The front desk people were polite but not helpful at all. I asked to pay for an upgrade and the person just said no, that they were. Booked full, when i got to my room I went online and there were rooms available for less than I paid. The coffee counter person was flat out rude. But I think that was because I am American, he was polite to the people after me that were Spanish. With all of the hotels in Barcelona to chose from, I would not stay at this Axel again. The room was so small that we had to put our suitcases on the floor and leave our clothes in them. I had to go to the front desk 4 times to get my key to work

I stayed at Axel for 2 nights in September. When I arrived I was told I needed my Amex card I used to make the reservation, I didn’t have it and was told that I can used another card for payment, and that my Amex will get charged however it will be refunded within a few days so I said that’s ok. When I checked out I found out not only was my AMEX not refunded, but they had actually charged it almost triple!! As well as the card I actually used to pay. It’s been 7 weeks since I checked out and I have now sent over a dozen emails requesting it be refunded and the hotel only replies once every week or two to say they are looking at it. I feel like this is a scam and that they are trying to drag this on so that I forget about it. My booking clearly stated how much my 2 night stay was, and I provided credit card statements for both my cards showing the official payment, and the huge over payment on my AMEX, but still no action has been taken. I have never in my life had to consider suing or taking legal action against a hotel, but at the minute it looks like it might be my only option. I would completely avoid this hotel, cannot be trusted, there are plenty of better options in the area

Found Axel just after Covid. I've stayed in numerous central hotels, never found one that I really liked before. I use a wheelchair. That rules out a surprising number of places. Axel has level access and adapted wet rooms. In fact the disabled rooms are off their own indoor courtyard. Quiet and useful as my partner smokes. This was the 12th night we stayed in 2026. I have a house deep in the Catalan country side, north-west of barcelona. When we come in for culture we tend to stay over. October has seen 3 trips totalling four nights, covered by this review. Location is good. In the gayxample. Close to Plaza Catalunya but also close to non tourist neighbourhoods and shopping. Also bars and nightlife. What has been good about Axel is the way we have got to know the staff. They've all been very friendly and helped me whenever I've needed. We feel we are greeted as friends when we pitch up. Front of house reception, led by Joachim have accommodated with early check in and tourist info. They've been there all hours to open the wheelchair friendly ( level ) side door entrance. I don't think we would stay anywhere else. When you use a wheelchair there can be lots of sitting and waiting, depending on others. I have observed their kindness and efficiency, not only to me but to many other guests