Where to stay
From the top of Sweden’s most famous twin towers to a privately owned boutique in the heart of the city that has been doing things its own way for thirty years.
The upper floors of Sweden’s most recognisable hotel complex — a separate luxury floor above the main Gothia Towers, with its own check-in, a spa and pool, and views across the city from every room. The rooftop Upper House restaurant serves one of the best breakfast spreads in Scandinavia. Connected directly to the Swedish Exhibition Centre and five minutes’ walk from Avenyn. The hotel for those for whom location and views are the priority.
The best-located boutique hotel in Gothenburg — on Grönsakstorget, inside the old moat that once surrounded the city, with the Saluhallen indoor market around the corner, Avenyn five minutes’ walk, and the central station ten minutes on foot. 71 rooms, each individually decorated with a personality that reflects thirty years of the same owner — Carina Högberg — doing things her way. The Södra Larm Bar & Bistro on site; summer courtyard for guests and locals alike. The rooms have names. Some of the furniture has names. A hotel that feels like a person rather than a product.
Inside the old central post office on Domplattan — a monumental 1920s building with a soaring atrium, retained original features, and a rooftop pool and bar that is the best warm-weather venue in the city. 500 rooms across price categories; the architecture does much of the work. The ground-floor restaurant is busy with locals, which is always a good sign. Walk to everything — the city’s main square is directly outside.
A design hotel on Södra Vägen — a short walk from Avenyn — with an interior that feels more Parisian brasserie than Scandinavian minimalism. Dark wood, velvet, mirrored surfaces, a lobby bar worth lingering in. The rooms are small but beautifully considered. The staff are notably good. Consistently popular with creative-industry visitors who find the usual Scandic formula too predictable.
A reliable, well-positioned mid-range option on Polhemsplatsen — close to Avenyn, close to the tram network, close to the canal. Large enough to always have availability; run well enough to always have good service. The view from upper-floor rooms towards the city and the water is genuinely impressive for the price. The most practical choice for those who want location and value above character.
All five hotels are in or immediately adjacent to the city centre, within walking distance of Avenyn, the canals, and the tram network. Hotel Flora is the only independently owned option and the one most worth choosing on a first visit.