Sweden - Becky Ohlsen [125]
Hotel Formule 1 (93 05 80; www.hotelformule1.com; Lundavägen 28; r Skr390) Bargain-basement Formule 1 is 1.5km east of Stortorget, with smallish, functional rooms sleeping up to three people for a flat rate.
Comfort Hotel Malmö (33 04 40; malmo@comfort.choicehotels.se; Carlsgatan 10C; s Skr500-1545, d Skr800-2045; ) This modern hotel (handy the for train and ferry) has friendly staff and clean, modern (albeit plain-looking) rooms. There’s a good-value Skr70 evening buffet Monday to Thursday.
Scandic Hotel St Jörgen (693 46 00; stjorgen@scandic-hotels.com; Stora Nygatan 35; s Skr740-1490, d Skr940-1890; ) A sleek, minimalist foyer contrasts with more classically styled rooms at this friendly, upmarket chain. Most rooms have bathtub/shower combos and many look out onto Gustav Adolfs Torg. There are a few windowless ‘cabin’ rooms, and it’s a good idea to book online for the best rates.
Hotel Baltzar (665 57 00; www.baltzarhotel.se; Södergatan 20; s Skr1180-1550, discounted to Skr800, d Skr1600-1900, discounted to Skr950-1200; ) Smack in the heart of town (though it’s remarkably quiet), this imposing listed building boasts spacious, flouncy rooms with elegant curtains, armchairs and antique furniture.
Hotel Duxiana (607 70 00; bokning@malmo.hotelduxiana.com; Mäster Johansgatan 1; s/d/junior ste Skr1190/2090/2590, discounted to Skr890/1490/1995; ) Close to Centralstationen, ubersleek Hotel Duxiana is one for the style crew. In a palate of white, black and gunmetal grey, design features include Bruno Mattheson sofas and the same heavenly beds supplied to the world’s first seven-star hotel in Dubai. Single rooms are small but comfy, while the decadent junior suites feature a claw-foot bathtub facing the bed.
Mäster Johan Hotel (664 64 00; www.masterjohan.se; Mäster Johansgatan 13; s Skr1970-2375, discounted to Skr1150-1350, d Skr2220-2625, discounted to Skr1400-1600; ) Just off Lilla Torg is one of Malmö’s finest slumber spots, with spacious, elegantly understated rooms featuring beautiful oak floors and snowy-white fabrics. Bathrooms flaunt Paloma Picasso–designed tiles, there’s a sauna and gym, and the immaculate breakfast buffet is served in a glass-roofed courtyard.
Eating
Malmö isn’t short on dining experiences, whether its vegan grub chowed down in a grungy left-wing hang-out or designer supping on contemporary Nordic flavours. For sheer atmosphere, head to the restaurant-bars on Lilla Torg. Top-notch foodie hot spots dot the city and are your best bet for revamped Scanian classics.
Malmö Chokladfabrik (45 95 05; Möllevångsgatan 36; noon-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm Sat) Not only does Malmö’s ‘chocolate factory’ peddle heavenly cocoa concoctions (pear and cognac praline, anyone?), you can watch them being made and devour them at the chocolate-scented cafe.
Dolce Sicilia (611 31 10; Drottningtorget 6; gelato from Skr25; 11am-9pm Mar-Oct, 11am-6pm Nov-Feb) Head to Dolce Sicilia, run by certified Sicilians, for fresh, organic Italian-style gelato (the chilli chocolate and fig flavours are divine). Savoury edibles include ciabatta (Skr55) and salads (Skr65).
Solde (692 80 87; Regementsgatan 3; panini Skr40; Mon-Sat) Malmö’s coolest cafe is a grit-chic combo of concrete bar, white-tiled walls, art exhibitions and indie-hip regulars. The owner is an award-winning barista; watch him in action over lip-smacking Italian panini, biscotti and cornetti (croissants).
Glassfabriken (23 81 01; Kristianstadsgatan 16; meals around Skr50; Tue-Sun) Easy to miss, this grungy, alcohol-free cafe/cultural bolt hole cranks out cheap, salubrious grub such as vegan salads, ciabatta and freshly baked cakes. Play board games over mango milkshakes, check out the local art on display or catch the occasional music or theatre gig.
Krua Thai (12 22 87; Möllevångstorget 14; mains Skr80-95; 11am-3pm Mon, 11am-3pm & 5-10pm Tue-Fri, 1-10pm Sat, 2-10pm Sun) Down the southern end of town is this authentic, long-standing Thai joint. The family also run a central takeaway (Södergatan 22) for spicy meals on the move.
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