Clarion Collection Hotel Packhuset - Kalmar, Sweden     

While touring through Sweden, we decided to stay in Kalmar for a couple of nights because it was a convenient base for the glass factories, and the resort island of Oland and also boasted a stand-out castle. It turned out to be a wonderful decision: the town of Kalmar was one of our best discoveries during a three-week trip, and the Packhuset among our favorite hotels. The hotel is located in an old maritime packing house that has been recently and beautifully renovated. Huge old wooden beams remain in the hallways and rooms, and maritime relics (including a cannon) dot the public areas. The rooms are very comfortable, and many if not all have water views of a working harbor. The hotel has good parking, is located close to the train station, adjoins the charming older part of town, and is an easy walk from the castle. All this makes the Packhuset a pleasant place to stay. In addition, however, the hotel offers a free evening buffet (with the option to buy beer and wine) as well as the usual breakfast buffet. This is a real money-saver in an expensive part of the world -- but even more importantly it offers tired travelers a break in the routine of having to investigate and locate restaurants every night. We happily dined at the hotel, both outside on the deck and in a pleasantly decorated eating area, both nights we stayed.

We recently stayed in Kalmar for a family wedding in Oland. I loved this hotel, we had a room with a view and it was wonderful sitting outside on our balcony in the sunshine. The rooms were spotless, beds very comfy and the hotel food and service excellent. I would have not hesitation in recommending this hotel to all my friends and family. The only thing I was dissapointed to learn on my return was the evening buffett, we were not advised this was free and thought it was something that was booked separately.