The first gay hotel in Barcelona, the Axel Hotel, opened seven years ago in the city.  The hotel is located in the Eixample area of Barcelona and has  just expanded, adding an adjoining building to the original hotel.  Hotels Spain can report that due to an increase in homosexual tourism in the city the hotel has decided to expand and offer new services making it a point of reference not only for the gay community in Spain but in all of Europe.

A new bar, a bigger restaurant, a terrace with views and a new spa and fitness centre are now open, not only for hotel guests, but also for local people from Spain and other tourists passing through the city. The hotel owner, Juan Julià , pointed out that the hotel and its new offer of entertainment and leisure is not trying to create a gay ghetto, but a heterosexual-friendly space open to anyone who agrees with his style.

There are a total of 105 rooms in Hotel Axel, 38 of which are new, including four suites with private terraces located on the top floor of the hotel, where guests can enjoy exceptional views of the city and the sea. The Sky Bar on the hotel rooftop with swimming pool and jacuzzi, offers exciting cocktails and spectacular views of Barcelona.  There is also the Ground Bar open during the day and at night with a relaxing terrace and a bar.

Juliá stated that although the project started at a time of crisis in the tourism sector the brand was experiencing a huge success both abroad and in Spain.  He insisted that the increasing demand from the gay sector justifies the growth of this establishment. The occupancy rate in the Barcelona hotel is usually around 85%.