Home Hotel Cardinal

The free dinner is a nice touch, but there often isn’t a vegetarian option. The hotel is spread across several buildings, and some are newer than others. Service is really good, and the reception building is nice. The dinner and breakfast area feels a bit cramped.

The interior suited our needs, and we weren’t unhappy with the stay. Breakfast and lunch were okay for me. Some rooms are extremely small, though, and there’s no room service. My wife and I swapped rooms with our daughter because hers, and her bed, were bigger than the one assigned to us. We had to go looking for toilet paper. One receptionist was juggling arrivals, departures, the bar, and elevator problems, and did a good job with all of that.

We arrived at 19:30 and nobody told us the restaurant closed at 20:00, around two hours earlier than the usual closing time in Sweden. Meals were included in the price, so we paid for food we never got. I wouldn’t recommend staying here. Other places offer more competitive prices for service you can actually use.

We came back for a second stay with our son because the staff are so service minded and do their best to make things go well. We’ve stayed at another hotel in Växjö before, but the kind, helpful service from the different people we met here is what brought us back. It’s also very central and convenient, with shops, a supermarket, fashion boutiques, restaurants, the train station, taxi stands, and bus stops all within walking distance. There are also nearby computer and electronics repair shops, salons, and a hospital. The hotel has a complimentary sauna. You need to reserve it about half an hour ahead so they can heat it up. The first time, our room felt quite small and cramped. On our second visit we got a slightly bigger room, which suited us better since we like more space for ourselves and our things. The beds and pillows are very soft and comfortable, and everything was fresh and tidy, which matters for a good night’s sleep. They offer Swedish “fika,” an afternoon coffee or tea with cake, in a cozy area on the first floor near reception. If you check in around 3 pm, it’s nicely timed. There’s also a complimentary buffet dinner and breakfast on the second floor during your stay. These simple meals are a thoughtful inclusion, since many hotels charge extra, though you’d probably get more luxurious food elsewhere. We’d recommend it if you want an affordable, straightforward place to stay overnight without worrying about meals. If you’re after a high-end luxury hotel, you may find plenty to complain about, and this might not suit you.