Gothenburg, SwedenArendal
Arken Hotel & Art Garden Spa
Portside bathhouse
Arendal Gothenburg, Sweden
Renovated
2010
Price
$$
Rated for
Wellness Design LocalOutside the door
The house
Lotus Hotel GroupPortside bathhouse
The hotel operates as an expansive coastal bathhouse facing Gothenburg's working container port, built originally for local shipyard workers.
What it’s good at
Notable
Panoramic saunas and heated outdoor plunge pools overlook the coastal granite rocks.
Listed
Five-element themed spa interiors open directly toward rugged archipelago granite outcrops.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Rugged granite outcrops wrap around the grounds, looking out across the shipping channels and container cranes of Gothenburg Harbour.
1 of 5
The rooms
Guest rooms are understated and functional, with the expansive bathhouse downstairs serving as the real draw.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Indoor hot springs heated near 40°C face the archipelago, and heated outdoor pools open onto wide sun decks.
The spa
Treatments draw on the five elements using organic skincare, and timber canopy daybeds furnish the relaxation rooms.
The gym
Technogym cardio machines and free weights stock the fitness room, with a functional training rig and padel court outdoors.
Restaurant Flora
Dishes draw on Swedish culinary traditions, served across a glass-walled garden veranda and dining rooms lined with velvet banquettes.
At the table
Konstbaren pours evening drinks by reception, and Hugos Bar serves cocktails and bistro plates beside an open fireplace.
How it began
The complex opened in 1975 for Götaverken shipyard staff, later converting its original employee swimming pool into the main restaurant.
Gothenburg
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.