Hotel Vanilla

Cosy Vanilla sits amid the cobbled calm on picturesque Kyrkogatan, next door to Gothenburg Cathedral and the city’s liveliest shopping quarter, a short walk from Magasinsgatan’s many restaurants, Saluhallen’s commerce, stroll-friendly Avenyn, and the central station. The charming, well-kept 18th-century building has a discreet entrance where you ring a bell before climbing the stairs to the reception, and a warm welcome. The rooms, with flavourful names like Basilika, Cayenne and Oregano, are spread over three floors – the second has ancient beams in the ceilings as a bonus charm factor. Some overlook the pedestrian street, others the idyllic inner courtyard, where you can spend a quiet moment during the warmer months. All are individually decorated – no two are identical, and many regulars know exactly what spice they want. What the rooms share is a subdued simplicity and a soft palette of colours. Bathrooms are white-tiled and have floor heating. Sizes and standards vary from family apartments and extra spacious doubles to singles. On the ground floor is the popular Kafé Vanilj, where Vanilla’s guests eat their substantial breakfast.