Am I gay enough for this? 🏳️‍🌈

I’ve never stayed at a gay resort, been on a gay cruise or stayed in a gay hotel before. I decided to give it a go in Madrid to try and get in touch with the community more. Also the price and location was amazing. The rooftop pool looked great online so thought I’d give it a go. The question is, am I ‘gay enough’ for this? There has always been a part of me that wants to embrace the queerness more openly, but am I this gay?

I stayed at the Axel Hotel in the centre of Madrid. My first impression as the lift doors opened to my floor was “Is this a dark room?” The hall lit by red light only made me also wonder I’d booked into a house of disrepute. Ok Carl - time to drop the judgement. It’s just a hallway. The room was compact and had trendy lighting including a red neon light sign and a full length lit mirror. If you wanted to become an online ‘creator’ the lighting here would be on point.

Initial judgmental thoughts aside (maybe I am gay enough), the bed was super comfy, the room perfectly soundproofed and chilled to a refreshing coolness. The only downside was the appalling slow wifi, probably due to the full screen of guys 0 metres away on Grindr. Options a plenty 😂

The hotel markets itself as ‘hetero friendly adults-only’. I checked out the rooftop pool bar and though it was mostly ripped guys in speedos, there were some straights here too. I felt uncomfortable up there as despite loosing 12kg this year I’m still not at a comfortable weight. Also as an introverted lightweight drinker, mixing is always a struggle. The mojito was delicious!

I also explored the queer neighbourhood, Cheuca on my last day in Madrid. I love the number of flags flying. For such a catholic country the acceptance (at least on the surface) seems good here. Probably should have come here at night but breakfast was nice here.

So am I gay enough. Who knows? I enjoyed my time and would stay here, or at one of their other locations again. It’s now time to leave Madrid - I hope not for the last time.Read more