You may have read my previous reviews on the Axel Hotel Barcelona (if not: you should!) and if you did you probably get bored by reading again the same compliments for this extraordinary place. Sorry for that – it is just so difficult to catch this hotel on imperfections. Of course perfection for the one may be totally imperfect for another. Do you expect long pile wool carpet, golden water taps and crystal glassware – this might not be your place. Are you attached to a doorman offering you handsfree entrance, a bellboy pushing the button of the elevator or a blue suited general manager locking oneself in his top floor office – honey, you better find another place to stay. Do you expect straight young honeymoon couples continuously holding hands, grandma and grandpa couples enjoying the peaceful atmosphere or Mom and son couples deeply enjoying a passionately prepared breakfast … well, this time you hit the jackpot … ! They are all there and even more than that: extra compared to an ordinary hotel you will find yourself surrounded by gentle gay men, lovely lesbian women and the entire LHBTIQ+ community who found in the Axel Hotel Barcelona a most decent accommodation where everybody freely can be who they are.
But let’s get back to the beginning of my review: the part that may get boring to read over and over again. You are reading a review from a longtime regular returning guest to the Axel who since more than ten years spends some 3 to 4 long weekends a year in this hotel. Some of those weekend trips even turned into 10 days stays last year and this summer. Obviously you cannot expect a bad review or at least some negative issues – they just don’t exist. The decoration is tasteful, the water tap is efficient and the glassware is … well, made of glass! The entrance door opens automatically, you have to push the elevator button yourself and the general manager regularly is greeting you down at the front desk lobby. If this is your thing then the Axel Hotel is exactly the right place for you to stay.
On top of all that the location is top: situated in the middle of the vivid neighbourhood Eixample it is only a 10 minute walk to Passeig de Gracia, Plaça de Catalunya or Gótico with its famous Rambla. Take a half hour walk to Plaça de España, an hour walk to the beach or two hours to climb Montjuic. If your legs are on vacation too alternatively you can take a 3 minute walk to the bike rental. Once you get back to your Axel Hotel there is a comfortable room waiting for you. Or in summertime a sunbed, a refrigerant pool and freshly shaken cocktails on the roof terrace. Or do you want to pump up some muscles first before sliding into your bikini or speedo? In this case you can make a stopover in the fully equipped gym in the basement.
Anyway, at the end of the day it is the people who make your day. The smiling faces of the Axel staff are all around the place: from housekeeping to breakfast room, from rooftop security to front desk receptionists down at the lobby.
Without compromising any other just only because I don’t know your names, greetings to Sergi (I missed you this time), special thanks to Ramiro and Eric (my new friends), respect to Jorge (you’re running a wonderful place there) and last but certainly not least Daniel, the long term steady face of the Axel Hotel Barcelona.
Sparkling stars living up Axel’s 4 STARS and keeping them SHINING … !!!
