal via Unsplash
As the capital of Spain, the city serves as a gateway to all the awe-striking attractions, anywhere in the country. From Madrid, make your way around walled cities, Roman ruins, and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all no more than an hour away by train.
Axel Hotel Madrid | Circa 2007
On locomotives, Atocha train station, home of the airport bus stops, is less than a mile down the road from the most happening hotel.
© Axel Hotels
Off of the busy Atocha street on the edge of the “Barrio de las Letras”, or literary quarter, guests of Axel Hotel Madrid get to stay true to their-shelves while staying at the leading LGBTQ+ accommodation in the city. The 88 spectacular rooms are an avant-garde display of artistry, finely furnished with a modern take on the sociocultural movement that took place in Madrid back in the 1980s.
© Axel Mag
From stimulating stand-up comedy to dazzling drag performances, Bala Perdida Club is the place to be. Every day here is special, with moody Mondays meant for the blues, thrilling tributes on Tuesdays, and Broadway nights on Thursdays.
Berlin, Germany
Stroll through the Schöneberg district, Berlin’s Queer quarter, home to the world’s first gay scene, before dropping your bags at Axel Hotel Berlin.
© Visit Berlin
Axel Hotel Berlin | Circa 2009
Capturing the cosmopolitan allure of the German capital, this area has historically been deemed a red-light district, though these roots have since been replanted in the influx of indie galleries and charming cafes popping up.
The arrival of a street art museum, specifically, provides fresh impetus while the lure of the grand KaDeWe department store is a mesmerizing medley of culinary creations that remains unabated years after the food hall originally opened.
TWO Hotel Berlin By Axel | Circa 2021
The high-octane district of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf sets the stage for a perfect blend of thrill-seeking pleasure and laid-back leisure, giving rise to TWO Hotel Berlin by Axel, which debuted in 2021.
© Axel Hotels on Instagram
Standing proudly on Bundesallee Street, the hotel is a stone’s throw from the most renowned shopping hub, Kurfürstendamm, in the famously gay district of Schöneberg.
Ibiza, Spain
Within the unique landscape of Saint Antonio Bay, AxelBeach Ibiza is a beachfront beaut bringing the city’s magnetic charm to the forefront of the conversation.
AxelBeach Ibiza | Circa 2013
As the day turns to dawn, savor sweet spirits and stunning sunsets atop the rooftop Sky Bar or hit the gym to sweat out all the travel toxins.
For the best views of the sea, head to Ibiza Posidonia, where an aromatherapy shower, sauna, steel hot tub with massage circuit, and so much more all overlook the enchanting island. The splendid solarium provides an awesome al fresco space to soak up the sun as the skilled professionals guide you through a blissful experience with rejuvenating rituals.
See treatments here.
Maspalomas, Spain
By way of events, Winter Pride 2023 at Maspalomas, Gran Canaria will be held from Monday, November 6th until Sunday, November 12th. Maspalomas Carnival is running from March 7th through the 17th.
AxelBeach Maspalomas | Circa 2017
Just a stroll from the sea in Playa del Ingles, AxelBeach Maspalomas is an adults-only atmosphere facilitating fun in the sun all year round.
Crossing the pool on one side, the lounge garden is a palm-lined oasis pushing you to a place of absolute peace. Recharge your batteries for the night as you rock to the island breeze in a hammock or regenerate your senses by taking an alfresco lunch break.
Hang at the hotel and book a stimulating spa service; check here, for more details.
Miami, USA
AxelBeach, Miami | Circa 2019
Holiday on Florida’s hippest coast when you stay at AxelBeach Miami. A block away from the beach, this hotel stuns in South Beach, a lively area of the Art Deco district that’s abundant in activities.
Wow your well-being with a detox in the stimulating steam room, open from 9 am to 9 pm.
San Sebastián, Spain
Framed by golden beaches and gates of grand architecture, San Sebastián stuns with an undeniable allure, from the leaf-lined lushness of its hillsides to its venerable dining scene and packed cultural calendar.
Axel Hotel, San Sebastián | Circa 2021
In the heart of the city’s old town, Axel Hotel, San Sebastián is ideal for wandering the streets, taking trips around the port, or stopping by nearby La Concha beach.