I spend most of my free time and money on travelling, so there might be a bit of a theme in my revie...
I spend most of my free time and money on travelling, so there might be a bit of a theme in my reviews...........
Member since:08.10.2006
Reviews:7
Ibis Gothenberg City. By the river we were told..........
About 15 minutes walk north of the Train station, just to the left of the large "gota alvbron" bridge is where we were to find the Ibis Gothenberg city.
Primarily a hotel for business users rather than tourists i would have thought (you have to walk back past the train station to get into Town), it is situated in a predominantly business riverside area of gothenberg. If you can find it........
We arrived at where we were
to find the Hotel. You notice a Garish boat decked out like a dragon, that once housed a chinese restaurant, lots of offices and the "lipstick tower" - a feat of modern engineering apparently. (its a tower block, and the top is red, like lipstick! wow??). Theres also the huge bridge over the river. What you dont see is the Hotel, or the usual big red Ibis sign.
The directions definitely said, next to the river. So we check out every building, but they're all offices. Finally, getting a bit frustrated (it was my turn to carry the rucksack), i contemplate spending my money and using my mobile to phone the hotel (there isnt a soul around to ask). I look out to the river and theres the hotel. Floating. It certainly couldnt be any closer to the river. Its on it.
The entrance to the hotel is very well presented, and staff are helpful, plus they speak English - my ability to get by in other languages goes when i am tired. Ive stayed in quite a few Ibis's but this one is that little bit nicer (reflected in slightly higher prices (around £50 for a double)). It also has a very nice restaurant/bar that serves full meals, not just snacks, with a view across the river which albeit a little industrial in places, is nonetheless impressive.
If you walk past the restaurant and to the end of the corridor, you can actually sit out on deck - they have laid out a few tables and chairs at the front of the boat. Pleasant views down the river, of the bridge, and of course the dragon...... You can also wander around the top deck, amongst what original features still exist from the boat when it was a seagoing vessel.
The rooms were small, but with appealing decor and design and freshly decorated they were very comfortable. Again with all the usual accessories expected of a budget hotel (phone, tv, iron, ensuite) but nothing more.
A word of warning though, the boat does rock ever so slightly and is noticeable when in bed. So if you get a little seasick, maybe this isnt for you.
A little about Gothenberg - origianlly a trading port, with strong links to Britain, as well as northen europe, some of which is reflected in the architecture of the large older buildings. In my opinion more pleasant than Stockholm, but slightly less touristy. To see a lot in a little time and get a little history, go on the Paddan boat tours. Guided tour by boat on the canals, also goes out to the river via a very low bridge (you need to duck). The guide that we had was exceptionally good, and it is good value for money (i think it was around £7 for the tour).
Gothenberg is walkable, but should you wish to use tram/bus the i found all signs either in English or easy to decifer.
For eating and drinking - the avenue (avenyn) is trendier, but higher priced. You cant hunt out much cheaper and more pleasant coffee houses and bars in the haga. If you eat your main meal at lunchtime, you can get some very well priced meals, as many places have lunchtime specials.
Best place to eat out. Sadly not a Swedish restaurant, these were sadly lacking in all the major towns+cities, it was the carribean restaurant opposite the opera house/theatre. Im afraid i dont remember the name, but believe me it was the only one. Unusual, authentic meals, in a very cosy atmoshpere
Getting to gothenburg - it does have an airport with direct flights to the Uk with SAS/Ryanair, and you can sail from Newcastle with DFDS. However we came by train, 4hours from Stockholm, £15 each in advance.
Overall - Gotheberg is well worth a visit. The Ibis Gothenberg city is a lovely place to stay, but you may want to be closer to town.
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Close to the city centre, the floating Ibis Göteborg City Hotel is situated on board the ... more
ship Astoria. It offers stunning views of the harbour and the Göta Älv river.Docked close to major transport connections, the Convention Centre and the Svenska Mäs...
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Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
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