Located just twenty minutes from a Bed and Breakfast in Järvsö it was shortly after checking in…read morethat two guests arrived at Orbaden Spa & Resort, the summertime destination still not in full swing with many local attractions opening mid-month and the Hotel at low capacity, as too was the on-site Restaurant. Known more so for its scenery than the food, panoramic views of a nearby lake visible throughout a sizable dining room that would only seat three parties on Thursday night for a Prix Fixe meal, it was shortly after checking in that a thin server featuring a "flock of seagulls" haircut escorted guests to their tables, his English better than a colleague presumably given the title of 'sever' though his ability to actually perform tasks such as presenting dishes, clearing plates and refilling water was questionable. Offering no options for the three courses, weekends apparently blossoming to a larger a la carte array, it was with Rye Crisps and slightly sweet Bread plus Butter that things got started, a plate of imported cured Beef presented in follow-up decent but not particularly "Swedish" nor better than what one might find in a typical Delicatessen. Moving next to a filet of Char, the skin-on Fish nicely seared and meaty but not particularly crisp on the surface, it was after a nearly thirty minute delay as the lone server seated and poured Wine for a party of twelve that dessert finally arrived, the small portion of Creme Brulee not noteworthy in the least nor were sugared Berries, though a scoop of Elderflower Sorbet offered a pleasant finish.

My first impressions of Borrgarden were not good, considering I did not know what I was getting…read moremyself into. If you understand from the beginning that Borrgarden is a hostel and you share bathrooms, then you can go in with a more open mind. This American had never been in Sweden, and had not experienced a hostel. Shared bathrooms and minimal accommodations were something you only saw in a National Lampoon movie. This is not an American hotel, obviously, and my ignorance of that played into my initial distaste for the place.

Good food, nice comfortably room, over the top helping you out!read more