Marstrands Havshotell

This hotel, situated directly on the waterfront, offers a prime location with stunning views of Marstrand Island and its fortress, making it a memorable destination. Its excellent breakfast and spa facilities are frequently highlighted, though the spa receives mixed feedback. The hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a relaxing getaway and sightseers eager to explore the charming coastal area and nearby island. While the friendly staff generally receives high praise, some guests note inconsistencies in service, particularly within the restaurant. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to clarify spa access and associated costs upon booking, as well as to be aware of the separate charges for parking.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a spa area that is a significant draw for many guests, offering outdoor hot tubs, a unique sauna raft for sea dips, and various indoor pools. However, feedback on the spa is notably mixed; some guests find it relaxing and enjoyable, while others describe it as bare and boring, cold, crowded, or even dirty, with concerns about hygiene and the need to purchase slippers. Access for children under four years old is restricted. Rooms are generally described as modern but minimal, with some lacking standard amenities such as a TV, fridge, or kettle. A recurring design feature is the sink located within the room rather than the bathroom, which some guests find inconvenient. A gym is available and appreciated by those who use it.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is varied. While some reviews commend the rooms for being clean and tidy with comfortable beds and warm duvets, others report significant issues. Complaints include poor cleaning, such as finding a sock and ashtray on the balcony, a yellow shower curtain, or a musty smell. The condition of the rooms is also a point of contention, with mentions of worn furnishings, scratched floors, holes in chairs, and flaking enamel in bathtubs. Some guests experienced thin mattresses or creaky beds. Noise levels can be an issue, with reports of loud music early in the morning, thumping from the AC, or poor insulation leading to disturbances from neighboring rooms or a nightclub.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise, often described as excellent, fantastic, and among the best in Sweden. Guests appreciate the wide variety of options, including freshly baked bread, seaweed bread, and choices for those with food allergies. However, some guests note that the breakfast area can become crowded and chaotic, with occasional issues regarding refills or staff attentiveness. The restaurant food quality and service receive mixed reviews; while some guests enjoy incredibly good food and fantastic lunches, others report poor service, long waits, cold food, small portions, and an overall impression of an unprofessional or school canteen atmosphere. The bar is generally well-regarded for its selection.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent waterfront location, positioned directly by the sea and offering picturesque views of Marstrand. It is conveniently situated a short walk to the ferry dock for easy access to Marstrand Island, making it ideal for exploring the area. The hotel is also accessible by public transport, with a bus stop nearby. Parking is available on-site, but it is frequently mentioned as being expensive and sometimes poorly explained, leading to confusion or unexpected costs for guests. Despite the convenience, some guests find the parking process challenging.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high marks for being friendly, professional, welcoming, and helpful. Many guests highlight their positive interactions with the reception and restaurant teams, praising their attentiveness and willingness to assist. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient. However, some reviews indicate inconsistencies in service, particularly in the restaurant, where some guests experienced slow service or perceived a lack of attentiveness from staff. There are also isolated reports of the reception being unmanned at times or issues with clear communication regarding hotel policies.

Additional Information
The hotel's architectural design elicits strong, often negative, reactions from some guests, who describe it as an ugly building or a grey lump that clashes with the surrounding environment. Guests should be aware that the hotel has a pet-friendly policy, though some find suitable outdoor areas for pets challenging to locate. There are reports of nightclub noise being audible in some rooms, particularly on weekends. Some guests suggest that booking directly with the hotel might offer better value or include spa access, as opposed to third-party booking sites. Concerns about overall value for money are also occasionally raised, with some guests feeling the experience does not justify the cost.