Smådalarö Gård

We came back after getting married here in 2009, and it still feels like the same beautiful, friendly place from 16 years ago. They’ve added rooms since then, and ours was clean and comfortable. The staff were courteous, helpful, and keen to make sure we had what we needed. They also found an extra mattress when the thin sofa bed in our "deluxe" family room felt too springy to sleep on comfortably. I think hotel owners and managers should try sleeping on that third "bed" themselves before advertising it as one. Dinner was delicious, though I was disappointed that the scallops starter had just one scallop for the price. The relaxed atmosphere was lovely, and we had fun passing the time with the pool table and shuffle board. All in all, a very pleasant stay.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and the food was good. The location is fabulous, with a snooker table and a spa I didn't have time to try. My main gripes were the coffee and the bed. At breakfast, the included coffee was a mediocre jugged americano. Espresso or cappuccino cost extra, and there was no kettle or tea or coffee in the room. A Swede in my group said that seemed normal in Sweden, but I've stayed in six or seven hotels there, and all included good coffee with breakfast. You also have to make the bed yourself before sleeping in it, something that seems to be becoming common across Europe. When I'm tired after arriving, I just want a bed that's ready, not to rearrange the duvet, counterpane, and unnecessary cushions. Those details might sound small, but these places aren't cheap.

The meals were the biggest surprise for us. Lunch and dinner looked beautiful and tasted even better, and we enjoyed the suggested wine pairings. We're so glad we booked the dinner package, which gives each person a starter and main. We might not have ordered starters every night otherwise, and they were fantastic. We came from the US for our honeymoon, and Smådalarö Gård Hotel & Spa exceeded our expectations. Our room was clean and spacious with a great view, and there was plenty to do, from golf and walking trails to the spa and other activities on the premises. The on-site bus stop made our trip to downtown Dalarö convenient. Staff were warm and professional, and very patient while I practiced my Swedish with them, which I appreciated since that isn't always possible in larger cities. A few things to know: it was quieter Tuesday through Thursday, while Friday and Saturday were much busier. For a more romantic feel and fewer people sharing the spa, we'd suggest weekdays if possible. There isn't a refrigerator in the room, so keep that in mind if you need to store anything cold. Tack för allt!

I hesitated because of some mixed reviews, but I'm really glad we booked. Everything felt thoughtfully designed, and the hotel is stunning. From arrival, the staff were kind and welcoming, and we got an upgrade to a room with a breathtaking view. The spa looks out over the lake, and the lakeside sauna was unforgettable. You can take a dip in the lake, too, which adds to the relaxing feel. The restaurant and breakfast area are gorgeous, and the food was delicious. There are short walking trails around the island that lead to the water. A bus also goes to Dalarö, a charming little town with a cute bakery and a nice restaurant/shop. We had a fantastic stay and truly hope to return.