Strawberry Hotels To Explore In 2023 (Top 7 Picks)

Last week, Nordic Choice Hotels finished its rebranding transition to Strawberry Hotels. Strawberry is now one of the largest hotel companies in Scandinavia, with 200 properties across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and the Baltics and over 16,500 employees. But which ones are the top picks?

I’ve been lucky enough to try quite a few of these properties, mainly due to work, so here are my choices for 2023.

What Are the Best Strawberry Hotels in 2023?

1. The Thief (Oslo, Norway)

Tjuvholmen was once known as the home of the city’s thieves and vagrants. These days, the little islet is full of world-class architecture and art. This luxury hotel is part of the Nordic Choice Hotels group and is located in the trendy Tjuvholmen district of Oslo. The Thief offers a unique boutique experience focusing on modern art and design.

Why stay at The Thief?

1. Prime Location. The Thief is located in Tjuvholmen, a trendy district in Oslo known for its contemporary architecture, chic boutiques, and world-class art galleries. The hotel is also adjacent to the iconic Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art.
2. Luxurious Accommodations. Each room in The Thief is carefully designed with comfort in mind. Expect amenities like king-sized beds, heated bathroom floors, private balconies, and, in some cases, stunning views of the Oslo Fjord.
3. Art Collection. The Thief places a heavy emphasis on art and design. It features a rotating collection of contemporary art, with pieces from the Astrup Fearnley Museum on display throughout the hotel.
4. Dining. The Thief offers exceptional dining experiences. The hotel’s restaurant, Fru K, serves a menu based on local, sustainable ingredients. The Thief Bar is perfect for a nightcap, and the rooftop bar offers impressive views during the summer months.
5. Spa Facilities.
6. Exceptional Service.
7. Unique Experiences. Curated art tours, private boat trips on the Oslo Fjord, and more.

2. Clarion Hotel Post (Gothenburg, Sweden)

This one is probably my favorite. I’ve been here more than 10 times (most of them for work and conferences). Situated in a historic, former post office building, Clarion Hotel Post blends old-world charm and modern design. The hotel also boasts a rooftop pool and multiple dining options.

Why stay at Clarion Hotel Post?

1. Historical Significance. The hotel is located in a beautifully refurbished post office building from the 1920s, offering a unique blend of classic architecture and modern design.
2. Central Location. Situated in the heart of Gothenburg, it offers easy access to the city’s shopping, nightlife, and cultural sights, including the Gothenburg Museum of Art and the Universeum Science Center.
3. Accommodation and Amenities. The rooms and suites are spacious and tastefully decorated, complete with modern amenities. The hotel also features a well-equipped fitness center and spa for relaxation and rejuvenation.
4. Dining Options: The Clarion Hotel Post offers several top-notch dining options, including Norda Bar & Grill, which serves Scandinavian cuisine with an American twist, and vRÅ, which offers sustainable and raw food dishes.
5. Rooftop Pool
6. Great for events and conferences

3. At Six (Stockholm, Sweden)

A contemporary luxury hotel located in central Stockholm, At Six offers a sleek design, high-quality dining options, and beautiful views of the city.

Why stay at At Six Hotel?

1. Exceptional Design. The hotel’s sleek, contemporary design blends modern aesthetics and sophisticated comfort. Each room is thoughtfully designed with luxury furnishings and an eye for detail.
2. Central Location. At Six is located in the center of Stockholm, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s historic sites, shopping districts, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s within walking distance of the Royal Palace, the Nobel Museum, and the modern shopping district.
3. Art Collection. The hotel is known for its impressive art collection. Scattered throughout the hotel, you can find numerous sculptures, paintings, and installations from various international artists.
4. Dining and Drinking. The Dining Room is At Six’s main restaurant, known for its innovative dishes and high-quality ingredients. There’s also a sophisticated cocktail bar and the relaxed, all-day dining venue called Blanche & Hierta.
5. Fitness and Wellness. The hotel houses a well-equipped gym and wellness area. Guests can access personal trainers, fitness classes, and high-end wellness facilities.
6. Events and Meetings. At Six is well-equipped for hosting events, meetings, and conferences. They have a range of rooms for private hire, all fitted with top-quality audiovisual equipment.

