Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ARTY ALTERNATIVE LODGINGS
In addition to Västerås' normal, run-of-the-mill hotels, there are two unique accommoda-
tion possibilities in and around town. Both created by local artist Mikael Genberg, they are
well worth investigating if you like your lodgings with a twist.
The
Hotell Hackspett
(Woodpecker Hotel; s/d per night incl breakfast Skr1250/2500) is a fab-
ulous tree house in the middle of Vasaparken. The cabin is 13m above the ground in an
old oak tree; guests (and breakfast) are hoisted up and down in a basket.
The second of Genberg's fascinating places to stay is the
Utter Inn
(Otter Inn; s/d per
night incl breakfast Skr1250/2500): a small, red floating cabin in the middle of Mälaren lake,
accessible only by boat. The bedroom is downstairs - 3m below the surface - and is
complete with glass viewing panels to watch the marine life outside. There's room for two
people, and a canoe is provided.
Both places can be booked through the Västerås
tourist office
.
Genberg also has a
website (
www.mikaelgenberg.com
)
; it's in Swedish, but the photographs will give you an
idea of his creations.
Sleeping
STF Vandrarhem Västerås/Quality Hotel
HOSTEL
( 021-30 38 00;
q.vasteras@choice.se
; Svalgången 1, Vallby; s/d from Skr300/600; )
A couple of kilometres out of town, this hotel offers hostel accommodation in a dozen of
its hotel rooms. The building is a suburban-industrial colossus with exterior and common
areas in varying shades of white. Glass roofs over some rooms let in the long summer
nights (if you want them to). There's a lobby restaurant, pool table and swimming pool.
Klipper Hotel
HOTEL
(
MAP
021-41 00 00;
www.klipperhotel.com
;
Kungsgatan 4; s/d incl breakfast
Skr595/695; )
The attractive Klipper has one of the best locations in the city, near the river in the old
town and 700m from the bus and train stations. The comfortable (if smallish) rooms are
simple and fresh. Budget rooms are available for Skr395 (no breakfast, and you make your
own bed).
