Hotel Granen - Åre, Sweden
The boutique Hotel Granen opened its doors for the first time in 1916, and ever since has welcomed visitors into its warm lodgings with 28 standard rooms and 14 individually designed apartments updated in 2007. Now run by former Olympic mogul skier Roger Hållander, the hotel’s atmosphere gives a sense of personal touch and high-quality service, with its crackling fireplaces, snug armchairs, library corner packed with books, and a fantastic collection of photographs such as those of Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary as part of the 1953 British expedition to Mt. Everest. The staff at Granen are all outdoor enthusiasts, so will happily offer advice on where to find the best skiing, skating, fishing, or mountain biking in the region--the hotel is located just a short walk from both the center of Åre as well as the ski lifts. Head into the attached Spruce Bar & Restaurant to warm up after a day of skiing with a special cocktail made by bartender Andy White (check out their Facebook page for awesome drink tips from Andy). Then enjoy a gourmet dinner crafted from locally sourced Jämtland raw materials--elk, reindeer, and arctic char cooked to perfection.
