Courtyard at Hotel Amalias Hus Photo by Daren R. Couch
I have chosen to write a little review on Hotel Amalias Hus. I have not been asked to write this review by the hotel.
If you haven’t already read the other posts on the Gränna area of Sweden, you might want to read them first to get a little background for this post.
They are:
I Went To Candyland!
Amalia Eriksson…Against All Odds
Is It Glass or Glas?
Amalia Eriksson lived in a house at the edge of the town of Gränna. The houses of the estate were built in 1769. They were the customs farm. The Customs Master Bruzin occupied the house. In 1859 he rented the house to Amalias and her newborn baby, for 12 Kronor. For today’s exchange rate to US dollars, this is $1.72.
Front porch of Amalia Hus Photo by Daren R. Couch
Sitting Room in Amalias Bedroom Photo by Daren R. Couch
Sleeping area in Amalia's room Photo by Daren R. Couch
Stove in Amalia's Room Photo by Daren R. Couch
This is the house that Amalia made her bakery items, and Polkagris in the kitchen, and displayed her goods in her living room.
Outside of the window of Amalia's Room Photo by Daren R. Couch
Between buildings at Hotel Amailias Hus Photo by Daren R. Couch
Courtyard Area of Hotel Amalias Hus Photo by Daren R. Couch
When we arrived at the cozy hotel, we were shown to a room that you went outside to the little building next door. We had Amalias’ former bedroom. I didn’t understand why the bedroom was separate from the house, and wondered if she just rented a room or the entire house. The room was actually a suite, with the bedroom, and small sitting room. It was nicely restored to the period, with cozy décor. Of course the small but modern bathroom was not there at that time, or the flat screen TV, or the free Wi-Fi connection. But, what do you say? We NEED these things now.
Patio Dining at Hotel Amalias Hus Photo by Daren R. Couch
That evening we had reservations for dinner. We had a table for two, and were shown the drink menu to choose what we wanted to drink. That was the only thing chosen off the menu. We had a 3 course meal, but apparently it is done in a style of what is being served in the house. That did not take away from the enjoyment of the meal at all. The meal was superb. The main course was a beef dish. Unfortunately, I do not have any information on the name of what was served, or anything about the chef. All I can say is, I would take that risk of not choosing specifically what I was going to be eating, again, because it was that good. It was all served in the take your time, European style, that I am starting to get used to, and enjoying. Americans usually have a hard time getting used to this, because of our hurry, hurry culture.
After dinner we went to our room, where we relaxed before going to bed. Of course, I got my laptop out, and did some writing, and Skyped the grandchildren. My oldest grandchild pointed out that the stripes on the furniture were kind of like the Polkagris.
After having a good night of sleep, we got ready, then went back to the main house to a large Swedish breakfast spread. Things included were sausages, scrambled eggs, soft boiled eggs, several types of cheeses, cold slice meats like turkey, ham, and salami, several types of yoghurt, granola, cereal, and some delicious rolls. And of course, orange juice, coffee or tea. This was all included in the price of the room. In warmer weather, the garden – patio area would have been the perfect place to have breakfast.
Upon checking out, I wanted to find out about why Amalia’s room was outside of the main house. So, I asked that question. As soon as I started asking questions about the hotel, and the history, I could see the young lady at the desk, eyes lite up. Talking about the hotel and the history was with pleasure, and deserved pride. I was talking to Caroline, who along with her husband Joakim, own the hotel. Amalia’s bedroom was in a separate building, because in that day it was common to have bedrooms separate from the main house because the stoves got the main house so hot.
Caroline spoke of buying the house in 2001 and lovingly restoring it with the help of the Gränna museum. Another famous person lived there in the green building, or studio for a period of time. It was, artist, painter, and woodcarver, Master Georg Bernhard Berggren. She told me that over the years when other people lived in the house, and the history was not valued, things were covered over with wall board . They had to do some investigating to find some things that were there. One of those things was the attic of the studio. It had been closed off, and when that was opened up, they found Mr. Berggren’s wood carving shop just like he had just left for the day. The stove in Amalia’s room was behind wall board. The kitchen they cook in for the restaurant is the same kitchen Amalia cooked in. She felt some disappointment that they had to convert it to restaurant standards, and could not preserve that aspect. They opened for business in 2003, and have 19 rooms. Small conferences can also be accommodated. We only spoke for a few minutes, but I had the feeling we could have talked for hours, if we both had the time.
Park next to Hotel Amalias Hus Photo by Daren R. Couch
The hotel is a nice little relaxing retreat. Directly next to the hotel is a little park with a statue of Amalia, and steps that lead up to the top of a small waterfall. The visitor today can relax. Not like the former occupants of the house, like Amalia, who worked very hard at making and selling her confections, and Mr. Berggren who worked very hard at his art. Now the ones working hard to keep us comfortable are Caroline and Joakim. Thank you for a pleasant visit!
You can find additional information at: Hotel Amalia Hus
Globe Trottin Granny
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