(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:
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].
Nansea (ˈnænsi) is the musical moniker of Berlin-based musician Marek Polgesek. With their music, they create a queer indie/chamber pop sound that goes beyond the traditional singer-songwriter style, while paying tribute to gender nonconforming artists that inspire them. Their sound has been described as a ‘more whimsical Rufus Wainwright’ and reminiscent of Thom Yorke and Sufjan Stevens.
AntiShanti will help us maintain the kinky atmosphere, we’re hoping to find the right ropes to offer (in limited quantities) simple harnesses that you can wear overnight and keep the rope as a souvenir
Here is Shanti and an example of that harnesses she can make for the guests
Of course, we’re also preparing a shibari show, so come early to see it. Doors open at 7pm. For more details on the kinky side of the event, go to fetlife. Below is a gallery of what to expect from Shanti.
What is so special about the show?
For me, every show is a discovery of new forms of communication and establishing invisible connections that we build with the people who come to see it. Although I normally put a lot of effort into planning & creating a performance, it’s the unexpected that makes every show magical to me – every audience is different and I love forming a language that we all understand at each of my concerts.
Everyone who wants to have a few hours of freedom to be themselves, dance, compliment each other, get to know the queer culture in it’s essential and meet new friends.
What is ‘queer pop’?
Queer Pop, as we see it, is a sort of pop music that does not correspond to established ideas of mainstream pop. For Gene it’s a manifestation of creative freedom, where she is not afraid to mix genres without limitations. Ah, and such music is made by a queer artist, indeed.
This event is queer and hetero-friendly, welcoming everyone to celebrate together.
Why should you share it with a friend?
Because this is the only way for them to know about our event. We are not using traditional marketing. So yes, tell your friends about Bogolepov’s music and if they like it, come to the show together.
How to support:
Money for music: Buy a Mycelium subscription. Or choose one time donation.
Pay It Forward: Buy an extra ticket and let us give it to someone who needs it.
Kindness: Share this post or tell your friends about our show.
Both:Buy our sexy music and share it with friends! To get free tickets, email us. Know someone who’d love to come? Share this information with them.
What to expect from the event:
We aim to give you the party of a lifetime, without the hangover. Doors will open at 19:00. This post will be updated with more details, feel free to ask questions.
So dress kinky, slutty or come in your pajama. Our show is an audio-visual-sensual experience, featuring two concerts and immersive performances.
singles collection is now available on all streaming platforms (search for BOGOLEPOV)
Who we’re crafting this event for:
Sensitive individuals seeking intelligent experiences with mindful substance use. The bar will be open as usual, but we’ll have more alcohol-free options than usual.
We encourage a sober evening filled with dancing, singing, and kindness to each other. Enjoy the company of like-minded people and feel safe to be yourself – that’s what we like to get high on.
Everyone who buys a ticket or joins via Mycelium gets a link to join our networking chats.
Rewrite it, screenshot it, share the link, or tell your friends in an audio message. Anything help! Love sees no borders or absolutes, and we are stronger together.
We’re still giving free tickets to the show in Berlin to those who can’t afford them. For everyone else, please support our business model. Someone has to pay the bills!
Special guest:
LoboLoto
Synth Pop, Dark, Triphop, Transcendental Alice Lobo (Vocals, Synthesizers, Guitars, Keyboard) Vince Gagliardi (Drums, Percussion) Emerging from the shadows of an industrial urban landscape, LoboLoto is a hauntingly hypnotic band that seamlessly blends the pulsating rhythms of synth pop with the brooding intensity of dark wave, all while weaving in elements of transcendental mysticism. Formed in 2015 as a solo project of Alice Lobo, LoboLoto has just welcomed Vince Gagliardi to make the sounds even more defined and at the culmination of an experience on the edge of esotericism. Alice Lobo, the ethereal voice and primary lyricist of the group, channels the mysteries of the cosmos and the depths of human emotion through her haunting vocals bringing a unique blend of elegance and enigma to the band’s sound. Vince Gagliardi, also known for his projects Vū and The Nent, is a multi-instrumentalist and drummer who adds layers of rich melodies and dark, driving rhythms. His background in electronic music, combined with his penchant for complex arrangements, creates a sonic depth that is both immersive and expansive. LoboLoto’s music explores themes of existential longing, cosmic transcendence, and the eternal dance between light and darkness. Their last album, “Metamorphosis” released in January 2024, isa critical and commercial success, praised for its innovative fusion of genres and its deeply emotive resonance. Tracks like “Come Back To Life” and “Heaven” became anthems for those seeking solace in the night. Known for their visually stunning live performances, LoboLoto combines immersive light shows (when possible) with captivating stage presence, creating an otherworldly experience that transports audiences to a realm where time and space blur, and only the music remains. LoboLoto invites listeners to join them on a journey through the shadows, towards the light of self-discovery and cosmic connection.
This post is for everyone who actually wants to meet me or cares for me otherwise. Yes, I know it became difficult recently. I’m also freaking out with the speed of my life. But it’s okay. It’s normal for me.
The only solution for this I see is planning. Yes, the plans tend to fall apart, but that’s why we have backup plans, right?
I recharged my batteries and am ready to share. I have a fresh set of warnings though. It’s not gonna get less disturbing than it already is. If it is there, it’s there. If what I say, write, or do is already at least partially disturbing for you – this will only get worse. And it has to get a lot worse before it can get any better. I’m sorry if you are not ready for me. It’s not your fault. Neither it’s mine. The world is broken, not us.
