Best queer hotel in Berlin? Yes, Axel One

(CW: Personal and unpaid review. Honest reflections ahead.)

Before discovering Axel last year, I felt like Berlin had no safe, comfortable hotel options for under €200–300 a night. Axel changed the game. I’ve stayed at both locations multiple times, and their existence inspired me to write this review and share other great spots.

As a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), I feel a responsibility to recommend places that feel safe and welcoming—especially since I spend so much time in hotels.

So, what makes Axel One special? Let me break it down:

Check-In Experience / Staff / Guests / Issue Management

The team is consistently wonderful. Sebastian and the crew made me feel genuinely cared for during my last visit—like always. Their approach to resolving issues is top-notch, and trust me, if I’m staying in a hotel, I am a walking issue. Axel handles everything like pros.

Rooms / Sleep Quality / Design / Cleanliness

The rooms have a cozy, modern vibe with a dark design. Small rooms with balconies are perfect for solo travelers, and while the bed is fine for three (tested!), the space itself is tight for more than one person. My absolute favorite is the Junior Suite—it’s where most of my photos come from. While the dark decor can be tricky to maintain, the rooms are generally clean, comfy, and inviting.

Bathrooms / Wardrobe Space

I’m a big fan of the bathtubs here and usually request rooms that have them. The Junior Suite offers fantastic dressing space, making it my go-to choice. Smaller rooms are less ideal for someone traveling with five suitcases (like me) but manageable.

Food / Breakfast / Internet Quality

Breakfast is perfectly fine, with multiple egg options. The Georgian restaurant on-site is a delightful dinner bonus. The internet is reliable and fast, so no complaints there.

Massage / Spa / Gym

The rooftop spa is incredible. It’s a welcoming space with open-minded and kind guests. While I haven’t tried their massage services yet, the gym and spa are fantastic additions to the experience.

Location / Sex Worker & Guest Friendliness / Parking

Axel truly shines here. My guests, who often have unique situations, reported zero judgment or gendering issues—a rare find even in pricier hotels. It’s a sex-worker-friendly space that maintains a judgment-free and inclusive atmosphere for all.

A Haven for Inclusivity with a Rooftop Jacuzzi

Axel One is an ideal choice for queer travelers—or anyone who values inclusivity and a welcoming vibe. Their branding as “hetero-friendly” perfectly captures the experience of staying here.

I initially planned to share a gallery of photos, thinking I had tons of content from Axel. But since I wanted to keep this post in a SFW timeline, I couldn’t include all the shots I wanted.

While digging for safe-for-work images, I stumbled upon a photo of the hallway and remembered something I’ve been meaning to do: offer Gene and the Axel team a collaboration to shoot a music video for Melt and Dissolve in their stunning space. Just putting this out there for now!

The song is somehow playing in my head every time I walk through that hallway. Here’s the link to it on various streaming platforms: [Melt and dissolve by Bogolepov].