Strandflickornas Havshotell

A large red timber villa, not far off the main tourist drag. There’s a tennis court opposite and, a stone’s throw away, the Stånge Huvud nature reserve where you can swim in the sea and go for walks, throughout the year. Havets Hus, an oceanarium, is next door, and there are restaurants within walking distance. Cheerful and friendly staff are on hand in the reception to welcome you. Every nook and cranny of the house is filled with objects the owners have picked up at auctions and flea markets, to create the right turn-of-the-last-century feel. Rooms are inspired by various personalities who lived in or visited Lysekil: the maid, the bath house attendant, the forester, the Turkish consul, the merchant Frida Aaron. Manufacturer Laurin’s room is on the topmost, third floor under a sloping ceiling and has a large terrace with fabulous views over red granite cliffs. A few vintage tobacco pipes lie scattered about, and the shelf has yellowing encyclopaedias for guests’ amusement. The beds are soft and the bathrooms recently redone with Moroccan-style floor tiles. The Ocean atelier, with its own wooden jetty, is attractive, and the Swimming pavilion is a real treat with its own sauna and spa – you can stay in it too. An excellent breakfast is served in the conservatory, with linen tablecloths, crochet lace and cut flowers. For warmer days there are wicker chairs on the patio.