Calmar Stadshotell - Kalmar, Sweden 

Disappointing stay, the location is fine, the hotel is in one of the main squares but not close to any noise disturbances. The lobby is fine and the lunch and breakfast rooms are very pleasant and the morning buffet breakfast is satisfactory. The room we stayed in, supposedly deluxe/superior, was a large loft room but the beds are small, pillows cheap in quality and the furniture is all very dated 1970s circa. The room had some character being a loft and was clean, the bathroom however was old, small and dated and badly in need of complete re-fit although it was again clean. Maid service was very slow each day, we we’re lucky to have the bed made up before 3pm even with leaving a “please make up the room” on the door. The staff at reception, the bar, the maids and the breakfast staff are somewhat unwelcoming, not rude, but not a single “good morning” from anyone in a 5 day stay. Whilst a previous report from August 2006 suggested good service at that time, and of course everyone can have different experiences, one has to wonder if the change in ownership and management has had an adverse effect. Whether bored or unhappy with management it’s hardly going to make a guest think of making a return when ignored or basic common courtesy’s are not observed. Free wireless internet works in the main lobby but only in some bedrooms it seems which is frustrating. On our 3rd day our bedroom key pass suddenly stopped working, I went down to reception who reset the card but there was never any apology. I went back upstairs, and the card still failed to open the door so I returned to reception. Again, no apology but at least the receptionist was willing to come to the room the 2nd time, still the card didn’t work but at least she was able to open the door with a master key. These things happen and I was'nt too bothered but again it's the lack of customer service. Another example, one afternoon i went to the bar at reception to get a drink, you'd think a simple thing as there were no other guests waiting, the middle aged grey hair spectacled assistant was far more interested in reading the paper than serving a hotel guest even though he quite clearly noticed me standing there – I gave up waiting and went into the town instead. In summary, the location is good, the hotel by US/English standards is only a moderate 2 STAR when considering the bathrooms and the lack of any room service or even a mini bar. The staff are less than welcoming (whereas at least you get a warm welcome at the other hotels in Kalmar and we’ve stayed at 4 others previously), the rooms are dated (despite the impression given on their website which in fact persuaded us to book) but then rooms are clean and the bedrooms of good size if you don’t mind waiting all day for the maid to come round (when the hotel was less than full) to clean them! Firmurare Hotellet is a better standard with more character and offers a much much friendlier service but noise can be a problem on Friday’s and Saturday’s in the summer in what is a much busier square. SlottsHotellet is of a similar standard and has a really nice location by the castle with free parking and again the service is much friendlier and you feel more welcome.

We rented a room for 3 (2 adults and one 12 year old) for $850 SEK breakfast included. Here are my comments: * The woman working at the front desk was fantastic. She went out of her way to make us feel like welcomed guests. I would have normally rated this hotel as "average" but she impressed us enough to warrant a better rating. If only every hotel had a smiling face behind the front desk! * The hotel is conveniently located right across from the town square. It was a lovely town to walk around during the evening hours. * Free parking was available on the city streets right by the hotel until 9:00 a.m. * Breakfast buffet was decent - not great. * The room was comfortable but not extravagent. The bathroom could probably be updated. * We ate dinner at their bar/restaurant and had a great experience. The food was delicious and the staff was pleasant. * A computer was available in the lobby with free internet access. We would go back again if we are ever in the area.