Have you ever considered visiting Gothenburg? The second-largest city in Sweden is not only the perfect destination for a weekend getaway; it’s also a haven for foodies appreciating world class restaurants and hospitality. During our visit we stayed at the four star Clarion Hotel Post in the heart of the city.
A stay at the old post office
Clarion Hotel Post is like a massive monument elevating from the ground. It might seem a bit intimidating for newcomer’s, but once you know what’s hiding inside, you simply can’t wait to get in there! This 500-room hotel, which is part of Nordic Choice Hotels, is located in the building of an old post office (hence the name), which was completed in 1925. The building still reveals several traces from the past, however, that’s about the only old-fashioned thing about this hotel! Inside, a paradise of contemporary art appears when nostalgic items from the post era is tastefully mixed with modern interior design. Whether you like it or not, it’s a fun experience and most importantly it never gets boring.
After check-in we went straight to our room; a Superior Double Room of 30 m2 with a lovely view to the park. The room was a bit dark, but the fact that it’s decorated with Italian designer furniture in warm colors kind of made up for that. In a room of this type you can expect a nice working area, a full mini-bar, complimentary wifi and robes and slippers for the roof-top spa area. Talking of which - the rooftop is a must-see when staying at this hotel! From here, you’ll have a beautiful view of Gothenburg and access to the heated pool and lounge chairs. During our stay, the pool was mostly occupied by children, which leads me to the conclusion that couples looking for a little “time off” should probably go here outside the season (or national holiday’s). Either way, it’s very inviting - especially during night when all the lights of Gothenburg can be seen.
Sweden’s first beauty factory
Clarion Hotel Post also houses a spa - or a ‘beauty factory’ as they like to call it. It simply offers and embraces the latest health and beauty trends, all wrapped up in a holistic concept, where exercise and relaxation are key factors. Both men and women are welcome, and the menu consists of a wide range of wellness, beauty and health treatments. Oh, and there’s also a gym with personal trainers attached.
Hungry guests might find themselves comfortable in the Norda Bar & Grill, which serves both brunch, lunch and dinner. The famous Swedish chef Marcus Samuelsson has helped creating the food concept, which is a blend of Swedish west coast and American east coast. Unfortunately, we missed the weekend brunch, which is apparently Gothenburg’s biggest (!) offering a lavish cake buffet. The “regular” breakfast buffet was quite good too, though. But we recommend you getting here as early as possible, as it can be very crowded from 9AM-10AM.
The local’s meeting point
Last, but not least, Clarion Hotel Post presents the sushi and raw food concept ‘vRÅ’, which combines Scandinavian ingredients with Japanese flavors. Whatever you do, make sure to enjoy a pre- (or post) dinner drink in ‘Post Bar’ - a huge bar located in the lobby of the hotel. This isn’t only the ultimate gathering point for staying hotel guests; it seems like many Gothenburg local’s like to hang out here as well. Sip a glass of American wine, a cup of home roasted coffee or what about a tempting cocktail? If a DJ doesn’t work his magic here, an interesting mix of jazz sets the tone.
Clarion Hotel Post might be the obvious choice for a stay in Gothenburg, but it shouldn’t only be used as a base. There’s so much to do here, so make sure you take the time to explore the different facilities. While the hotel is perfectly suited for families and business traveler’s on the go, I probably wouldn’t recommend it to Honeymooners or couples looking for that romantic getaway experience.
For more information go to www.nordicchoicehotels.se.
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