Confident in the solid strengths of the hotel sector and its ability to recover post-Covid-19, Swiss Life Asset Man-agers and Axel Hotels have initiated discussions in the midst of the health crisis which has led to the acquisition of the Axel Hotel in Barcelona by the Swiss Life REF (LUX) S.A. SICAV-SIF European Hotel fund in October 2021. This 4-star hotel is a “one of a kind” asset in the heart of Barcelona in an area where tourist demand is fierce. The establishment, which targets a leisure clientele, consists of a 19th century building with 101 rooms, a roof terrace with a Skybar, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. The asset is operated by Axel Hotels, the “heterofriendly” fast-growing hotel group and leader in its niche market, the LGBTI+ community, nowadays present in Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin, Miami, Ibiza, San Sebastian and Maspalomas. It will also open soon new hotels in La Habana (Cuba), Valencia, Bilbao, Oporto and Madeira, and further destinations such as Roma, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Lisbon, Dublin and Milano are in its radar and amongst its urban priorities. This deal confirms the sourcing capacity of Swiss Life As-set Managers' teams with experienced operators.