1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 Axel Hotels runs 12 properties across four countries with nearly 1,000 rooms, and the brand focuses on the LGBTQ+ community. I talk with Efrain Castro, COO of Axel Hotels, about how the brand creates community-driven hotels and where the team wants to expand next. 🏳️‍🌈 Efrain calls Axel the largest hotel chain focused on the LGBTQ+ community, built as a “space of freedom” that welcomes anyone who wants that environment 🌍 Axel uses social spaces to connect travelers and locals, and that local/traveler mix drives repeat demand 🏨 Axel operates through leases, management agreements, and franchise deals, with a current push toward franchising 📍 US expansion sits on the table again; Axel previously operated in Miami Beach, and Efrain names Palm Springs, Las Vegas, and New York City as top targets 🧩 Efrain says Axel tailors the product to each deal—new build, conversion, or guidance on an existing asset 📩 Franchise and development inquiries: Efrain.Castro@axelhotels.com or the form on axelhotels.com Thanks to Actabl for supporting this episode. Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit actabl.com. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866. No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News http://novacancy.libsyn.com/podcast <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/41003980/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/item/41003980