Elite Plaza Hotel is the first five-star hotel in Göteborg, Sweden.
The Elite Plaza Hotel in Göteborg, (also known as Gothenburg), Sweden has had an interesting history. It opened in January 2000, in the former home of the Svea Fire and Life Insurance Company, that was built in 1889, with later additions made in 1897 and 1927. From 1979 – 1995, the University of Göteborg used the building, and afterwards, it then remained vacant until the Elite Plaza Hotel was created. In December 2003, it became the first five-star hotel in Göteborg.
Edward F. Nesta and I stayed at the hotel in August 2005, and found that although the hotel has a contemporary feel to it, old-world elegance remains from the Villeroy & Boch tile mosaic Svea logo in the lobby, to its intricately carved ornate dark wood staircases to the pillars.
This stylish, centrally located hotel has 143 total rooms, 5 of which are suites, located across five floors, where contemporary art takes center stage throughout the hotel. They have an excellent restaurant, Svea Hof, which holds a 3-cutlery designation from the Michelin Guide. Their comfortable intimate, Plaza Bar, is adjacent to the restaurant, and features an appealing martini menu. On the lower level of the hotel, there is an English Pub, The Bishop's Arms. Security conscious guests will appreciate the hotel’s dedication to guests’ safety. The hotel was certified by the Safehotels Alliance in March 2004. 
One of their safety features requires a guest to insert their room key in a slot in the elevator, in order to activate the elevator, and only allows them access to their own floor. They also have an elegant Business Center that is reached by walking down an ornate marble grand spiral staircase with marble floors, statues and stained glass windows. The Business Center is open 24 hours per day, and was designed for single use by a guest, which really made me feel like I had my own very private, elegant office at the hotel.
The hotel has a Fitness Center, Plaza Relax, which features a small gym and unisex sauna that is open from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm. The hotel also has an agreement with 3 larger Fitness Centers within close proximity to the hotel, and guests can purchase discounted cards to use the Fitness Centers at the Front Desk. Their wine cellar, where they can hold private dinners, is located behind the former doors of the Svea safe; talk about safeguarding your wine!
Our large guestroom had an entrance foyer with a small table and mirror, a king bed, hardwood floors, wide crown and baseboard moldings, and striped wallpaper. There was a Welcome Fruit Platter and note, as well as a bottle of 2003 Jacob’s Creek Shiraz Cabernet on the desk in front of a large window. There were two comfortable wingback chairs in the room. We did not miss any telephone calls as the hotel has thoughtfully put telephones on the desk as well as on the nightstands. WIFI or broadband Internet was available in the room, and in-room amenities included a safe, mini-bar, trousers press, iron and ironing board, robes and slippers, television in an armoire, and complimentary newspapers were delivered to our room each day.
The pretty bathroom with green marble floors and vanity, was on the smaller side, but was well-equipped with a large assortment of branded amenities, hairdryer, vanity/shaving mirror, with a combination tub/shower.
We looked forward to turndown service each evening, where in addition to heart shaped chocolates, we would find miniature bottles of Grönstedts Monople Cognac VSOP, and flowers in a vase on our nightstands.
Breakfast at the Svea Hof Restaurant consisted of a lavish buffet of cheeses, cold meats, hard and soft boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, grilled tomatoes, bacon and sausages, fish, cereals and an assortment of freshly baked, often still warm, breads. The well-lit restaurant features a 20 meters high glass ceiling, and a black and white diamond pattern marble floor.
Read the other articles on the Elite Plaza Hotel in our Destinations, Restaurants and Chefs’ Recipes sections.
Elite Plaza Hotel
Västa Hamngatan 3
Box 110 65
404 22 Göteborg
Telephone: +46 31 720 40 48
www.gbgplaza.elite.se
For more information on Göteborg and Sweden, please visit: www.goteborg.com, www.visit-sweden.com, http://www.west-sweden.com/ and www.vastsvenskmersmak.
© December 2005. Luxury Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com. All rights reserved.
