If you’re booking a hotel in Gothenburg, Sweden’s attractive second city, and searching for a “room with a view”, then look no further than the swish Upper House.
It might sound rather bizarre, but this exclusive hotel is built atop another: the middle tower of Gothia Towers, which boasts over 700 rooms, five popular bars/restaurants and is reputedly northern Europe’s largest hotel and conference facility. As for the Upper House, its 49 well-appointed rooms/suites and unique three-storey spa are accompanied by the equally impressive Upper House Dining.
Although it’s located close to the heart of the city, the sound-proofing must be top class because I was never disturbed by any road noise – but then again, my room was over 20 floors up. Its location is certainly a plus point. Gothenburg is a particularly pedestrian-friendly city anyway, but it helped knowing that as a sightseer the Upper House’s central position meant an easy walk to most of the key attractions; and if I wanted to use the efficient tram system, it was reassuring knowing one of the main tramway stations was just across the road. Plus, for anyone using the airport bus – which leaves Landvetter Airport every 20 minutes – to reach the city, you can alight just across from the hotel; it’s clearly a convenient location.
You reach the Upper House Reception by entering the ground-floor level of Gothia Towers hotel and being ushered into the lift destined for the 25th floor. There you’re met by the smiling, courteous and very helpful staff at Reception. It’s the same floor for the restaurant, if you’ve booked an evening meal, and breakfast (make sure your check whether your booking includes breakfast).
Although I didn’t sample an evening meal at the restaurant I did try out breakfast. A very personalised service, it’s clear the staff aim to please and there is no doubting the quality of the produce. A cold buffet is served and everything is made in-house, from homemade sour dough bread and marmalades to organic yoghurt and muesli. A range of hot breakfast dishes are available, too.
The food and eating experience (again, such fantastic views across the city from your table) couldn’t be faulted. However, being vegetarian, I like to be selective and enjoyed breakfast on two mornings at the Gothia Towers’ own restaurant. Although it was more crowded and lacked the personal service, the choice of food at breakfast was, for me, spot-on.
My finely appointed hotel suite had floor-to-ceiling windows affording me panoramic views across the city; and because the room wasn’t overlooked, I could leave my curtains open all night, watching the lights of Gothenburg until I drifted off to sleep – which wasn’t difficult in such a huge, comfy bed, manufactured by Swedish firm, Carpe Diem. Armchair, sofa, table, writing desk, plenty of cupboard space, extremely spacious bathroom, tea/coffee-making facilities, flatscreen TV and free wi-fi all contributed towards a very enjoyable stay.
(c) Richard Webber
(c) Richard Webber
(c) Richard Webber
(c) Richard Webber
For anyone hiring a car, there is secure parking at the hotel; you don’t even need to worry about parking the vehicle yourself, just pull up in the designated space outside the hotel entrance, hand the keys to the Gothia Towers’ reception staff and they’ll do the rest – it couldn’t be easier. In fact, everything about Sweden and its people is straightforward, efficient and highly professional.
One can’t stay at Upper House without experiencing its Spa and Relax. The hotel’s website enthuses: “The west coast of Sweden awaits in the form of a classic spa experience, with the fragrance and the sensation of salt, sea and smooth rocks. But you can also choose to travel a little further. Our traditional Turkish baths offer a taste of the east, with a steam bath and hot stones.” You must try the outdoor Jacuzzi, located on the 20th floor, with its glass bottom!
Everybody has different requirements when it comes to choosing a place to stay: quirky, comfort, location, facilities, appearance, etc. The Upper House scores highly on most of these fronts and, in my view, you’ll struggle to find a better place to rest your head while in the fine city of Gothenburg.
More information:
Massans gata 24
412 51
Goteborg
www.upperhouse.se / 0046 (0)31 708 8200
www.goteborg.com / 0046 (0)31 368 4000
www.westsweden.com (West Sweden Tourist Board)