Located in a former post office building that dates back to the 1920s right in the centre of Gothenburg, the five-star Clarion Hotel Post is the perfect destination from where to set off to explore the beautiful city centre – and it looks pretty majestic from the front!
In the evening sun – and when illuminated by night – the facade thanks to a huge gold mosaic actually seems to turn into pure gold.
Walk around to the backside of the hotel – where a large bus station is located – and you can marvel at the modern 12-storey modern wing, integrated into the historic building back in 2012.
Clarion Post is part of the Nordic Choice Hotels which belongs to Norwegian philanthropic billionaire Petter Stordalen, who is widely known to be an avid collector of contemporary art. This passion is shining through many of his hotels, and Clarion Post is no exception.
A meticulous renovation of the old post building has turned the inside into a mix of futuristic design and cosy public areas while maintaining some hints to the buildings history as well.
On the wall above the lifts in the large lobby hangs the full-size shell of a flattened old post van …
… while at the foot of the main staircase you will find a red pillar (post) box that now serves as express check-out.
Perhaps the most spectacular piece in the spacious lobby, and the one that will immediately capture your attention, is the huge reception desk cut entirely out of glass.
On a side note, the Nordic countries are among those leading in e-services in the public and private sectors and Clarion Post is a major example. It is actually possible to manage nearly every stage of your stay autonomous, from checking in, managing all your reservations from dining to Spa treatments and finally check-out.
That is not to say you will not find plenty of friendly staff available to help and accommodate your wishes!
All of the 500 rooms are styled in a sleek, modern yet reduced design and spacious bathrooms. In-room amenities include a stylish Nespresso maker, a large flat-screen, a working station and free Wi-Fi access.
The hotel is a favourite with locals and also a top spot for many events and conferences. The glass covered indoor courtyard – which also serves as passage to the lifts in the modern wing – is often jammed with large groups enjoying a break from a business meeting or convention.
In case you are visiting during the warmer months of the year, a beautiful small rooftop pool invites to take a relaxed break. During any other time of the year, head here to enjoy the beautiful views over the city centre.
Alternatively, settle down in the huge Post Bar directly adjacent to the lobby. Expect this place to be busy with locals too, especially in the afternoon and evening, when everybody and her cousin seems to gather here for a drink or working on a laptop sipping freshly brewed coffee earlier in the day. There are plenty of cosy seating areas here that will make it actually hard to leave again anytime soon.
In case you get hungry, you do not have to go far either. Located on the first floor, Norda Bar and Grill too is a local favourite. The restaurant offers a typical Scandinavian cuisine. Whilst there is an excellent choice of seafood, which I really love, after a long day of many business meetings, I went for a quick burger and fries.
And I had to end with one of the delicious sounding desserts, a small apple cake accompanied by a variety of apple, cream cheese mousse, vanilla crumble, almond, apple and rosemary sorbet.
In the morning, a huge breakfast buffet is located at the ground floor just behind the bar area. Here you will find everything you could expect, from fresh breads to pastries, charcuterie, cheeses, delicious salmon, slices of different fruits, freshly made yoghurts and a large selection of hot breakfast options. The only slight regret for me was the coffee coming out of a self-service machine; indeed there is no option to order anything from the kitchen; but given the great choice on the buffet, this is only a minor downside.
I found Clarion Hotel Post the ideal place to stay in the centre of Gothenburg and if you love quirky design, the hotel will definitely not disappoint.
Clarion Hotel Post
Drottningtorget 10, 41103 Gothenburg, Sweden
https://www.nordicchoicehotels.com/hotels/sweden/gothenburg/clarion-hotel-post/
Looks like an excellent place to stay!
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I really loved it.
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