Review Axel Hotel Barcelona

Reservation Information For The Axel Hotel

Axel Hotel has a clever tag-line. They state that they are ‘hetrofriendly’. Not only does this sum up the hotel’s mostly gay market, it is also very true. On entering the hotel’s bright and lively lobby I was greeted with open arms by helpful and friendly staff eager to tell me about the hotel facilities. The hotel brochure is relatively risqué, so this hotel may not appeal to those looking for a classic hotel experience.

The hotel’s exterior is classic and grand – there is a stone brickwork façade with wrought iron balconies. The hotel sits on a large corner and at each of its sides there are large domed floor to ceiling windows. A beautifully patterned, colourful, stained glass canopy overlooks the front entrance to the hotel.

The hotel’s lobby area is light and bright, due to the many windows and high ceilings. There is a large watercolour painting adorning one of the walls. The round front desk area is covered in small white tiles and is surrounded by a pattern of pastel coloured mosaic tiles.

The hotel is located very centrally for those who hope to enjoy a cosmopolitan trip to the city. Those who wish that they were closer to the beach may be pleased to find the outdoor pool and Jacuzzi on the hotel roof.

Hotel Facilities:

The hotel has a small rooftop pool. It is surrounded by an area that is covered in wooden decking, with sun loungers, tables and chairs. It is unheated. There is also a Jacuzzi on the rooftop. The area is open 24 hours, all year round.

There is also a fitness centre, offering weights and running machines. This is open from 08:30 – 02:00.

Underground Bar by Axel

The hotel restaurant is on the ground floor, next to the lobby area. It is in stark contrast to the brightness of the lobby area, with red velvet chairs and low lighting. At lunchtime a set menu (‘Menu del Dia’) of three courses is available for 12 euros. The food served is Spanish in style. There is also a bar next to the restaurant area called ‘Underground’. It is open from 10:30 – 02:00. On Saturday nights there are live DJs. It also offers a Happy Hour on Mondays to Friday from 20:30 – 21:30 with two for one cocktails. Breakfast is served in the bar area. It is not included in the room price. It is possible to order coffee and a cake for 1.90 euros or coffee and a sandwich for 2.25 euros.

Room service is available 24 hours. Pets are not permitted to stay in the hotel.

Check-in time is at 14:00 and check-out time is at 12:00. Rooms are available for day use (short stay) at 50% of the full room price.

Business Facilities:

There is one room that is available in the hotel for meetings. It has a capacity of 100 people.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. It costs 6 euros for 24 hours. There are also two computers with internet available for the use of customers free of charge.

Facilities for the Disabled:

There are two rooms in the hotel that are suitable for disabled people. They have widened doors and special bathrooms.

There are lifts to all floors.

Rooms:

There are a total of 66 rooms in the hotel, over 6 floors. There are six single rooms and the rest are doubles. The rooms at the front of the hotel offer balconies. Those requiring a more quiet room should request one at the interior of the hotel.

All rooms are soundproof and contain air-conditioning, LCD televisions and telephones.

The rooms on the fourth floor of the hotel are smoking. The rest of the hotel aside form the bar, is non-smoking.

Hotel Location and Facilities:

Axel Hotel is located close to many of Barcelona’s most popular tourist spots. These include the Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya - both a ten-minute walk from the hotel. These areas are popular amongst tourists for their street entertainers and souvenir shops. The Ramblas is also a useful place to find many necessary amenities such as banks, pharmacies, supermarkets and internet cafés.

The hotel is also a ten-minute walk from Passeig de Gracia, a popular spot for shopping amongst the well-heeled of Barcelona. Many important designer flagship stores such as Prada, Gucci and Burberry are located on this street.

Located in Eixample, the hotel is also close to Barcelona’s thriving gay scene. Clubs and bars such as Martins, D-Boy and Acido Óxido are popular and are in walking distance of the hotel. Hotel staff should be asked for more details of gay venues in the area.

How to Travel from the Airport to the Hotel:

Via Taxi: A taxi from the airport should take about 25 minutes and cost around 25 – 30 euros depending on traffic and luggage.

Via Train: The RENFE train leaves the airport every half an hour and will take you to Passeig de Gracia in 25 minutes. You can either use the T10 transport ticket from the airport (T10 costs 7.70 euros for 10 separate journeys on Barcelona public transport) or you can buy a single fare ticket for 2.80 euros. The hotel is a five-minute walk from Passeig de Gracia.

Via Bus: Take the 'Aerobus ' to Plaza Universitat from directly outside the airport. The Aerobus generally runs every 10 - 15 minutes and the journey time is 30 minutes. The hotel is 5 minutes in a taxi that will cost about 5 - 8 euros. The hotel is a ten-minute walk from Plaza Universitat.

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 Reservation Information For The Axel Hotel

In a Nutshell:

Axel Hotel Barcelona offers playful and stylish accommodation to a mostly gay market. It mixes the old-school glamour of the building with interesting and modern design. It is located well for those who wish to be at the heart of Barcelona’s shopping and restaurant life. Its facilities are impressive for a three star hotel however, those who are looking for a beach holiday should aim for a more downtown location.

Hotel Axel - 3 Star
Calle Aribau, 33
08011
Barcelona

Metro: Passeig de Gracia (Green Line, L3) or (Yellow Line, L4)

Rack Rates:

Single: 100 – 120 euros

Related Pages

Barcelona Neighbourhood And Hotel Guide - Guide to the main Barcelona neighbourhoods and hotels listed for each area. Photos, descriptions makes it easy for you to know where to choose your hotel.

Barcelona Hotel Reviews - Read our independent reviews of over 100 Barcelona hotels

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