First Hotel G, Gothenburg

For those making a quick stop in Gothenburg before heading off to another part of Sweden, First Hotel G has an unbeatable location.

It’s not just near the Central Station but right above it, which means you can wake up in the morning, take the lift downstairs and step straight onto your train. The main bus terminal, Nils Ericson Terminalen, is also within the same building and has direct buses to both airports.

All those transport links make the hotel popular with business guests but there are enough luxurious facilities to keep tourists happy too.

The lobby bar is surprisingly lively and has deep grey armchairs to slump into with a drink after a long journey. Across the footbridge in the main part of the hotel is the spa, where treatments are available (these cost extra, but you can use the sauna and gym for free).

Standard rooms are reasonably good value and brightened by lipstick-red furnishings and pop-art style pictures on the walls. We can’t really see the point in upgrading to one of the superior rooms (200 SEK extra) as they’re decorated the same way and only marginally bigger. If you fancy splashing out there are classier deluxe rooms and suites to choose from. Breakfast is always included.

Try to get a room high up if you can; there are half-decent views of the city from these rooms and from the glass-sided walkways that link them together. Note that the main entrance is on Nils Ericsonsplatsen (look for the big letter G).