Anyways.
Here is what I have on my plate for the next couple of months in terms of
dates,
locations,
and requests for the universe.
Now you can’t tell me you didn’t know.
I can be booked alone or with co-creators. My calendar is especially well synchronized with Gene and WO and we still have some free dates in July and a strong will to undermine the System.
May
The first two weeks of May I was freezing my ass to an average temp of +11C in Norway. Turned out it was necessary to speed up the process of killing the old version of myself. That one that wants to kill me from time to time.
Looks like I’ve found its weak spot. Finally!
I’m back in Prague and generally available for bookings and creative exchange here, in Berlin by arrangements, and what’s most important for now: ONLINE.
Dates:
27.05. – Kitkatclub Berlin – in charge of Let’Z Fetish Academy station (clinic area) – if you plan to be in the club and wish to collaborate on content creation – contact me asap.
19/24/29/31 – creative support groups (CBD project) – free online meetings for creators on topics of motivation, mental health, addictions, financial independence, and productivity.
Online groups on the 19th and 29th with be hosted on Chaturbate. The topic is SEX WORK, of course. Here is a post with more information on this event.
Locations:
By the end of the month, I’m planning to balance between Prague and Berlin, with a few stops in the Czech countryside.
Accepting recommendations and company for wakeboarding, wind, and kitesurfing locations in CZ, DE and around EU.
Requests to the universe:
We are still looking for a home in Prague for Sil and her 2 children. She is in Kyiv for now but will be back next week and I think this is my most important wish this month: to find a comfortable place for them. So if you know a real estate agent who is not an asshole could be ready to help us, or a landlord renting out 2KK+ or a bigger flat in Prague, or might know one of them, please share this request and point them to me.
June
UPD: fully booked for June
dates & Locations:
1st-15th – creative escape in the Czech countryside
1 music studio, 1 rehearsal base, accountants, lawyers, drivers, likeminded people, 1 sailing teacher, 1 good psychiatrist, 1 wakeboard trainer
July
Partially available in Berlin and Prague, planning a show in Prague and another creative escape in the countryside after it.
Feel free to reach out about booking specific dates, my July is flexible until the end of May. More info will appear later.
Requests to the universe:
BDSM ballet’s first action must happen in July, not later. Not sure if I can or should explain why. I trust myself in this and asking you to join me.
If you know me and managed to read until here – write the fuck to me already, let’s plan something. If you don’t know me, but like what I do consider supporting me or spreading the word about my projects.
Preaching event with Bogolepova. Kinksters friendly event
FREE EVENT * / Donations welcome
* registration needed! Please email us in order to secure a place on the guest list. by writing to this email (newsletter[at]bogolepov.eu) you confirm that you agree to receive emails from us
CW: longread, russia, strong personal opinion, (+ full gallery unedited Milk bath by Kay Hues)
I was born in Siberia, in a town with 700 000 population, but so conservative that the word “bisexual” I learned somewhere in my twenties already in Saint-Petersburg.
While living in my hometown, I knew that there are gays and lesbians, and both things are “bad”, I knew that I didn’t fit into both, nor did I fit into “normal” teen society. I didn’t call them straight people back then. I didn’t have the concept yet. I just knew: I didn’t fit. I could feel it almost every day.
Snowboarders accepted me somehow when I was around 12-13 and, damn, it was a great part of my life since then! I was I weirdo, but thanks to snowboarding – I was a cool one. Also hanging out with older cool snowboarders made me an unpleasant target for bullies. Not without my help of course.
Very early I learned to use reputation instead of actual fists and to anticipate the fight or start it first but on my own terms instead of ignoring or avoiding possible attacks on my weirdness.
Back then I hated it. The weirdness I mean. I WANTED SO FUCKING MUCH TO BE JUST NORMAL. But I couldn’t. I couldn’t understand why everyone is so serious and fixed on their gender roles.
Why should I date guys if I’m attracted to girls too?
Is it just me?
What happens if they know that I’m pretending to be one of them, but I’m actually not?
Why do I feel so much?
The only thing keeping me sane throughout my first 16 years of life was traveling and my mom helping me to see the world. She was taking me to different countries and different places abroad. Not just to resorts and beaches, but to capitals, museums, flea markets, theatres, and other places where I could interact with different cultures.
The magical part about this kind of traveling was that I also realized quite early – weird is not always bad. The world is huge and full of different things.
I was far from accepting my own weirdness, but I could enjoy the weirdness of other people. And It was giving me hope.
When I turned 17 I moved “to the cultural capital” as I liked to call it back then. It was 2003, and it felt amazing after the village where I grew up.
The bookstore on Nevsky had more than 5 kinds of gay magazines. No one gave a fuck. I was however very confused about my personal interest in gay magazines.
They WERE CLEARLY NOT MEANT FOR ME. Why was I so attracted then?
If I ever write a proper memoir, the chapter about my life in Saint Petersburg should probably be called:
ME, TRYING TO LIVE A NORMAL LIFE, AND FAILING AT EVERY STEP.
To some people’s standards, I could even call myself successful. I got my first flat. Then another one. I worked in the fashion industry and met some famous people. I had a relationship. Nice one to some people’s standards.
But I was utterly unhappy. It all just felt wrong.
