Elite Palace Hotel & Spa

The hotel is about 10 minutes from the city center, and there are plenty of restaurants and food options around the corner. Lidl is nearby too, which is handy. Our room was quiet even though it faced a main road, and the bathroom was spacious. The breakfast was varied and really delicious. There were some good practical touches, like having a minibar, though you pay separately for anything in it. There was no price list, however. The room itself was dusty and not properly clean, and the bathroom was also unclean. The toilet seat was loose, there was a hole in the wall, and the room had no ceiling light. There was no phone to call room service either. I can only give it three stars because the spa costs extra despite this being advertised as a spa hotel, and the bartender seemed to get overwhelmed when several orders came in at once. I personally wouldn’t recommend it, though people can make up their own minds. Elite Hotels seem to be a large chain in Sweden, especially in Stockholm.

The breakfast had the biggest selection I’ve ever seen at a hotel buffet, and the attached Bishop’s Arms pub and Italian restaurant were both nice. We went to each on different nights. Vana Spa was a lovely place to unwind, though entry felt a bit expensive for hotel guests. The fee is waived if you buy a spa treatment, which made it more reasonable. Jack at the bar deserves a special mention for being attentive, mixing creative drinks that weren’t on the menu, and sharing local suggestions. The staff were welcoming, and the hotel had a lovely feel. My mum and I stayed for a week in two rooms. Both were clean, warm, and had everything we needed, though they felt a little dated and could use a refresh. We hired a car and got a parking ticket one night when we parked on the street. That was our fault, so watch the street signs and parking rules if you choose that cheaper option. The EasyPark app worked really well. We’ve just got home after a great stay. I’d highly recommend the hotel and would stay here again, or at one of their other locations in Sweden.

Breakfast was especially good, with lots of nutritious and tasty choices, and the staff were very friendly. Our room was neat and tidy, and the stay was pretty nice overall. The location was good, though still a bit of a walk from the main area. We were on the 7th floor, where there was no smart TV, while rooms on the 5th and 6th floors had one at the same price. That felt a little unfair. Still, it was great value.

The airport shuttle stops almost right outside, though the hotel itself is a long way from the old town, around a 45-minute walk. The sauna is included in the price, but the pool and spa area cost far too much. Breakfast was the strong point, with lots of variety, including vegan and gluten-free options. The bar is decent and will make off-menu cocktails if you ask. It’s a huge hotel with a modern, international style that feels interchangeable, and there are plenty of friendly, professional staff. The rooms are small but nicely furnished with the basics, including a fridge and kettle. They were cold, though, because the windows weren’t well insulated. All in all, it’s suited to undemanding mass tourists.