Åkerblads Hotell Gästgiveri & SPA

Every nook and cranny of Åkerblads venerable hotel by Lake Siljan exudes warmth. Literally. If it isn’t from the open fireplace, it’s from woollen blankets in warm colours, or the sauna and pools of the spa. History is ever-present, and the whole setting bears distinctive traces of the era when national romanticism flourished and wealth was happily flaunted. Since rooms and meals here cost a pretty penny, the place still has an undertone of wealth, sustained today by the guests – mostly elderly couples of which some are regulars in the real sense. ‘Was it in 1965 or -66 we were here for the very first time?’ is the sort of thing you can overhear at dinner. And the fidelity is understandable. If you like tradition, relaxation, being fussed over in the spa and restaurant, well, then you’ll likely be returning too. Rooms, divided between several buildings, are furnished with Hästens beds, fabulously comfortable pillows and romantically florid textiles, and of course there’s a bathrobe and slippers in which to get comfortably to the gym and relax section. Don’t be late for breakfast, as you’ll want to linger over it a long time.