Axel Hotel Bilbao, el primer hotel de la ciudad dirigido específicamente al público LGBTQIA+, abrió sus puertas el 20 de marzo de 2025 en pleno Casco Viejo, con vistas a la ría del Nervión. El hotel de 110 habitaciones, con una inversión de un millón de euros, incluye un skybar con piscina retráctil y un wellness club completo.
Lo esencial
Grupo Axel Hotels
Apertura 20 de marzo de 2025
Habitaciones y suites 110 habitaciones
Segmento Upscale/Lifestyle (adults only)
Diseñador NC
Precio de entrada Desde 155 € Más información → El lugar En pleno Casco Viejo de Bilbao, con vistas a la ría del Nervión.
El concepto Con una inversión de un millón de euros, Axel Hotels abrió en Bilbao su primer hotel dirigido específicamente al público LGBTQIA+ de la ciudad, con un diseño de esencia industrial y guiños arquitectónicos a Frank Gehry, autor del cercano Museo Guggenheim. El hotel llegó a Bilbao antes de que Eurostars Bilbao (anunciado con antelación pero aún sin fecha de apertura confirmada) completara la llegada de esa cadena a la región.
Gastronomía y bienestar En la planta baja, un bar-restaurante se funde con el espacio wellness; en la azotea, un skybar con piscina retráctil, y un wellness club con gimnasio, sauna, jacuzzi y servicio de masajes.
Nuestra opinión De los dos hoteles vascos anunciados o abiertos en Bilbao en este ciclo, Axel es el que ya tiene las puertas abiertas: llegó primero, con una inversión modesta de un millón de euros, mientras Eurostars Bilbao sigue sin fecha confirmada. La fiesta de inauguración, con más de 400 asistentes y representantes municipales, subraya el peso simbólico que la ciudad le ha dado a este primer hotel LGBTQIA+.
Opiniones de huéspedes en Google 4.5/5 · 466 reseñas
I had a really great stay at Axel Hotel in Bilbao.
First of all, the rooms are spacious, modern, and extremely clean. Honestly, it might be the cleanest hotel I’ve ever stayed in. Every detail felt spotless and well maintained. Even the minibar was properly stocked, which is becoming rare in many EU hotels nowadays - such a small thing, but it makes a difference.
The service was friendly and professional throughout the stay, and the sleeping quality was perfect. Comfortable bed, quiet atmosphere, exactly what I needed.
My room had a beautiful view of the river and the hotel is located right on the edge of Bilbao’s old town, which makes it ideal for walking everywhere while still enjoying a slightly calmer setting.
The hotel is LGBT+ friendly (something I didn’t realize at the time of booking), but that didn’t bother me at all. On the contrary, the small, subtle messages around the hotel and in the room promoting inclusivity and openness were actually quite cute and gave the place extra personality and warmth.
Overall, a very pleasant experience. I would definitely stay here again when visiting Bilbao.
Tanja Markovic Zaatman · 5/5 The room was pretty small and felt a bit stuffy, but it did have a great, spacious shower and a handy iron and ironing board right there. I also really appreciated the high-quality toiletries—especially the toothbrush, which saved me a trip down to the front desk.
Checking in was smooth, but booking a spa slot was a hassle. There were no instructions or speed-dial buttons on the room phone, so I had to walk all the way back down to reception just to make an appointment. It felt like a needless annoyance. When I finally got into the jacuzzi area, the chlorine smell was incredibly strong. Turning on the jets only made it worse.
The real downside was the rooftop pool. The pool itself is small, which is fine, but the deck only has about eight sunbeds. Since they were all taken, we ended up sitting on the floor by the edge. The only other options were some upright chairs that just weren't built for relaxing.
The saving grace up there was the poolside bar, which had a fantastic vibe and great music. We ended up leaving early to explore the city anyway, but the lack of seating would have ruined a long afternoon.
This one genuinely exceeded my expectations, and would be my hotel of choice if I'm back in Bilbao. Check-in was quick and easy, and reception took the time to talk me through the spa, rooftop pool and breakfast rather than just handing over a key, which was a nice touch that set the tone for the stay.
The spa was a real highlight: jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, and it wasn't busy at all when I went around 5pm. The rooftop pool was a bit busier but just as enjoyable. The pool itself is shallow, but that was all I needed to cool down. Top tip: the high stools up there are the best spot in the place, giving you a view right across Bilbao while you sit. The bar was well stocked too, with great cocktails.
The room itself was nicely designed with a fair bit of storage. The shower and room both felt spacious. The blackout curtain was superb and ensured a genuinely good night's sleep - only niggle is that you need to open it to access the storage and fridge. We faced onto the back of the building, but it wasn't an issue at all thanks to a mesh curtain that gave plenty of privacy. The minibar was fully stocked, and you can take the items out and use the fridge yourself (just remember to put everything back), since there are no sensors tracking it.
Location was perfect, directly opposite the old town, so you're right next to all the good bars without any of the noise reaching the hotel. Couldn't have asked for a better hotel.
I spent a week here in early June and had a wonderful stay. The location is excellent, offering beautiful river views (especially when the city lights up at night). Because it’s a newly built hotel, everything is spotless, fresh, and modern.
The rooms are spacious and very clean, breakfast was great, and the staff were incredibly attentive. The rooftop bar is cozy and intimate, the pool is perfect to dip your feet and socialize with other guests.
Great hotel - we only stayed one night when we first arrived to Bilbao. Good location, a stone’s throw from Old Town and the market. The pool definitely looks nicer in the images, but I’m aware we went in “off season”, so maybe summer they jazz it up a bit. Our room was quite dark, at the back with no natural light, and the bathroom is completely glass, so potentially difficult for a long stay if you’re sharing with family (as I was!). But good for one night!
Cecily Reeves-Jones · 4/5 Ver más reseñas → 
