It can come as no surprise that when visiting any of the Nordic countries, that a trip of any length will be costly.
I found this out during trips to Norway and Denmark, when you won’t get much change from a £20 note for lunch.
This can often put people off visiting. However, it need not to.

With dramatic landscapes, trendy cities, a great history, and friendly locals it is hard to avoid a desire to travel there.
During my trip to Gothenburg, Sweden, I stayed at the Spar Hotel, Marjona, one of two Spar Hotels in the city of Gothenburg.
From just £70 per night, it is similar pricing to what you would pay for a hotel in London. And for those who backpack, it’s not much more expensive than a dorm room in a local hostel (at least you’ll get your own room!)
What to expect when stating at the Spar Hotel, Marjorna

Although the hotel is slightly out of the city centre. It is very accessible by the frequently running trams, with the nearest stop being Chapmans Tong.
The hotel also has a free and secure car park, for up to 40 cars, if you happen to be driving. That way you can leave you car safely and explore the city without the need to worry about car parking charges.
On arrival into the Spar Hotel, you’ll be greeted by a friendly reception team, in a classy lobby area, which also has a bar where you can buy drinks and snacks and chill out in the evenings.
Room and facilities

There are various room types at the Spar Hotel, from twin and double rooms to triple family rooms and suites.
I stayed in a twin room, which was ample size for myself.

The room offered a comfortable bed, which provided me with a great sleep after a very early flight, and I slept soundly, with no noise coming from outside or adjoining rooms.
The bathroom had several soft towels, shampoo/body wash and a hair dryer, with a powerful and warm shower to wake you up in the morning.
There was space to hang clothes and a drawer to put items you may want to hide away.
There are no safety deposit boxes in the rooms, but you can borrow one from reception should you wish to.
Breakfast

Breakfast is included in the price of the room, and as a total bonus is served during weekends from 6:30am to 12pm, which is incredible if you are not an early Riser.
The breakfast room is on the 2nd floor, and during summer months, you can choose to eat breakfast outside on the sunny terrace.
There was a huge selection for breakfast, so the food lover in me found it hard to choose.
There are hot and cold options, from a cooked breakfast (sausage, bacon and eggs) to pancakes and toast. Then there are the slightly healthier options such as Cereals, and fresh fruit.

All of this can be washed down with a selection of tea, coffee or juice.
You’ll find it hard to leave the breakfast room, with so much choice!
Wifi
Wifi is provided free of charge and works throughout the hotel.
Fitness/Sauna

For those who like to keep fit on their travels, will be pleased to hear that the Spar Hotel has a well equipped gym to complete a workout. With a treadmill, cross trainer, and weights machine, as well as gym ball and hand weights.
All this can be down whilst looking out toward the pretty Älvsborg suspension bridge, from the 8th floor of the hotel.
And afterwards you can sweat the rest of all that Fika you’ve been eating in the Sauna.
Towels and water are provided in the gym area, and there is a super cosy rest area just outside the sauna, for a perfect end to your workout.

If you are planning on visiting Gothenburg, then check of the Spar Hotels website for the best pricing for your stay.
I had a wonderful stay at the Spar Hotel. It was in a handy location, and being reasonably priced made it a great first trip to Gothenburg and Sweden.
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