Sweden - Becky Ohlsen [159]
Hotel Vasa (17 36 30; www.hotelvasa.se; Vik-toriagatan 6; s/d from Skr925/1145; ) The attractive, family-run Hotel Vasa lies in trendy, inner-city Vasastan. Hotel perks include a courtyard garden, a Jacuzzi in two of the doubles, and a book about Göteborg in every comfy room.
Vanilj Hotell, Kafé & Bar (711 62 20; www.hotelvanilj.se; Kyrkogatan 38; s/d incl breakfast from Skr995/1145, weekends from Skr695/795; ) On a quiet, central street, this petite slumber spot is cosy, homelike and adorable. Individually decorated rooms span country checks to Scandinavian cool, and breakfast is served in the buzzing cafe downstairs. Get there early for one of the five parking spaces.
Hotel Flora (13 86 16; www.hotelflora.se; Grönsakstorget 2; s/d Skr1195/1495; ) An extreme makeover has turned Flora from frumpy to fabulous, its uberslick rooms now flaunting black-and-white interiors, designer chairs, flatscreen TVs and sparkling bathrooms. The top-floor rooms have air-con, several rooms offer river views and the chic split-level courtyard is perfect for sophisticated chilling.
Hotel Royal (700 11 70; www.hotelroyal.nu; Drottninggatan 67; s/d from Skr1295/1495; ) Göte-borg’s oldest hotel (1852) has aged enviably. The grand entrance has been retained, complete with painted glass ceiling and sweeping staircase, and the elegant, airy rooms make necessary 21st-century concessions like flatscreen TVs and renovated bathrooms. There’s also homemade cake for guests. Check the website for special offers.
Hotel Eggers (333 44 40; www.hoteleggers.se; Drottningtorget; s/d from Skr1495/1835; ) Elegant Eggers would make a great set for a period drama. Founded as a railway hotel in 1859, its rooms are a Regency-style treat. A good few have private balconies overlooking the bustling square, and nearby parking spots (Skr120 per 24 hours) can be booked at reception.
Hotell Barken Viking (63 58 00; barken.viking@liseberg.se; Gullbergskajen; s/d Skr1495/2050; ) Freshly revamped, Barken Viking is an elegant four-masted sailing ship, converted into a stylish hotel and restaurant and moored near Lilla Bommen harbour. Rooms are smart and suitably nautical, with handsome blue carpet, Hamptons-style linen and warm wood panelling. The discounted May to September rate includes entry to Liseberg.
TOP END
Clarion Collection Hotel Odin (745 22 00; www.hotelodin.se; Odinsgatan 6; apt s Skr1095-1995, d Skr1395-2295; ) Spacious and slinky, this modern hotel features fabulous apartments filled with the kind of decor and gadgets you’d kill for at home, and all come equipped with everything you need for a long, civilised stay (including a full kitchen and lounge with TV and stereo).
Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel (758 50 00; Södra Hamngatan 59-65; s/d low season from Skr1290/1390, high season from Skr2040/2140; ) Another luxe number, with rooms running around a vast atrium lined with shops, bar and restaurant. Rooms are fresh, spacious and contemporary (beds come with light-up perspex headboards) and there’s a health club (Skr100), complete with pool.
Hotel Gothia Towers (750 88 10; hotelreservations@gothiatowers.com; Mässans Gata 24; s/d from Skr1645/1895; ) Sweden’s largest hotel is the 23-storey Gothia Towers (take tram 5). Its 704 rooms ooze Nordic cool, especially the ‘Design’ options: they’re all sharp, clean lines and good bathroom windows for a vista-friendly soak. More bird’s-eye views await at Sky bar and restaurant Heaven 23, a hit with nonguests and home to Göteborg’s best shrimp sandwich.
Avalon (751 02 00; www.avalonhotel.se; Kungstorget 9; s/d from Skr1890/2190; ) The new, design-conscious Avalon is steps away from the main tourist office. Rooms are sleek and uncluttered, with flatscreen