AXEL HOTEL BARCELONA

Like the new boy in town, Axel Hotel Barcelona wowed the gay world back in 2003 with its then trend-setting features like designer linens, roof terrace parties and – gasp! – proper guest services. It was a far shout from your typical homo hostel and B&B – this was a genuine boutique hotel and more than held its own, be it gay, straight, or the preferred “hetero-friendly”.

But fresh meat quickly becomes old hat and seven years have now passed since it opened, so we’re quite delighted that Axel has now had some work done. Major work. Like Demi Moore-major.

The hotel has nearly doubled in size, and not only have they introduced more rooms, suites and a new ground floor bar, they’ve also super-sized the gym (now huge by hotel standards and open from 7-24) and, more importantly, the Sky Bar by Axel. The emblematic rooftop bar has been expanded, blessed with a much larger pool and Jacuzzi, and moved one floor up so that guests can now take in the full Barcelona skyline while sipping a well-shaken cocktail and sussing out the talent present.

It’s a more adult, grown-up Axel, though it hasn’t lost any of the sexual tension and playfulness that made it such a hit with single gay travelers. The “Disturb, please” doorknob signs are intact and, as a new feature, guests can now choose whether to let other guests sneak a peek into their shower. Pass the soap, will you?