Hotels

Two things about Swedish hotels usually surprise travelers: the relatively limited dimensions of the beds and the generous size and variety of the breakfasts, which is usually included in the room price. Otherwise, hotel guests in Sweden can expect facilities and service comparable to what they'd expect elsewhere. Most major cities offer a full range of accommodations, from budget hostels to chic boutiques and five-star business hotels. Country inns and bed-and-breakfasts can be full of character and good value for money. During the summer months and at weekends, many Swedish hotels offer reduced room rates, some by as much as 50%. That said, July is the Swedish holiday month and hotels are notoriously busy. Make reservations wherever possible. Many older hotels, particularly the country inns and independently run smaller hotels in the cities, do not have private bathrooms. Inquire about this ahead of time if this is important to you. Whatever their size, almost all Swedish hotels provide scrupulously clean accommodations and courteous service.

An official annual guide, Hotels in Sweden, published by and available free from the Swedish Travel and Tourism Council, gives comprehensive information about hotel facilities and prices. Countryside Hotels includes 38 select resort hotels, some of them restored manor houses or centuries-old inns. The Sweden Hotels group has four independently owned hotels and its own classification scheme.

Contacts

Countryside Hotels. 031/131870; www.countrysidehotels.se.

Sweden Hotels. www.swedenhotels.se.