We were in Trollhattan to pick up our new Saab (through their highly recommended European Delivery program) and decided to spend the night before driving about to explore the country. We made the right choice. Not only is the town the perfect blend of laid back casual charm and an appropriate mix of bigger city amenities, but the Scandic Swania, which I picked after a moderate internet search, was the ideal spot for our overnight stay. Right on the water, we were lucky enough to get a canal-side room on the top (5th) floor. A bit warm due to no AC and an unusual heat spell, the open windows provided a great cooling breeze. The room was typical US hotel size, but the bed was comfortable, the bathroom was clean and well equipped and the room had all the other amenities we needed (except Kleenex-go figure). The central location was a short walk from many restaurants and bars, though we chose to eat at the hotel restaurant with outside, water-side seating (try the traditional Swedish 'bubble and squeak', similar to beef hash, or the seafood pasta with a tomato-based cream sauce, both were excellent). The included breakfast buffet was well stocked and had a wide variety of breads, cereals, juices and fruits along with pancakes, eggs and a mix of breakfast meats. The historical locks along the canal are a short drive or moderate hike away (via canal-side walking paths) and if you're lucky enough to be in town on the weekends when they release water through the rock gorge, the falls are said to be spectacular (we missed it). The only slight negative was that parking, in a garage across the street, was an extra charge (about $10 per night), not free as stated on some websites, though this was a small price to pay for an otherwise first-rate hotel.
- Scandic Swania Trollhättan
