Furunäset Hotell, Piteå

If you don’t mind taking a quick drive or bus ride every time you want to get into town, then this big, sprawling conference hotel is a great place to stay.

Located around 3.5km south of town on the island called Piteå Ö, Furunäset Hotell sits in its own grounds close to the water’s edge. With wide corridors and a huge central courtyard, the imposing building was originally designed as a psychiatric hospital but now attracts wedding parties, conference groups and the odd loved-up couple looking for a bit of luxury.

Although some of the building is given over to other businesses, the hotel still takes up most of the space with a total of 45 rooms. They’re really impressive size-wise and have white walls and lofty ceilings – some even have enough space for flowery three-piece suites. Wifi and TV come as standard.

Rates are good for this part of Sweden, and if you stay here you can chill out in the hotel’s spa area, which has a couple of spacious saunas and steam rooms, plus a nice deep hot tub to soak yourself in. Spa treaments can be booked too, but these cost extra. Guests get free use of the gym, however, and breakfast is included.

Public areas feel smart, as do the two on-site restaurants. Doktors Villan (The Doctor’s Villa) mixes local ingredients with flavours from the Med – expect white tablecloths and gleaming glasses.

The only downside to staying at Furunäset Hotell is that it’s a bit of a trek from the centre of Piteå. You could walk it comfortably in the summer, but it’s not worth the trudge in winter, especially when it’s dark and snowing heavily. The best option is to drive (there’s loads of parking right outside the hotel’s entrance) or take public transport. Bus 1 leaves from right near the central bus station roughly every hour and takes around 12 minutes to get to Furunäset.

If you’d rather avoid the journey, consider staying at the similarly priced Piteå Stadshotell, which is right in the middle of town. It’s not quite as nice but is a bit more convenient for shops, restaurants and tourist sights.