Hotel Ekenäs Koster

The restaurant staff were good, and the fries were the best I've ever had. The tall blonde waitress was especially genuine and service-minded. The food was good too, though there was no vegetarian choice written on the menu, even though several people, including me, ordered one. The vegetable and potato plates were tasty, but felt like something I could make at home for 50 SEK. Breakfast had a standard hotel spread with plenty to choose from, but it was scattered around and poorly explained. There was nowhere obvious to leave dirty dishes, so I had to knock on the kitchen door. Our room was dusty, and it clearly hadn't been cleaned in several days, maybe weeks. Dust covered the floor and skirting boards, and touching the table left my fingers grey. I used to clean hotel rooms, so I know the minimum standard, and this fell short. The balcony also had large cobwebs. The kettle didn't fit under the toilet sink to fill it, and there were no cups or glasses. There was no minibar, just an empty fridge, and no room trash can, only one by the toilet. With no room service, my mother bought a Ramlösa and a Pepsi at the bar, and they cost 176 SEK. We found the hotel confusing to arrive at because the name at the courtyard entrance was different. The room had creaky single beds pushed together. My mother asked if they could be separated and was told yes, but nobody offered an extra sheet. They might have given us one if we'd asked, but at 2700 per night I expected them to ask. Information about swimming spots and other things was also poor. The hotel could use an event manager, or at least someone to print information in a few languages. The beds were creaky single beds pushed together. My mother asked whether they could be separated and was told yes, but no one offered an extra sheet. They might have given us one if we'd asked, but at 2700 per night I expected them to ask. Information about swimming areas and other things was poor too. The hotel would benefit from an event manager, or at least someone who could print information in a few languages. I overheard an employee say on the phone that they were understaffed. That may be true, but it shouldn't affect guests, or the employees, who can't do more than work themselves to death. I've worked in places like that and understand. The owners need to get things in order. At 2700 SEK a night, the standard should be higher.

The island is beautiful and has several other good restaurants. The atmosphere was nice, service was consistently good, and the outdoor restaurant served good food. Breakfast was pretty standard. The bar shut at 10.45, which seemed a bit early to us. Renting bicycles is a good idea, but check the brakes, as it helps you get more out of your stay. We paid NOK 2300 per night for two nights in a basement room that was about as basic as a hotel room gets. The two single beds were pushed together with a mattress topper, but we slept well. There was barely space for a bed, bedside table, small table and one chair. It was very spartan: no toothbrushes, TV or fridge, and only a big wardrobe with clothes baskets and three hangers. There weren't many hooks for coats or bags. A bit disappointing, really.

We had a lovely room and a comfortable bed that fit my husband, our son and me, even though our son tried to kick me out a couple of times. It was a little warm inside, but the weather was beautiful while we were there. Breakfast was good and the staff were friendly. I recommend the truffle burger. There was no proper playground for children, just two swings. The new owners may add something, but the island is mostly for relaxing. You can see what there is to see quite quickly, so I'd probably only come here to unwind. The setting is incredibly beautiful.

We came for the food and beer. The outdoor seating was nice, service was fairly quick, and the food was good with generous portions.