MJ’S

‘More is more’ is very much the theme at Malmö’s new destination hotel, which until the autumn of 2017 led a considerably quieter life as Hotel Mäster Johan. The location is perfect, right in the centre and a short hop from Lilla Torg. Checking in is done in the boudoir-like bar and lounge, between the massive bar counter and the notorious ‘selfie armchair’ covered in pink flamingos. The interior features dark tones, drapes, oversized sofas, tassels, heavy fabrics and fitted carpets blazing with flowers, and is about as far from Nordic minimalism as you can get. Rooms are individually decorated and generously sized, with large comfortable beds full of enormous pillows, and nice details such as old-fashioned (but modernised) telephones, and locally produced crisps, liquorice, chocolate and beer in the mini-bar. Food, it turns out, is taken seriously here: the restaurant run by Frida Nilsson, whose gastronomy is built on Nordic produce with international touches, has already become a hit in Malmö. And if you don’t have dinner here you can still enjoy the hotel’s fabulous atrium at breakfast, which is carefully prepared and served to soft music. Even the weariest November traveller will find it hard to resist the mood-improving holiday vibe here.