Lindholmspiren 4, Gothenburg, Sweden | (888) 273-7116
Stunning modern building on the Göta River
Uniquely decorated rooms, some with water views and private terraces
In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars and coffeemakers
Award-winning, high-design restaurant/bar
Free access to a wellness center with a rooftop hot tub
Small gym with up-to-date equipment and city views
Well-equipped business center and meeting rooms
Buffet breakfast included in the room rates
Free property-wide Wi-Fi
Across the river from central Gothenburg
Not in walking distance of city sites
Developing area may mean construction noise
The 265-room Radisson Blu Riverside is a contemporary luxury hotel that sits on the north bank of the Göta, right beside Lindholmen Science Park. Its waterfront location translates into stunning views of the river and central Gothenburg beyond (especially from the suites and roof-top terrace), while its proximity to the park not only gives this hotel a business focus, it also inspires the unique modern-meets-mad scientist decor. All of the services travelers expect from the Radisson Blu brand -- including meeting rooms, a spa, fitness center and top-notch restaurant/bar -- are found here; however, those looking for contemporary luxury lodgings on the other side of the river should try Upper House instead.
Scene
A quirky, contemporary luxury hotel right on the water
Although it only opened in 2013, this buzz-worthy Radisson Blu is already an area landmark. Its stunning exterior -- cantilevered out toward the water -- is one reason; its one-of-a-kind public spaces are another. The hotel’s unique aesthetic is most obvious in the Cuckoo's Nest, a restaurant/bar that has won several major European awards. Inspired by the park next door, it looks like an updated take on a mad scientist’s Victorian mansion. Curated objets (beakers and a dried butterfly here, leather-bound books and an atom model there) are displayed above distressed banquettes, and equations are scribbled on the bar. Once you add in walls of windows, exposed industrial elements and funky lighting, it’s a place where the "Big Bang" gang and hip Scandinavians could feel equally at home.
Location
Beside Lindholmen Science Park, across the river from central Gothenburg
The Radisson Blu Riverside offers a convenient waterfront location for guests doing business in Lindholmen Science Park. The park itself is an ultra-modern center for innovation in the fields of transportation, ICT and media, and the fast developing area around it is home to numerous high-tech companies. As a result, it's a bustling place during the week but comparatively quiet on weekends. Off-the-clock corporate types and leisure travelers wishing to visit attractions on the other side of the Göta can easily access them via public transit. The Lindholmen bus stop and Lindholmspiren ferry landing are both less than four minutes away on foot: from the latter you can cross over to Stenpiren in 10 minutes, and from the former you can reach Central Station in under 15. Guests who prefer to drive can rent an electric car at the parking garage next door to the hotel. - One-minute walk to Lindholmen Science Park
Rooms
Comfy modern decor with a touch of steampunk
Choices here range from 237-square foot Standards to 538-square foot Riverside Suites. Across the board, they’re done up in urban black-and-gray tones with hints of aubergine and tangerine plus eye-popping science-themed murals lending some drama. Contemporary consoles and tables are offset by traditional tufted headboards and wingback chairs, giving a hint of steampunk to the look. The sleek bathrooms -- which in most categories come with walk-in showers and free-standing tubs -- are separated by a glass wall (that can, thankfully, be curtained off) and include magnifying mirrors, hairdryers and This Works! toiletries. All categories feature flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, coffee-making equipment, laptop-sized safes, and free Wi-Fi. All but Standard rooms also offer bathrobes and slippers; suites add living rooms, private terraces, Marshall blue-tooth speakers and Chromecast media-streaming devices.
Features
A full slate of features for business and leisure
Given the setting, it's not surprising that the Radisson Blu Riverside caters to business travelers by offering five meeting rooms with up-to-the-minute audiovisual equipment and an on-site technician to ensure all runs smoothly. It has a business center with copy and printing services, too. However, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant/bar proves this isn't an “all work, no play” kind of place. Its quirky science-inspired decor, creative cocktail line-up, and eclectic international menu (the appetizer list alone includes salmon sashimi, steak tartar, and slow-cooked moose) combine to make The Cuckoo's Nest a popular hangout for visitors and locals alike. Note that a free buffet breakfast is served in it each morning and round-the-clock room service is available. Guests can also relax by retreating to the wellness center on the top floor: a full-service, water-view facility complete with a well-equipped fitness room, treatment rooms, a sauna, a pair of spa tubs and its own stylish bar. The adjoining rooftop terrace has a tempting hot tub plus lots of comfy chairs for lounging. Other hotel perks include a 24-hour front desk with multilingual staff; concierge services, laundry services; and free Wi-Fi throughout.