Global Gaze
Gay-owned “Axel Hotels” expands within Europe, and opens its first North American property in Miami
Axel Hotels, the world’s leading hotel chain for the LGBTI community, is pushing full steam ahead with its expansion plan, with a series of new hotels planned for development around the globe, including Axel Beach Miami, which has opened as their first property in North America
AxelBeach Miami is located at 1500 Collins Avenue with 15thstreet, a block away from the beach, in the heart of South Beach in Miami’s Art Deco district. Located in a lively area with plenty of leisure activities for travellers, the hotel is the ideal hotel for a holiday on Florida’s hippest coast. Make the most of its wide beaches and endless sunny days, as well as relaxing, shopping and enjoying the best music in Miami’s best-known nightclubs and bars.
With an Art Deco interior that still retains its original bohemian spirit of the 40´s, AxelBeach Miami is an exclusive paradise whose facilities – such as the pool, the Sky Bar overlooking Washington Avenue, Spa & Gym, the restaurant, and Lobby Bar – will ensure that you enjoy the authentic Axel experience in Miami Beach.
As well, the chain recently opened Axel Hotel Vanezia earlier in March of last year. History, art and style define the future Axel Hotel Venezia, which is located alongside the Rio della Fornace canal between the Santa Maria Della Salute basilica and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection museum. It is a historic building in the typical Venetian style in the Sestiere Dorsoduro neighbourhood, a meeting place for artists in Venice’s “dolce vita” era and just a 15 minute walk from the famous Piazza San Marco over the Ponte dell’Accademia bridge. Its strategic location puts it very close to the Santa Lucia station and the Piazzale Roma, with easy connections to Marco Polo Airport.
The property has been entirely renovated with 55 rooms, with 12 additional in the adjacent building next door. Many of the rooms have views of the canal, fully equipped and decorated in the style of Venice’s historical palaces with their timeless charm. In terms of its spaces, it will have a Lounge Bar in the lobby, a terrace facing the canal and a breakfast area which was a hot spot for Venice’s effervescent cultural life in the 1960s. A fitness and wellness area is a must for any Axel customer.
Venice is unique global destination that is completely unlike anywhere else, with a magic and mysterious spirit that makes it one of the most visited cities in the world. Its connection to the art world, fashion and architecture fits perfectly with the motivations of Axel’s guests and the LGBTI community in general.
There’s also a new hotel on the island of Madeira, set to open in the second half of 2020, this representing the company’s first hotel in Portugal. The new hotel will be located in the old quarter of Funchal, the island’s capital, on Rua Bela de São Tiago, near to the capital’s main tourist attractions. The 4-star hotel will be built from scratch and include 88 rooms spread over two adjoining buildings. It will boast all the services which characterize an Axel Hotel, with the aim of becoming a real focal point for tourists visiting the city. These include a restaurant, Fitness & Spa, a Lounge Bar and a rooftop Sky Bar with a pool, sundeck and lounge, where guests will be able to enjoy the unique feel of Axel and its heterofriendly philosophy.
Madeira is considered to be one of the Atlantic’s most outstanding natural paradises and is the perfect destination for those in search of a fantastic experience thanks to its incredible outdoor activities, breathtaking scenery, its history reflected in its elegant narrow streets, the friendliness and hospitality of its people, and its unique food, capable of winning over even those with the most demanding taste buds. Thanks to this new hotel, Axel Hotels’ usual guests will have the chance to enjoy unique leisure activities in a relaxing and natural setting, as well as take part in those geared towards wellness and a healthy lifestyle. Undoubtedly, the presence of the Axel Hotels chain in Madeira will mean more cosmopolitan and high-quality tourism for the island.
The company’s overall expansion plans include the opening of an additional 10 hotels in the next four years.
Axel Hotels is the first hotel chain aimed at the gay community, although all are welcome.
About the Author
Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.