Steam Hotel
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Hotel Details
Location
Västerås
Sweden, Europe
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Expert Review: Steam Hotel
The Steam Hotel in Västerås, Sweden, a Michelin Key Selected property, is widely celebrated for its innovative design, extensive amenities, and vibrant atmosphere. Housed within a beautifully transformed 100-year-old steam power plant, it offers guests a unique blend of industrial heritage and modern luxury.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Steam Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "fabulous," "world-class," and an "unforgettable experience." On Booking.com, it boasts an "excellent" rating of 8.7 based on over 1,500 reviews, with high scores for cleanliness (9.2), comfort (9.3), and staff (9.3). Agoda.com reflects an even higher overall score of 9.5, with business travelers rating it 8.9 and local travelers 9.4.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently praise the hotel's distinctive design, noting its "unique, very stylish" aesthetic and "amazing use of an old power plant," creating an "industrial-romantic" interior. The attention to detail is remarkable, with visitors finding "little surprises" everywhere.
Amenities are a significant draw, particularly the expansive Voltage Lounge Pool Club, which many find "bigger and nicer than expected." This unique club features an indoor pool heated by one of the old turbines and an indoor water park with waterslides. The rooftop restaurant and bar are also highly lauded for their "breathtaking views" over Lake Mälaren. Additional facilities include a cinema, pool tables, a game room, ping-pong, karaoke, and a fitness center. The hotel often feels like a "destination hotel" where guests could happily spend their entire stay without leaving the premises.
3. Room Quality
The Steam Hotel offers 263 (or 227) rooms, each designed in an "industrial romantic style." Rooms are air-conditioned and well-equipped with modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV, work desk, coffee/tea facilities, mini-bar, and ironing facilities. Bathrooms include free toiletries, a hairdryer, and either a bath or shower. Guests frequently describe the rooms as "spacious and comfortable," with "comfy beds" and "fluffy bedclothes," contributing to a "magical environment." Many superior city view rooms are noted for feeling like "small suites."
4. Dining Experience
The hotel features multiple dining options, including Locavore - Flavours at 18th (the rooftop restaurant) and Chamberlin Grill, along with several bars. The cuisine ranges from international to Asian fusion.
The breakfast consistently receives high praise, with a guest review score of 8.7. It's often described as "amazing," "fabulous," and "very fine," offering a wide selection of locally sourced produce. Guests appreciate the cozy dining environment with comfortable seating and scenic views of Lake Mälaren.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at Steam Hotel are a major highlight, consistently receiving excellent feedback. Guests describe the staff as "nice and friendly," "helpful," and "accommodating," with many calling the hospitality "world-class." The staff's rating stands at a high 9.3 on Booking.com. Specific individuals, such as Oscar and Alex at the bar, have been singled out for their courtesy.
6. Location & Accessibility
Steam Hotel is housed in a historic 18-story building by Lake Mälaren, offering picturesque views. It is conveniently located about 0.7 to 1.2 miles (1.2 to 2 km) from central Västerås. Key attractions are within easy reach; Kokpunkten Water Park is right next door, and Västerås Concert Hall, Västerås Castle, Västerås Harbor, and other cultural sites are all within 2 km. Västerås Train Station is also only about a 15-minute walk away.
7. Value & Pricing
While Steam Hotel positions itself as a luxury destination, guests generally consider it to offer good value for money, reflected in an 8.2 rating on Booking.com and an impressive 9.3 on Agoda.com. With an average room price of around $201, it offers a premium experience, which is higher than the average in Västerås but justified by its unique offerings and high guest satisfaction. It's important to note that access to the popular Pool Club typically incurs an additional cost of SEK 295 per person and is subject to availability and an 18+ age restriction.
8. Common Complaints
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring issues have been noted. Guests occasionally report noise disturbances, particularly from cleaning activities in the bar areas above rooms. The hotel can also feel crowded during peak times, leading to long queues for check-in and a diminished sense of exclusivity in areas like the breakfast buffet and spa. The spa area has been described as "underdimensioned" for the number of guests, which can make it feel noisy. Elevator wait times can also be an issue, especially when the hotel is busy. Dining options can sometimes be limited by availability, with guests struggling to secure tables at preferred restaurants during high season, and some experiencing unexpectedly short dining sittings. Minor room-specific criticisms include some guests finding beds or lighting less than ideal, a lack of capacity for cribs or extra beds, and limited in-room tea facilities. For pet owners, while the hotel is pet-friendly, some have expressed disappointment at the lack of specific amenities for dogs despite an additional fee. Lastly, parking can be a challenge.
