In the wake of dissatisfaction over Argentina’s President-elect ladyperson Cristina Kirchner’s confusing doublespeak regarding gay marriage comes news of Buenos Aires’ first luxury gay hotel: The Axel.

The £3.5m five-storey complex has been conceived and designed as an out and proud celebration of gay identity and sexuality, said Nacho Rodriguez, the general manager. “This hotel is not just gay-friendly. It is gay.”

Whatever do you mean, Nacho?

From the open-plan design and transparent elevators - “we have nothing to hide”, said Mr Rodriguez - to the contemporary and minimalist decor, the low-fat restaurant menu, the rainbow lighting, the four types of soap, everything is intended to appeal to the hotel’s vision of a body-conscious guest.

Hey, that does sound pretty gay! But how do gay men happen to get these Adonis-like bodies of which they’re so conscious?

Rooms are stocked with condoms and a card which says “Have Fun”. The brochure shows two muscled, naked men clinched in apparent bliss. Another photo shows a guest in a bathrobe studying his partner in the shower.

It’s true: Gay men love sex! Actually, such a hotel is a pretty big deal in a country where machismo and Catholicism take precedence over one’s fondness for clinching in bliss:

The move to Latin America is a sign that a continent once marked by conservatism and homophobia is liberalising, albeit slowly and unevenly. Colombia has recognised gay rights and Venezuela has outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Argentina blazed the way with a law allowing civil unions among homosexuals which has helped make Buenos Aires Latin America’s gay capital. Long famed for its stylish residents, vibrant social scene and European-style architecture, it has discovered the power of the pink pound, euro and dollar.

Coincidentally, “Pink Pound VII” will be playing in each of The Axel’s rooms for a nominal fee.

Minimalism, torsos and tango: it must be Argentina’s first luxury gay hotel [The Guardian]

Earlier: Gay Latino Men Move Away From Home, Prove Money Can Buy Happiness After All