Miami Beach Just Got Queerer

Since the company opened its first hotel in Barcelona over 15 years ago, Axel hotels have become trusted safe spaces for international queer travelers — and Axel is the first LGBTQ hotel chain to tout itself as “hetero-friendly,” making it truly inclusive. Now the chic boutique hotel chain is opening its first U.S. location — in Miami Beach, Fla.

Opening this month, AxelBeach Miami is located a block from the shore in the heart of South Beach, in Miami Beach’s famous Art Deco District. This lively locale is perfect for those who really want to soak in the true South Beach experience. 

Whether cutting through the current on a rented Jet Ski or lounging on the nearby white sand beaches, the area has plenty of daytime activities for travelers — including tons of amazing places to get your shopping on. But the real party starts after dark in South Beach, and being walking distance to some of the area’s best-known nightclubs and bars, AxelBeach Miami gives you a front row seat to the action. In fact, several of Miami Beach’s sexiest queer clubs, like Twist, Palace, and Club Boi, are just a quick walk or Uber ride from the hotel. The sultry summer nights and cool Caribbean vibe invite you to wear as little clothing as possible (if there ever was a time to wear that fishnet tank top) and will keep you out bumping and grinding until the wee hours.

Local cuties enjoying one of nearby nightclub Twist's sexy and fun themed parties.

Don’t want to leave the hotel? No problem. The Axel’s lounge bar is always popping and its super-chic Sky Bar by the pool overlooking Washington Avenue is the place to be, day or night. There, you can mingle with sexy and interesting locals and travelers over bumping Latin beats, with a delicious craft cocktail in hand. 

A sampling of chef Oscar Cabezas’s delicious avant-garde tapas from AxelBeach Miami’s onsite restaurant, Morrofino.

Once it’s time to get some recovery rest, plop down on one of the AxelBeach Miami’s super-comfy beds in one of its surprisingly quiet rooms, all styled to match the city’s tropical art deco surroundings. And the best part, though you will certainly feel like a big baller, you don’t actually need to be one to enjoy the AxelBeach Miami. The hotel has 160 rooms, and even its largest suite typically goes for under $300 per night. And keeping with the inclusive and welcoming vibe, normally charged-for extras like a robe and slippers are included with all rooms.

Another highlight of the AxelBeach Miami is its amazing cosmopolitan views. The hotel has 120 rooms overlooking the city (Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue), 29 rooms from which guests can enjoy outstanding views over the garden, and 11 exclusive rooms with privileged views over the pool. 

In addition to the AxelBeach Miami, the chain is also opening another new hotel in 2019 (the Axel Hotel San Sebastián in Spain) and in 2020 it will be opening three new international locales — two in Spain (Valencia and Bilbao) and one on the island of Madeira, Portugal. The chain has promised that all its new destinations will support the beautiful diversity that has become an Axel staple.