Smådalarö Gård Hotell & Spa

Missummer Lovely location but let down by service level. Stay there every year, but this year there was a noticeable lack of attention by the staff. Few smiles, long waiting times to be served and an apparent lack of customer attention. Not as it used to be which is a great shame.

This is a hotel for people who want to decelerate and be with nature. Wonderful views over the water; a superb waterside terrace for breakfast or dinner and the friendliest hotel staff that I have ever met. Stephan, the barkeeper was a wealth of information. Even when he had his day off he gave us his mobile phone number in case we had further questions. Who does that in this day and age? Everybody, without exception, was unfailingly kind and helpful. Lots of plus points for food. Dinner menu is limited -- but excellent quality -- especially the char. Breakfast also good but can close early at 09:30. Hotel rooms are thoughtfully designed with ultra-modern bathrooms and excellent beds. Even though our room was a bit small the hotel is wonderfully sprawling with places to sit so we didn't need more space. Our first evening was chilly and we found a roaring fireplace with armchairs for a pre-dinner cocktail. Over four days at the hotel we constantly discovered new nooks and crannies for sitting or doing work. The spa is huge with several small swimming pools. The pools need to be reserved which is actually a good thing. The biggest one is 12 meters and just long enough for swimming laps. Summary: this is a modern and old-fashioned hotel in the best sense. We realised it all the more when we checked out and went to Stockholm to stay in a global hotel chain that cost three times as much and had one-tenth the charm! Complaints? It would be nice if they turn down or, better yet, turn off the music in the lovely reception area.