The Axel is billed as South America's first gay luxury hotel and a sequel to the Barcelona-based flagship. The lobby is designed with a waterfall that runs to a glass ceiling, which would be just another cliched Buenos Aires architectural device if it didn't double as the bottom of the rooftop swimming pool. Exhibitionism is a running theme; the ground-floor pool is surrounded by peekaboo ablution chambers (look, but don't touch!) and the rooms, which start at just over $200, are small and minimalist with glass-encased showers outside of the actual bathroom, making bunking with anyone but a lover or a friend with major benefits a potentially blush-inducing experience.

Location:
Venuezela 649
San Telmo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Hotel Types:
Boutique hotel, Steam bath & swiming pool, Comfort, interest in culture, family friendly, looking to relax, romantic , Gay friendly, Design hotel, Business, Luxury hotel

This Hotel is: Budget

Contact Information:
Phone: 4136-9393
URL: www.axelhotels.com

By Jeremy Helligar

I am a journalist from New York City living in Buenos Aires. After spending 15 years as a writer and editor in New York City, I moved to Argentina in...

Created: 17 Oct 2008

Updated: 07 Jul 2009

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Reviews

Traveler Reviews of Axel Buenos Aires

Axel Hotel

Nice atmosophere and very gay friendly. Indoor pool with sauna and steamroom was great after a busy day of activities. Friendly front desk staff although sometimes they didn't steer us to the best bars/clubs-especially during the week. They told us one club was closed permanently even though downstairs at the pool bar they had weekend flyers for that club. Nice bars for pre-drinks. The shower is a problem if you're with "just a friend" let alone family. Cool neighborhood although a bit spooky at night.

Traveler from New York on Jan 07, 2009