Elite Stadshotellet Karlstad, Hotel & Spa

I wanted to like this place, but well ... We were greeted by really nice people in the lobby, but that's where the positives ended. Firstly, the room we were given had an overwhelming smell reminiscent of an old people's home. On top of that, it was equipped with a toilet and chairs clearly intended for elderly guests or those with mobility issues. This was neither requested nor appropriate, and certainly not in line with the experience one would expect from a romantic spa hotel. I think there might be some nicer rooms somewhere else in the hotel, but the one we got - and I am trying not to exaggerate here, is one of the worst I have stayed in, in Scandinavia. Worse still, we discovered something quite unhygienic and frankly disgusting in the bathroom next to the sink (see pictures). This should of course never happen in any hotel room, let alone in a setting that advertises itself as high-end. We had also looked forward to using the spa facilities, but were surprised to find that we were unable to access them. No one had informed us that the spa had to be booked in advance, either at the time of booking or at check-in. When we tried instead to use the rooftop pool, we were sent back and forth between four different places to get towels by multiple staff members - no one followed us, or just got us towels. Ultimately we ended up in the spa to get towels, where we were turned away at with a rather dismissive “no you can’t get towels here”.

We had an amazing time there. The hotel is high scale, the staff was great, the room spacious and high standard (I was in the new building), the location is perfect, the heated pool was relaxing, and the breakfast was perfect

Old hotel with charm and newly renovated rooms and premises. Unfortunately, missing attention to HSE in rooms, hallways and access to other facilities. Shower in bathtub, slippery & no handles. Demi glass divider no marked edges. 12 cm hight difference between room & bath, not marked. Winding hallways difficult to walk with crutches or support or if reduced eyesight. Steps to outdoor restaurant with non functional rail. The pool bar needs to be HSE assessed fully! Asked to speak to MOD but they didn’t have one! Amazing. Insurance claims could be looming!

Karlstad is a jewel. Beautiful small city. Walkable and the scenery around the city is spectacular. Breakfast was excellent. Pub and restaurant outstanding. Room smartly designed. Very professional and efficient staff. Will return!

Hockey weekend Good value for money and great location! Friendly staff and nice breakfast