North of Plaça Catalunya, Barcelona's Eixample (pronounced "eshaumplay") is where both the gay and the straight shop, stay and play. Because of the preponderance of LGBTQ nightlife, restaurants and boutiques, it is nicknamed "gayxample" and ranks as one of the hottest year-around gayborhoods on the planet. The party calendar includes Bear Pride in March, Gay Pride in June and Circuit Festival in August. Gay accommodations range in size from B&B's to the trendy 105-room Axel Hotel, nerve-center of much Pride activity.