Axel

Berlin is the latest city to have caught the attention of the gay hotel chain Axel, which began in Barcelona in 2003. Since then, the group has also opened up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and plans to expand further. Diversity and respect are the watchwords of all three, and as such they strive to promote the 'hetero-friendly' approach; all are welcome here, although the focus is very much on the gay community. Hotels in Berlin, aimed at any group, need to be in tip-top form in terms of service and facilities in order to attract visitors to the city, particularly at this end of the market, and Axel stands up flawlessly to the competition on both counts. Not just that, but with a distinct emphasis on creating 'atmosphere', it's not unusual to find a party or two going on here.