AxelBeach Maspalomas

While the Axel Beach bills itself as “hetero-friendly,” it caters mostly to gay couples and groups of friends. Large color photos of groups of men in the pool or working out at the gym line the entrance wall, and a rainbow flag flutters in the sea breeze by the door. There are hopping pool parties and DJ sessions from time to time, but the atmosphere at this adult-only hotel is relaxing and mellow, with lounge music on the main deck, daybeds dotting the grounds, and a small whirlpool in a separate area off the main pool. The property has a sexy, stylish feel throughout, but it is hard to tell from the unassuming lobby decorated with concrete floors, a dark boxy front desk, and a basic white table with fruit-infused water. However, past the glass doors opening onto the gardens, the vibe becomes hipper. Sleek cocoon-style loungers with accent pillows are inviting and romantic, and a small pavilion with blinds for privacy offers outdoor massages. Beyond the gardens, the pool deck has playful decor in a dark gray and yellow color scheme. This dark palette carries over to other common areas, including the gym, the breakfast room, and the spa, creating stylish contemporary spaces.

The hotel is located on a busy avenue lined with hotels, residential buildings, and a few local businesses in the center of bustling Playa del Ingles. There are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants within a couple of blocks, and Yumbo Centrum, a mall with several popular nightclubs (including most of the area's gay clubs), is less than a 10-minute walk away. However, the beach is a 20-minute walk away, and most guests choose to drive, as the hotel does not offer shuttle service. It's a five-minute drive to the beach by car. Those looking for a mellower scene can drive in about 10 minutes to Meloneras and Maspalomas promenades, which offer a few quieter restaurants and cafes. The airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. 

The hotel has 92 one-bedroom apartments, done up with dark walls and a sleek charcoal and warm wood color schemes. The look is cleaner and more sharp than many of the other mid-range and upper-middle-range hotels in the area, and makes for a refreshing addition to the area on the style front. Furniture has an almost Scandinavian retro vibe to it. Every room has a separate living area, kitchenette, and balcony furnished with a wooden table, three chairs, and a drying rack. Simple bedrooms have two twin beds pushed together, ceiling fans, and basic wooden headboards, but little else.All rooms feature small kitchenettes equipped with cooktops, microwaves, coffeemakers, toasters, and mini-fridges. Colorful tilework backsplashes brighten things up a bit. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs, but there is a fee for use of in-room safes. Clean bathrooms have spacious walk-in showers, a wide array of toiletries, and older wall-mounted hairdryers. Light sleepers may want to request a room overlooking the pool, as units facing the street generally get traffic noise.

The centerpiece at Axel Beach Apartments is the large L-shaped pool. The deck around it is spacious and appealing, with a couple dozen loungers, round daybeds with pillows, and a plunge pool. There is soft lounge music playing throughout the day, and the occasional pool party or DJ session, but the vibe is generally mellow and relaxing. There are also several quieter spots for those looking to get away from it all, including a small area complete with a whirlpool and a handful of loungers off the main deck, and a few other daybeds dotting the gardens. The poolside bar offers drinks and a few snacks, and the restaurant serves a varied breakfast spread with cold and hot items. Light bites for lunch and dinner are also available on-site, but they get mixed reviews. Both the bar and the restaurant have outdoor seating by the pool. The spa has a couple of treatment rooms, as well as a sauna and a steam bath, and there is an additional massage pavilion in the garden. Stretch classes are offered free every morning outdoors, and there is a tennis court that guests can book at no extra charge. There is also a fully equipped fitness center with cardio and strength-training machines, and lots of natural light. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.