Two Hotel Barcelona By Axel

From the street level, TWO Hotel Barcelona by Axel feels like a reserved property, with a modern-but-understated facade fronted with blocky glass balconies. Inside, decor, still fresh from the hotel's 2015 opening, is both spunky and design-conscious, with decorative tiled accents, modern webbed chairs and wrought-iron stools, and lots of electric-pink accents (indeed, the rooftop fitness room is almost entirely pink). An armchair in the front lobby, upholstered in rainbow stripes, says #LOVEISLOVE, and an illuminated sign near the bar shows off a buff man in his underwear, just a few indicators of the hotel's primary clientele -- gay men. (Children aren't allowed, but guests note that the hotel is hetero-friendly, too.) The main hangout spot is the funky rooftop terrace, where guests can drink, lounge, and swim. Tucked under the design-conscious details are some simple features: basic metal bar stools, open wardrobes in rooms. Overall, it's still a stylish choice for couples and solo travelers in a nightlife kind of mood.

The hotel is situated in Eixample, just south of the gay-friendly area nicknamed Gayxample (about 10-minute walk). It's located just off one of the city's main thoroughfares, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, and the surrounding blocks are dotted with restaurants and shops. Plaça Espanya is a 10-minute walk, while the tree-lined promenade La Rambla is about a 20-minute walk in the opposite direction. Many other attractions are a bit of a hike on foot, but the Rocafort subway station is just a two-minute walk from the hotel. La Sagrada Familia or Casa Mila will take about 25 minutes to get to via public transit and the waterfront La Barceloneta can be reached in about 35 minutes. Barcelona–El Prat Airport is about 40 minutes away via public transit.

Guest rooms here are simple but modern with a gently dark, romantic feel -- though huge floor-to-ceiling bay windows let in lots of natural light. The color palette consists mostly of grays, olive greens, and browns, but the details keep it interesting: under-lit ceilings, modern wrought-iron desk chairs, and accent walls finished with decorative tiling. The open-format of the rooms means open wardrobes and bathrooms with limited privacy, though they're stylish with subway-tile accents and spacious rainfall showers. Amenities are high-end, and include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, smartphone chargers, minibars, and electronic safes, even in entry-level Single Rooms, though coffee/tea service isn't standard. Bathrooms have individual Axel toiletries and robes. The 87 rooms include singles and a range of doubles, including more spacious premium doubles. Some rooms look out only into a small, interior courtyard.

The hotel's amenities reflect its focus on relaxation and fun. The crown jewel is the rooftop terrace which features a year-round heated pool and whirlpool along with a pool bar, surrounded by lots of chairs and bright pink loungers set on rich green artificial turf. The property also has a lobby bar opened in the afternoon and early evening. A nice buffet breakfast is offered daily in a charming (but dark) breakfast room, though it costs an extra fee. There is no full-service restaurant on site. The rooftop is also home to a small fitness area, which features glass window walls and a bright pink floor in ceiling. It's not huge, but it has a modern treadmill, stationary bike, and weight machine, plus a nice set of free weights. The hotel also has a sauna and in-room massages can be arranged. Other amenities include a small, modern business center with a computer for guest use. The front desk is open 24-hours, and staff can provide concierge services. Wi-Fi is free, and parking is available but costs an extra fee. Note that the property does not allow children.