Elite Stadshotellet Karlstad

This hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its historic charm blended with modern amenities, and its unique rooftop pool providing stunning views. Its central location makes it an excellent choice for sightseers eager to explore the city, while business travelers appreciate the convenient access to the city center. Couples find the ambiance and rooftop bar appealing for a romantic getaway, and families benefit from spacious room options and the hotel's welcoming atmosphere. Guests consistently praise the hotel's excellent breakfast, attentive staff, and comfortable accommodations. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room in the newly renovated section for a more contemporary feel, and be sure to take advantage of the heated rooftop pool, a true highlight regardless of the weather.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a highly praised rooftop pool and bar, offering guests a unique and relaxing experience with panoramic city views. This heated pool is a significant draw, available year-round. While there is a spa on-site, guests should be aware that access typically incurs an additional cost. A well-equipped fitness center is available for those wishing to maintain their workout routine. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, ensuring guests can stay connected. Some guests noted the hotel's layout can be somewhat labyrinthine due to its combination of old and new sections, requiring navigation through multiple elevators and corridors to reach certain areas, including the new wing and the rooftop facilities.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, with many rooms described as clean and well-maintained. The beds are frequently praised for being comfortable, though some guests found them to be too soft or noted issues with older mattresses. Rooms vary in condition, with some in the older sections showing signs of wear, such as dated TVs or minor cosmetic issues like peeling paint or stained walls. Conversely, rooms in the newly renovated section are described as modern, spacious, and well-appointed, often featuring balconies and pleasant views. Noise levels can be an issue for rooms facing the street or inner courtyards with ventilation systems, impacting sleep for some guests. Bathrooms are generally clean, though some in older rooms are noted as small or lacking amenities like hand soap.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise for its extensive buffet and variety, often described as outstanding. Guests appreciate the wide selection of options, including both hot and cold items, and the quality of the food. However, some reviews mention that hot food items, such as bacon and scrambled eggs, can sometimes be cold. The breakfast area can become very busy and crowded, particularly on weekends, leading to a less relaxed atmosphere and occasional delays in table clearing or buffet replenishment. The hotel's attached pub, Bishop Arms, is highly recommended for its delicious food, including dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and fish and chips, and its pleasant atmosphere, often with outdoor seating by the river.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in the city, making it ideal for exploring on foot. It is situated directly by the river, offering scenic views from many rooms and the rooftop area. Guests find it conveniently close to various shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the main square and public transportation hubs. While the location is highly advantageous, some guests noted that parking at the hotel can be limited and expensive, often requiring pre-booking. Alternatives, such as nearby public parking garages or street parking, are available but may involve a short walk. Rooms facing the street can experience noise from nightlife or passing vehicles, especially on weekends.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight the warm welcome at check-in, the efficiency of the process, and the staff's willingness to assist with various requests, such as room changes or providing local recommendations. Housekeeping is generally noted as attentive, ensuring rooms are clean and well-maintained. The hotel also offers pet-friendly service, providing amenities like dog beds and bowls for furry companions. Overall, the team's commitment to providing excellent service contributes significantly to a positive guest experience, making visitors feel valued and well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that access to the hotel's spa facilities is not included in the room rate and incurs an additional fee, which some guests found to be quite expensive. While the rooftop pool is complimentary for all guests, there are no dedicated changing rooms or showers directly adjacent to it, meaning guests may need to return to their rooms to change. The hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, with specific rooms designated for guests traveling with animals, often including special amenities for pets. The hotel's layout, combining older and newer sections, can be somewhat complex to navigate, with multiple elevators and corridors leading to different areas.