Traveling is a huge part of my everyday job, and I’m lucky enough to stay in some pretty decent hotels. But I've never been able to say I've immediately booked another stay at the hotel straight after I've checked out...until now.
The Steam Hotel is located in Västerås, about a 90 minute drive from Stockholm. Only opening in August this year, I stumbled across this hotel whilst looking at places to stay for our honeymoon, and knew I needed to visit it whilst in Sweden.
The enormous building, which sits on the shores of Lake Mälaren, was once a steam power station, providing energy all over Sweden. Now, it’s home to a 227-bedroom hotel and spa, with several restaurants and a rooftop bar. Most of the industrial features have been retained inside - for example, an old steam boiler is now a bar.
Let’s take a look inside (Prepare yourself for lots of photos from here on in)
The lobby itself is breathtaking. The huge space is framed by open steel beams, with an open fireplace taking centerstage. Big plump sofas and armchairs are dotted around, creating cosy areas perfect for curling up with a book and a glass of wine.
The main restaurant is on the ground floor of the hotel, behind the lobby area. Beautiful chandeliers and furniture create a cosy, intimate atmosphere when the sun goes down, and for breakfast, the area turns into a casual setting drenched in sunlight coming in from the floor to ceiling windows.
The bedrooms are designed with a ‘industrial-romantic style’, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Lake Mälaren. Exposed brickwork, and a mix of eclectic furniture with brightly coloured textiles feature throughout, and the beds are so comfortable, it's hard to leave them. 
Above the restaurant is a mezzanine area, which features a champagne and gin bar (it's like they built this place for me!) as well as playing host to football tables, shuffleboard, a cushioned seated area to watch films, 2 private dining rooms, pool table, and a host of board and computer games. Perfect for the kids, or in our case, the big kids in us - who knew I was so competitive after a few glasses of champagne!?
We had two days at the hotel, and as our trip was all about relaxing and de-stressing, we decided to spend one of the afternoons properly chilling out at the hotel’s Spa. Located on the seventh floor, there’s an indoor pool and Sauna - heated by an old steam turbine salvaged from the building, treatment rooms and a relaxation room featuring huge beds big enough for two positioned around an open fire with copper chimney.
Out of the dark, and into the light there's a conservatory-style area with huge beds, chaise lounges, and a bar playing host to a raw food menu as well as cocktails and juices. There’s even an outdoor heated swimming pool overlooking the lake. We took full advantage of the spa and spent the afternoon lazing around with the most stunning views. Bliss.
After an afternoon of bliss, there was only one last place to go - the rooftop bar. With views across the lake and town, this place is perfect to watch the sun go down whilst sipping on a glass of something cold and fizzy.
A hotel with everything you need all on one site - Could there be anywhere more perfect?
(I can't wait to head back in Spring!)
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