Marstrands Havshotell
Spa hotel with a view over royal Marstrand
The ’sea hotel’ lies just next to Marstrand’s ferry landing. Its immediate surroundings are a peculiar mix of concrete and cliffs, quay and sea – all of which evokes a small-town vibe, devoid of frippery. The hotel spa is the main attraction. Spa treatments preceded by slick introductions are popular, yet many guests seem quite content simply to sink into wooden hot tubs with a beer. On our return from an outing to historic and picturesque Marstrand – the sailing resort that King Oscar II visited every year – we try a deep hot stone massage. After a pleasant rest inhaling the sea air we head for dinner in the hotel restaurant, Ottos Kök. The rooms are divided into three price tiers related to what kind of view they offer. The decoration features tones evoking the nearby sea. Clearly the hotel relies on nature and the spa to provide the big experience here. On balmy summer days the terrace really is the perfect spot if you want to keep an eye on who’s arriving in or leaving posh Marstrand – and the view over the island lends breakfasts a particularly harmonious frame.