The text below is a translation of an article published in Dagens Industri 19 August 2002:
We will gladly return here
After ten minutes at Hotell Gästis in Varberg, we have decided - we want to be regulars here! Exciting decoration, homely atmosphere and an unusually attentive service makes the critical DI test patrol melt.
The strongly pink Gästis building, right across from the English park, is one of Varberg's best known buildings. Here, the scientist and explorer Otto Torell (1828-1900) was born, and it was also he who have the hotel its name. Present-day Gästis is relatively newly renovated and the owners have most deliberately tried to recreate former times' "room for travellers" atmosphere. It succeeds to well that the guest immediately feels as if moved into a Ture Sventon novel.
Air of excitement
An air of excitement and romance rests over the winding corridors and each room is unique both in terms of shape, size and decoration. The walls are decorated with reproductions of everything from Paul Gauguin to Edvard Munck, and new and old is keenly mixed. Across the street, an annexe with about ten extra rooms is built. Whoever seeks the genuine Gästis atmosphere ought, however, to keep to the main building. DI's white painted and fairly cramped double room has a slanting ceiling - even in the bathroom. There is wooden floow, a built-in closet and two separate beds with dark-blue bedspreads. The windows have merry tulip curtains and wooden blinds and are best closed nighttime. Varberg is a typical summer town with all what that entails in terms of commotion caused by people and music, and Gästis is centrally located. During DI's visit, a merry jazz orchestra played in the next block until far into night.
Välutnyttjade utrymmen
The slanting ceiling of the room has been taken care of well, with an old desk with brass fittings under the beams. There is a telephone and a few extra electric sockets by the floor. A local phone book is in the desk drawer. The bathroom has tiles in beige and apricot, bathtub, towel heather and mirror. Also here, the slanting ceiling has been used in the best way, an otherwise unusable space now works as a spacious surface for putting things. Gästis has even managed to put in cane chair in a corner. Extravaganses such as shampoo, body lotion and Kleenex tissues are, however, missing. In the room's combined TV and video shelf there is an empty fridge. Soda, beer, wine and spirits can be bought in the reception, whose back functions as a bar. In the reception, there is also Gästis's greatest asset, the staff. Constantly on their guard, fast, efficient and attentive to the smallest needs of the guests. Which mostly is provided freely: "Everything should not cost", the hotel management exemplary think, and consequently there are among 600 videos to borrow, free laundry service, a large library and smoking room and a great number of daily newspapers and magazines, free afternoon coffee and and evening buffet as well as tennis raquets, bathrobes, track suits and umbrellas to borrow. The reception also supplies everything from Alvedon and hygienic items to stamps at suddenly discovered needs.
Trevlig relaxavdelning
One flight of steps down is a nice relax section with jacuzzi and sauna, and a flight of steps up a little roof terrace for the evening drink. Amusing details are the wine tasting booth and cigar section in the dining room, where the plentiful breakfast buffet also is served. "When you come to Gästis, you can relax", the hotel advertisment brochure assures. We will be happy to sign for that. (DI)
21 POINTS
of maximum 25 possible
Comfort: 4p
Atmosphere: 4p
Service: 5p
Value: 5p
Work tools: 3p
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