Olof Wijksgatan, by Anna&Jesper

We cut our stay short after a frustrating experience. Our teenagers were stuck in their room for over an hour because the electronic door lock was damaged, and when we needed help, the owners weren’t there and didn’t answer the phone. This is a nicely decorated but very basic B&B, not a hotel: five rooms share two toilets and showers, and the kitchen has neither a stove nor a microwave. There was so much decoration, including half-built Lego everywhere, that there was hardly any clear table or shelf space for our things. I’d only stay here as a much cheaper option than a hotel, but we paid the same.

I stayed for about a month and found it a lovely place, with lots of useful things around and plenty to keep children busy, including game consoles, bikes, electric scooters, and toys. Liseberg is within walking distance, so it seems ideal for a small family. Anna and Jesper are usually around during the day. They’re lovely and happy to help you get the most out of your vacation.

I was impressed from the moment I got settled, though at first I wasn’t sure what to make of the place. Travelling with a dog can mean making compromises, and this is definitely not a standard hotel room, but it offers a lot more. The interiors are stylish and quirky, and there’s a lovely lounge and kitchen facilities. Food and drinks are available all day, including espresso, tea, bread, jam, other breakfast items, a freezer full of cuppa chups, and a fridge full of juice. You share the bathrooms with a couple of other guests, but it felt friendly, and the place is kept incredibly clean all day. It’s right in the middle of town, with most places reachable on foot, by tram, or by bus. Anna and Jesper were so helpful with parking, places to go, and other issues. Such a bargain for the experience. I’ll definitely come back.

Anna and Jesper were incredibly kind and understanding, and their puppy Lissen was a gentle giant we adored. When I entered the wrong phone number for my entry code and couldn’t get in, Jesper came over to help despite it being my mistake. It felt like visiting a cousin or host family and staying in a lived-in home, which is exactly why it helps to know what a homestay is. This isn’t a hotel. The room was maximalist, with games, bikes, and lovely fairy-like decorations. Breakfast was basic but good value, and there are shared recreation rooms, laundry, and alcohol available if you want it. It’s a fantastic location, just a four-minute walk on a flat path to Korsvågen tram station, where Liseberg is. This is one of the best homestays I’ve experienced, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for that kind of stay. We’ll probably return on our next trip to Gothenburg.