Axel Barcelona
Sep 12, 2010, 1:09 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2010
Location: TPA
Programs: All The Programs
Posts: 2,203
Axel Barcelona
What a disappointment!
I figured a 'gay hotel' would be stylish & classy. The only nice thing about this place was the location. The staff had no clue what they were doing, every linen/towel that I had had stains on it (don't think it was unsanitary - but they've clearly never heard of bleach), and the food from the hotel was unimpressive (toasted wonder bread for 'croutons').
What a horrible venue - definitely not worth even half what they charge.
I figured a 'gay hotel' would be stylish & classy. The only nice thing about this place was the location. The staff had no clue what they were doing, every linen/towel that I had had stains on it (don't think it was unsanitary - but they've clearly never heard of bleach), and the food from the hotel was unimpressive (toasted wonder bread for 'croutons').
What a horrible venue - definitely not worth even half what they charge.
Sep 12, 2010, 2:36 am
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM
Posts: 85,516
More importantly, what happens when you crack your door slightly? 
Last edited by ILuvParis; Sep 12, 2010 at 11:25 am Reason: Added a winkie for those who have trouble identifying a joke.
Sep 13, 2010, 7:30 am
#4
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
In my experience most, but not all, "gay" hotels are overpriced and short on service. My advise use Hotwire or Priceline for a four star or above (unless you are hotel loyal from work travel) and use the additional money elsewhere.
Sep 13, 2010, 10:49 am
#5
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,037
I totally agree with this assessment. I get the sense that gay owned establishments believe we should patron their businesses just because they are gay... and I do not agree with that. I still expect to get value for my "rainbow dollar". But, as long as people continue to pay the high market markup just because a place is gay owned... I doubt things will never change.
Using Hotwire or Priceline is a great way to get the bang for your dollar. One hotel that I truly enjoy... and they are very supportive of the GLBT community is the Kimpton brand. I have never been disappointed with them.
Using Hotwire or Priceline is a great way to get the bang for your dollar. One hotel that I truly enjoy... and they are very supportive of the GLBT community is the Kimpton brand. I have never been disappointed with them.
) and is not worth the extra money for the comdoms and lube they put on your amenity kit.
Aug 21, 2016, 7:04 pm
#11
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS
Posts: 15,027
Aug 21, 2016, 8:44 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,308
In terms of overpriced, I think that varies seasonally. Axel was a much better deal than the places I stayed on my trip in July and I regret not staying there.
Aug 22, 2016, 2:57 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 220
I stayed at the Axel last May and thought that it was just fine. Not the lap of luxury, mind you, but the room was clean and I found the staff to be friendly and it's a great location. Good value for the money and you can get a nice little mileage bonus if you book through Rocketmiles. I'll be staying at their sister hotel, Two by Axel, in a couple of weeks, which seems to be newer and nicer.
Aug 30, 2016, 1:25 pm
#15
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 6,300
I stayed 3 nights, early August, at "Two by Axel". It's location, while good, is a bit further away from the bars / Universitat area. That said, there are enough mini-markets and stores around the hotel for it not to appear too residential/boring (BoyBerry a bar that is now a porn store / cabin place, is next door).
The rooms were good. I was travelling solo and the shower is definitely clear / all the way through the bathroom into the bedroom (in my case), so if you're travelling with a buddy, keep that in mind. It wouldn't bother me with a bf. A/C was great, room had a fridge, bed comfortable, and a small balcony onto the street. Very clean rooms and still have a 'new' feel about them.
Breakfast I can't tell you about as I stayed on US EST and slept through it.
The pool area is nice - smaller than Axel but has a fun artificial grass mixed with pink decor feel to it. Great attentive service from the bartender; good cocktails; largely gay clientele. Nice rooftop sun all day; good views over the neighbouring streets.
I would say the hotel is a tiny bit more boutique than the regular Axel and seemed a little less cruisy (even though they have the 'Please Disturb' door hangers too). That last part might be all in my head but I felt like people were solely there to relax / enjoy the facilities, not hook up, party, Grindr, etc. Hope that makes sense. The gym is also on the rooftop and is a bit like a fishbowl - everyone would watch you work out (I did not work out).
If I was to choose between the two, I would stay at "Two by Axel" over the other one - wasn't a fan of Axel BCN. In my case, the price was good at 'Two' and the value was there. The staff at the 2nd bar (reception) were also really friendly and helpful with recommendations. FYI, 37/m here. Multiple women up at the pool bar / pool area, so it seems a comfortable place for females, too.
Give it a try and please report back!
The rooms were good. I was travelling solo and the shower is definitely clear / all the way through the bathroom into the bedroom (in my case), so if you're travelling with a buddy, keep that in mind. It wouldn't bother me with a bf. A/C was great, room had a fridge, bed comfortable, and a small balcony onto the street. Very clean rooms and still have a 'new' feel about them.
Breakfast I can't tell you about as I stayed on US EST and slept through it.
The pool area is nice - smaller than Axel but has a fun artificial grass mixed with pink decor feel to it. Great attentive service from the bartender; good cocktails; largely gay clientele. Nice rooftop sun all day; good views over the neighbouring streets.
I would say the hotel is a tiny bit more boutique than the regular Axel and seemed a little less cruisy (even though they have the 'Please Disturb' door hangers too
). That last part might be all in my head but I felt like people were solely there to relax / enjoy the facilities, not hook up, party, Grindr, etc. Hope that makes sense. The gym is also on the rooftop and is a bit like a fishbowl - everyone would watch you work out (I did not work out).If I was to choose between the two, I would stay at "Two by Axel" over the other one - wasn't a fan of Axel BCN. In my case, the price was good at 'Two' and the value was there. The staff at the 2nd bar (reception) were also really friendly and helpful with recommendations. FYI, 37/m here. Multiple women up at the pool bar / pool area, so it seems a comfortable place for females, too.
Give it a try and please report back!
Last edited by seanp7; Aug 30, 2016 at 1:32 pm
