AXELBEACH Miami Beckons to be Your Next Gay Getaway
Pulling-up past the palm-tree lined entrance to the new AxelBeach Miami, a wave of nostalgia washes over. This is classic South Beach, only reimagined for an all-inclusive future. Not all-inclusive as in all-you-can-eat buffet lines, more like welcoming to all. Most notably, the LGBTIQ+ guests Axel Hotels caters to.
This is the Barcelona-based group’s North American debut and it aims to bring its ethos as a trusted safe space for international queer travellers to the Sunshine State. The hotel cleverly bills itself as “hetero-friendly,” making it a truly inclusive option for your next Miami getaway, regardless of your orientation.
With 10 properties around the world, Axel Hotels prides itself on servicing the gay world, “my world,” says founder Juan Juliá. His mission, he says, is to create a “cosmopolitan and tolerant environment where atmosphere, diversity, and respect are valued.”
Situated along Collins Avenue, just one block from the beach, the hotel is a remarkably comfortable crash-pad to soak up the spirit of South Beach. Here, in the heart of the famous Art-Deco District, guests will enjoy easy access to just about everything. But no one appears in any hurry to leave.
CHECKING-IN
Inside the thoughtfully refurbished landmark, the cheerful staff gave a warm-welcome and were exceptionally hospitable throughout my 5-night stay.
The newly refreshed rooms offer a relaxed, bohemian vibe reminiscent of the hotel’s history dating back to the 1940s. Featuring a soothingly spare design, appropriately centred around a comfortable bed clad in crisp, clean, white sheets, the hotel’s 160 guestrooms offer plenty of space to unpack and make yourself at home.
It’s outside, of course, where Miami shines and the AxelBeach Miami is no different. The Instagram-worthy pool, one of the largest in South Beach, is framed by tall trees and masses of greenery. It’s a tropical oasis surrounded by orange, s-shaped chaises that make for comfortable pool hangs backed by a stellar soundtrack and attentive service.
OUTfair, a cheery shop situated in the lobby selling cheeky swimwear and other beach essentials, along with 2 on-site restaurants serving an eclectic mix of food and cocktails, ensure guests never go without. But with so much at your door, getting out and exploring is a big part of the hotel’s appeal.
The requisite resort fee conveniently covers your beach-base during your stay. Guests enjoy a dedicated area with loungers and umbrellas along the famed shore, a short, 3-minute stroll away.
CHECKING OUT (where to go when visiting):
BREAKFAST/LUNCH:
For a quick bite, or a tasty treat, round the corner and head straight to Andrix Cafe. This charming all-day cafe offers a hunger-inducing line-up of fresh sandwiches, pizza, housemade pastries and donuts, fresh squeezed orange juice, and coffee.
SHOPPING:
While The Webster, South Beach’s temple to high-fashion, is only a stone’s throw away, savvy fashion folk will want to head further out to KITH, a rare outpost of NYC’s shrine to streetwear. Enjoy the 45-minute walk along the bustling beachside boardwalk that passes by all the landmark art-deco hotels that line the strip.
DINNER:
For dinner, wander to nearby Espanola Way for an abundance of options. For exceptional pizza and pasta, check out Numero 28 and take a seat outside in the centre of the action. Or, head a few blocks to Caffe Di Mauro for a quieter take on a similar menu.
NIGHTLIFE:
After dark the party picks up in South Beach and the hotel is within walking distance to some of the best-known nightclubs and bars, giving you a front row seat to the action. In fact, several of Miami’s most-legendary queer clubs like Twist, the sprawling 7 bar complex that famously claims ‘never a cover, always a groove’, are mere blocks away.
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