4. Clarion Hotel The Edge (Tromsø, Norway)

This modern hotel is located in central Tromsø, making it an excellent base for exploring the city and its surroundings. It’s also known for its Sky Bar with panoramic city views.

Why stay at The Edge?

1. Proximity to Northern Lights. If you’re visiting in the right season, Tromsø is a fantastic location to try and catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
2. Sky Bar. The hotel’s Sky Bar is a highlight, offering panoramic views of Tromsø and the surrounding landscape.
3. Prime Location. The hotel’s central location offers easy access to the city’s attractions, restaurants, shopping, and the waterfront. You’re steps away from popular attractions like the Arctic Cathedral and Polaria Aquarium.
4. Modern Comforts. The rooms are designed with Scandinavian flair and offer city or sea views.
5. Live Music and Entertainment: The hotel frequently hosts concerts and other events, adding to the lively atmosphere and providing entertainment right at your doorstep.

5. Villa Copenhagen (Copenhagen, denmark)

Villa Copenhagen is a fusion of the old post office from 1912 and new, modern architecture and design. The building’s history as Denmark’s head post office is as important to us as making a new, vibrant, inspiring, and playful atmosphere. The hotel offers 390 hotel rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, a gym, a relaxation area with a pool, and conference rooms.

Why stay at Villa Copenhagen?

1. Historic Charm and Modern Luxury. Villa Copenhagen is set in a historical, neoclassical building that used to be the Central Post & Telegraph Head Office. The hotel beautifully blends its history with modern, luxury design and amenities.
2. Excellent Location. Villa Copenhagen is located in the heart of the city, next to Tivoli Gardens, City Hall Square, and the Central Train Station.
3. Sustainable Focus. The hotel has a strong emphasis on sustainability. It is committed to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and incorporates eco-friendly practices.
4. Impressive Dining Options. Villa Copenhagen houses several dining options, including a brasserie-style restaurant and a rooftop restaurant offering organic, seasonal cuisine.
5. Facilities. The hotel features a variety of luxury facilities, such as a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fitness room, and a courtyard that serves as an urban oasis.

6. Hotel St. George (Helsinki, Finland)

The Hotel St. George’s innovative take on holistic care for body and soul will delight all those who appreciate luxury. The grand historic building, tucked away next to the peaceful Old Church Park, is a central yet tranquil spot right next to the Helsinki Design District and other popular attractions.

Why stay at Hotel St. George?

1. History. Housed in a historic 19th-century building, the hotel combines old-world charm with contemporary design elements. The rooms and suites are tastefully designed, and the hotel is home to a carefully curated collection of Finnish and international art.
2. Excellent Location. The hotel is located in the heart of Helsinki, right across from the beautiful Old Church Park. It’s within walking distance of the city’s main shopping streets, the design district, galleries, and restaurants.
3. Unique Art Pieces. One of the unique aspects of the hotel is its extensive art collection, which includes works from renowned Finnish artists.
4. Luxurious Rooms. The hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites, all of which are equipped with modern amenities for comfort and convenience. The decor is stylish and calming, with an emphasis on natural materials.

7. Comfort Hotel Grand Central (Oslo, Norway)

Located in the central train station, this hotel provides a unique combination of convenience and comfort. It’s particularly well-reviewed for its vibrant, eclectic decor and comfortable rooms.

Why stay at Comfort Hotel Grand Central?

1. Location. Conveniently located inside Oslo’s Central Station, making it extremely accessible to those arriving by train. Within walking distance of numerous attractions, shops, and restaurants.
2. Unique Style. The hotel is set in a 19th-century railway building with a distinctive, eclectic interior design. Each room has been individually decorated with modern and vintage elements, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere.
3. Breakfast. A stay at Comfort Hotel Grand Central includes a complimentary organic breakfast, helping you start your day on a positive note.
4. Good & Well-equipped Gym.
5. Value for Money. Considering its central location and the range of amenities offered, many guests feel that Comfort Hotel Grand Central provides good value for money.

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