Sweden's fifth largest and one of the oldest towns is home to the Steam Hotel. Västerås, with its funky diaereses (marks placed over vowels), is not on the list of the most typical tourist destinations, but that may very well change in the near future.
The city has the largest lakeside port in Sweden, which, apart from its commercial activities, has a vibrant section with bars and restaurants. And while industrial zones used to have a bad connotation when it came to tourism, the city is slowly turning its heritage into awe-inspiring places.
Steam Hotel is no exception. In fact, it's the prime example of how to turn a former industrial building into something cool and creative.
The 100 years old building is a historical monument that opened its doors to hotel guests in 2017. It functioned as a steam power plant to supply Sweden's energy grid in its former life.
The Steam Hotel is located an hour's drive from Stockholm and stands 18 stories high right on the shores of Lake Mälaren.
It's safe to say Steam Hotel is a new landmark of Västerås. It has a strong presence thanks to its robust size and nice industrial design details, such as the giant red tubes on its rooftop.
The rustic but oddly cozy Chamberlin Grill is the place to grab seasonal food prepared by fire and steam (of course).
Steam Hotel boasts three restaurants and two bars, a new spa concept called Voltage Lounge, and a rooftop restaurant on the 18th floor with a panoramic view of Lake Mälaren.
You can take part in all kinds of activities. You can play e-games, billiards, shuffleboard, board games, ping pong, pinball, and even a golf simulator. There is an on-site cinema where you can watch a movie or jump in one of the pools (in and outdoor too!). At Steam Hotel, you can really let off steam.
Steam Hotel has a problem, and it's a big one. It's packed with so much entertainment that you will hardly ever want to leave. This establishment is more than just a hotel, it's a destination.
The hotel has two top-tech golf simulators which they made for Happy Gilmor's 25th anniversary. The 1996 Adam Sandler movie of a rejected hockey player who tries his luck in golf.
Locavore restaurant and bar is located on the top floor (18th), and it serves Asian-inspired dishes made from freshly sourced Nordic ingredients.
You can also enjoy a glass of cold drink with the breathtaking views of Lake Mälaren and Västerås.
There are 264 rooms, including unique suites spread over 17 floors.
The rooms are designed in an eclectic style. The plant's original metal parts and concrete ceilings are blended with elegantly painted walls and dark velvet sofas. Brave choices, but it all works brilliantly.
On the 7th floor, you will find a heated indoor pool, a relaxation zone with a fireplace, and a gym packaged in retro style.
According to its owners, it was a no-brainer that this beautiful and unique brick building would become a hotel - and we couldn't agree more.
The renovation of the hotel was the first step in the whole rehabilitation package of the lakeside location. A lakeside promenade in front of the hotel runs along the port, and when it's completed, Västerås' attractiveness will be on another level.
If all the entertainment Steam Hotel provides isn't enough to keep you busy, the Kokpunkten Actionbad waterpark with unique thrill slides is right by the hotel.
Ångkraftsvägen 14, 721 31 Västerås, Sweden
