Axel Hotel Barcelona - Adults Only

The location of this hotel was in a lively and vibrant neighborhood of Barcelona, with easy accessibility to the city center by foot. The standout feature of this establishment was the impressive Sky Bar, where a delightful blend of locals and tourists could be found. The bar's atmosphere was exceptional and the staff provided excellent service. My evenings spent here were filled with entertaining shows and fantastic music, particularly when a drag DJ was on the dance floor. The hotel's terrace was also a delightful spot to soak in the warm summer nights or cozy up during the brisk winter evenings with the help of heaters. I would highly recommend this hotel and its bar to those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or are simply looking for a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The hotel I stayed at in Barcelona was quite disappointing. Not only did they charge my credit card just to check it, but the money has still not been returned. The decor was also quite tacky, as you can see in the pictures. I had expected a hotel that prides itself on being LGBT friendly to have better taste. While the rates during the week were decent, they were overpriced on weekends. The only positive aspect was the convenient location.

During my stay in Barcelona last December, which happened to be during Christmas and also my birthday, I was pleasantly surprised by the staff. As soon as I entered my room, I was greeted with balloons and birthday wishes. It was such a lovely gesture and made my stay even more special. The hotel itself is amazing and the staff are fantastic. I always felt very welcome and taken care of. Thank you for such a wonderful experience.

As a person in a wheelchair, I recently stayed in a different part of Barcelona than I usually do. My usual spot is in Barrio Gótico, near the Ramblas, but this time I chose to stay in Eixample. The hotel I stayed at is located in a bustling pedestrian area with plenty of shops and restaurants. However, the main entrance is not accessible for wheelchairs. There is an alternate entrance on the side, but it requires you to get someone's attention at the front desk to open it for you. It would be more convenient if there was a way for guests to control this entrance themselves, such as a swipe card or digital lock. The adapted rooms are on the first floor, specifically rooms 118, 119, and 120. These rooms have a unique layout, as they face a small courtyard with a glass front wall and door for natural light. Unfortunately, there are no curtains that can be drawn while exiting the room, so privacy can be an issue during the day when passersby can see inside. Despite this, the room itself was comfortable and well-equipped. The bathroom had a step-free shower, shower seat, and grab rails. The fridge was fully stocked, but it was located on the floor, making it difficult to access from a wheelchair. Raising the fridge to a higher level would greatly improve accessibility. As someone who uses a wheelchair, I believe it is important for designers to experience the challenges of inadequate facilities firsthand. The hotel's downstairs toilets were impressively designed, and the breakfast room and food were top-notch. The sky bar was also enjoyable, although there was no ramp to access the exterior patio. The hotel also has a good deal with a nearby parking garage for guests, with a reasonable daily rate.

The accommodations were lovely, with a top-notch spa, excellent massages and an exceptionally hospitable team. We found ourselves drawn to the rooftop bar each evening, where we had the pleasure of meeting many amiable individuals. Right from the start, Dani made us feel right at home with a special birthday surprise in our room upon arrival. Throughout our entire stay, he was always on hand at the skybar, ensuring everyone was having a great time and offering great suggestions for dining, brunching, and relaxation options. Special mention to Clayton's massages, which were simply fantastic. Safe to say, a return trip is definitely in the cards.