Clarion Hotel Wisby

Enforced concepts and stifling standardisation are apt to anaesthetise most things when big chains take over historic hotels. But Wisby Hotel hasn’t buckled before Choice. Rather, it’s the chain bowing before this severe lady. The former Stads-hotellet has so much authority and history that she proudly maintains her unique character and position as Visby’s foremost hotel classic. And she’s got friends in high places, too. During the annual politicians’ week in Almedalen, motions, petitions and invitations are thrown about the lobby like dollar bills at a strip club. The 212 rooms may not be bristling with the latest features, but they deliver: sturdy materials, soundproof rooms, fluffy pillows and a solid bathroom with a no-nonsense sink and an old-fashioned high cistern toilet. This is a town-centre hotel that has kept the old but also let in the new. Occasionally the winter garden will draw the hip Visby elite when some local star is manning the booth. Selma Spa in the basement is above-average nice and attracts many non-guests to its pool and sauna in ancient vaults.