Axel Lodges are iconic—in each sense of the phrase! Because the world’s very first lodge chain designed particularly for the LGBTQIA+ group, they started forging their queer legacy all the way in which again in 2003 with their first property in Barcelona. Since then, they’ve unfold their glitter-coated wings to all our favourite homosexual hotspots, opening accommodations in Madrid, Ibiza, Maspalomas, San Sebastián, Berlin, and Havana—and now, they’re taking up Bilbao!
For these not within the know, Bilbao is an underrated, queer, bohemian paradise nestled in a scenic valley within the Basque Nation of northern Spain. With over 32,884 bookings already and an anticipated occupancy price of 85% for 2025, Axel Bilbao is primed to develop into the epicenter of the town’s flourishing LGBTQIA+ scene.
To each have fun and showcase their snazzy new lodge, in March 2025 they did what our group does greatest—throw a fantastic occasion! We check out what went down (that’s what, not who), then sneak a peek via the doorways—and between the sheets—to search out out why it’s best to ebook your self into Axel Bilbao this yr.
Bilbao You Higher Do!
So, why Bilbao? Merely put, this underrated gem of a metropolis has an inclusive, anything-goes philosophy—making it an ideal match for Axel Lodges.
Situated in a lush valley cradled by scenic mountains, Bilbao is only a brief prepare trip from Spain’s northern coast—together with the glamorous (but undeniably costlier) San Sebastián and Zarautz, a well-liked spot for attractive surfers. As any native taxi driver will inform you, the town has undergone a exceptional transformation over the previous twenty years—evolving from harmful and uninteresting to culturally wealthy and gleaming.
Bilbao has loads to supply vacationers. Its previous city is a maze of cobbled streets and colourful facades, full of eating places promoting their trademark pintxos (bread slices topped with elaborate combos of meals), and a stroll down the park-lined river will take you to the Guggenheim—a bit of titanium artwork in itself that homes huge galleries of cutting-edge trendy masterpieces. Then there’s the town’s nightlife scene, with its cool, grungy edge—and playfully trashy cross-dressing scene—which defies labels.
Axel Resort Bilbao claims its spot alongside the riverside, inspiring its cheeky motto: “Te vamos a poner mirando a la ría”—or, “Let’s do it by the river.” An ideal place to do it, if ever there was one!
All people Loves a Grand Opening
Bilbao is a metropolis recognized for dancing to the beat of its personal drum, with a thriving, inclusive LGBTQIA+ group brimming with inventive expertise—and Axel Bilbao’s opening occasion showcased this to the world.
It performed out as a tribute to all members of the queer group, with reveals, artwork, and iconic native performers together with La Otxoa (considered one of Spain’s unique drag performers), Las Fellini (a queer artwork collective), and homosexual singer/actor Asier Etxeandía. The model’s inventive director, Kike Doatis, put the emphasis on queer artwork and creativity, with artists, celebrities, and icons of the LGBTQIA+ group performing for a whole bunch of invited visitors from all corners of the business.
The evening was centered round a four-hour open home occasion that includes DJ units, movie projections, and performances within the rooms. Then on the rooftop, native Bilbao artist Cachorro Lozano offered a “Multifaceted Dance”—an inventive presentation created only for the event.
Axel Resort Bilbao Has Each Model and Substance
As for the lodge itself: The outside rivals even the Guggenheim with its architectural uniqueness, aptitude, and expertise. Designed by Frank Gehry himself (the Guggenheim architect), the constructing serves industrial stylish whereas sustaining the clean-cut fashion related to the Axel model.
However as with loads in life, it’s what’s inside that counts—and Axel Resort Bilbao delivers there too. The spacious rooms mimic the town’s industrial fashion with simply the correct contact of sophistication, and are available totally geared up with a minibar and beautiful ensuite loos.
Downstairs, you’ll discover a restaurant-bar and wellness middle. Voyeurs, rejoice—as a result of the world has the distinctive function of stained glass home windows permitting visitors within the restaurant to see into the steam room, sauna, showers, and jacuzzi… and vice versa.
In the meantime, up on the rooftop is a solarium and a bar from which you’ll be able to see the entire of the previous city, together with the estuary beneath. The bar has a very good provide of the native txakolí wines, and the pool has a retractable glass cowl to account for the area’s typically temperamental climate.
Axel Lodges for the Future
Axel Lodges is not slowing down anytime quickly. With ten accommodations already in operation and others opening quickly in Valencia and Porto (Portugal), the model continues to develop its LGBTQIA+ empire. And because the model expands, so does its unapologetic celebration of identification, pleasure, and magnificence. “Inclusivity is attractive” and “good vibes solely” are their mottos, and, if Axel Resort Bilbao is something to go off, we consider them!
So, whether or not you’re in Bilbao for the pintxos, Guggenheim, drag icons, avenue tradition, or simply some stained glass voyeurism by the jacuzzi, keep on the Axel Resort Bilbao and expertise a metropolis the place queer pleasure is a part of the skyline and love is discovered down by the river.