Gothenburg is currently undergoing its most significant architectural transformation in decades. The skyline is reaching new heights, offering travelers perspectives of the city and the archipelago that were previously impossible to experience. If you are looking for a place to stay that offers more than just a bed, these hotels with their special views are your best choice.
The cinematic heights of Hotel Draken
One of the most exciting new additions to the city is Hotel Draken at Järntorget. Built on the site of the historic Draken cinema, this hotel successfully blends Gothenburg’s cultural history with modern luxury.
The highlight of the building is the skybar and restaurant on the top floors. From up here, you get an impressive view over the city, the canals, and directly down onto the iconic Feskekörka. Can you spot the Fish Church in my photo above? The 360-degree view over the harbor and the city center is an unforgettable experience, especially at sunset.
Clarion Hotel Karlatornet – living near Scandinavia’s tallest building
For an experience at extreme heights, there is no way around Karlatornet. Standing at 246 meters, it is the tallest building in Scandinavia. In June 2026, an observation deck is set to open in the tower, which is expected to offer a skybar alongside the panorama.
The Clarion Hotel Karlatornet is located right next to the massive tower. It is the ideal base for exploring the new Lindholmen district, which stands for modern architecture and innovation.
Historical elegance at Clarion Hotel Post
Directly opposite the central station, you will find the Clarion Hotel Post in a historic postal building from the 1920s. This neoclassical building was extensively renovated and complemented by a modern addition, creating an architectural highlight at Drottningtorget.
This location holds a very personal meaning for me. I remember visiting the building as a traveler from Germany back in the 1980s, long before its transformation into a hotel. In those days, it was a bustling central post office where I used to send postcards to friends and family and withdraw cash from my postal savings book (Postsparbuch) to fund my Swedish travels.
With 500 rooms, it is now one of the city’s most central meeting points. A special feature is the rooftop pool area and the restaurant under the direction of celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson.
Waterfront perspectives at Stenpiren and Lindholmen
Gothenburg’s soul is its water, and two hotels capture the harbor atmosphere perfectly.
Comfort Hotel Göteborg is situated right at the Stenpiren travel center and was extensively modernized in 2017. It is the perfect choice for travelers who want to explore the city using trams or the Älvsnabben and Älvsnabbaren boats. From here, you can watch the busy activity at the Stenpiren hub.
Across the river in Lindholmen, the Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel offers a different perspective. Opened in 2013 on a former shipyard site that now houses the Lindholmen Science Park, the hotel features a rooftop terrace with a spa and wide views of the Göta Älv and the harbor. The hotel’s restaurant, Cuckoo’s Nest, has even been named the best hotel bar in Europe.
Gateway to the archipelago: Quality Hotel Waterfront
A Stena Line ferry passing under the Älvsborg Bridge. The ferries are much cleaner today thanks to the use of sustainable fuels like methanol.
If accommodations in the southern archipelago are fully booked, the Quality Hotel Waterfront is an excellent alternative. It is located right by the Älvsborg Bridge in the Klippan district.
The hotel offers a direct view of the harbor and is an ideal starting point for trips to the islands. A highlight of staying here is the breakfast experience: you can sit at your table and watch the large Stena Line ferries slowly arriving or departing the harbor. By tram or the Alvsnabben boat, you can reach both the city center and the Saltholmen ferry terminal in a short time.
Sustainability and scale: Gothia Towers
Gothia Towers is a classic in the Gothenburg hotel landscape. With 1,200 rooms, the complex is one of the ten largest hotels in Europe. It is also the largest hotel on the continent to be certified according to the demanding BREEAM environmental standard. Located directly opposite the Liseberg amusement park, the towers offer a wide view of the park and the city.
Unique sports and lifestyle concepts
Beyond views and location, Gothenburg offers hotels with very special focuses.
The Hotel Kviberg Park is part of a huge multi-sport facility in the east of the city. A unique feature is the Skidome, a 1,200-meter long indoor ski tunnel that allows cross-country skiing year-round at constant sub-zero temperatures. The hotel offers family-friendly rooms and moderate prices.
On the main promenade, Kungsportsavenyn, you find Hotel Bellora. Its Cielo Rooftop Bar has been voted one of the five best rooftop bars in the world and offers a stylish view over the city’s busiest street.
If you are looking for a business alternative, the modern hotels in neighboring Mölndal, such as the Scandic Hotel right next to the new city center, are also great options.
Insider tips from 30 years of Sweden travel. This guide contains affiliate links (marked with ➔) to help support my work at no extra cost to you.
Sightseeing tours, activities and entrance tickets
Book now: The best Gothenburg tours, activities and tickets
Hotels in Gothenburg
Book now: Hotels, hostels, B&Bs in Gothenburg
Photo Bellora: ESS Group Bellora. Last photo: Gothia Towers.
