The coastal city of Luleå in the northernmost Swedish province of Lapland is as pretty as it is remote – and caters for visitors with some excellent accommodation options.
(Photo: Elite Stadshotellet / Courtesy Booking.com)
A cluster of pristinely preserved wooden houses and 15th-century stone Nederluleå Church are among the eye-catching landmarks that give the city its distinctive character. Head offshore to the Bay of Bothnia and you’ll discover more than 1,000 beach-lined islands where cute cottages and flapping seals are a regular feature. With its buzzing city life, abundance of nature; idyllic islands and dramatic river valleys, Luleå is a popular tourist destination with both natives and non-Swedes alike. If you’re planning a visit, we’ve picked out five of the best hotels in and around the city.
Elite Stadshotellet
Set in the heart of Luleå, overlooking Stadsparken and the North Harbour, this modern and stylish hotel combines top-notch amenities with a great location. Guest rooms come with a minibar, work desk, flat-screen TV and private bathrooms featuring Italian marble. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s an on-site restaurant, an English-style pub serving a range of whiskies and beers, and a gymnasium. There’s also free WiFi throughout the property and guests can organise bicycle hire from reception. There’s a bus station just moments away and Luleå Central Station can be reached in around 10 minutes on foot. From €92 per night.
Park Hotell
(Photo: Park Hotell / Courtesy Booking.com)
Positioned in a peaceful corner of the city centre, this basic but affordable hotel is a popular choice for those who don’t plan to spend too much time indoors. Each guest room is equipped with a work desk, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom. In other areas, guests can make use of a communal kitchen and a breakfast buffet that’s served daily. For those who enjoy a spot of retail therapy, Luleå’s main shopping street is just a few minutes’ walk away. Local transport links, including train and bus services, provide easy access to all areas of the city and beyond. From €75 per night.
Sunderby Hotell & Konferens
If you’re happy to be located outside the city centre, this charming rustic hotel in the quiet village of Södra Sunderbyn, a short drive from Luleå, could be the perfect choice for you. There’s a restaurant, lounge and relaxation area with a hot tub and sauna, and a pretty garden area, plus free WIF and free on-site parking too. Guest rooms come with a TV, private bathroom and scenic garden views. The UNESCO-listed Gammelstad Church Town is 3.7 miles from the hotel and Luleå Airport is 9.3 miles away. From €97 per night.
Comfort Hotel Arctic
(Photo: Comfort Hotel Arctic / Courtesy Booking.com)
Combining excellent eco-friendly credentials with stylish décor and furnishings, Comfort Hotel Arctic is another excellent centrally located Luleå hotel. Guest rooms are designed in bright and colourful style and feature a TV, a desk and a private bathroom. Beyond the rooms, there’s a 6th-floor sauna with views over the waterfront, and complimentary tea/coffee and biscuits on offer in the hotel lobby every evening. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Notable nearby attractions include The Norrbotten Theatre, which is a 15-minute walk away. From €93 per night.
Quality Hotel
Located on Luleå’s main street, Storgatan, this hotel is just steps from the scenic waterfront promenade. It offers a restaurant serving regional cuisine, a bar, a convenience store selling snacks and drinks, a sauna, and an organic breakfast buffet each morning. Guest rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a work desk, and a private bathroom. On-site parking is available in the hotel’s private garage for an extra charge. Among the attractions within easy reach are Luleå Culture Centre and the neo-Gothic Luleå cathedral, both of which are a quick walk away, and also nearby is Luleå Central Station, which connects the city to other parts of Sweden. From €81 per night.