Guests checking into the new high-rise landmark at Järntorget are consistently praising its modern rooms and panoramic rooftop views, but opinions split sharply on extra charges for the spa and rooftop bar. This review draws on verified ratings from Booking.com and TripAdvisor, along with the hotel group’s own official blog, to help you decide what to expect before booking.
Last checked: 2026-08-25
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Location: Gothenburg, Sweden · Total rooms: 474 · Floors: 34 · Spa & fitness: Lush spa centre and fitness centre with gym · Dining: Rooftop restaurant on 33rd floor, plus other restaurants · Nearby park: Slottsskogen Park – 15-minute walk
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-25.
Sources reviewed: official hotel group blog, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Expedia listing, independent travel blog review, RoomerTravel video review.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
Behind the reviews: key insights at a glance
- Booking.com shows an overall score of 8.7 / 10 based on about 1,470 reviews (Booking.com).
- 34 floors, approximately 115 m tall – among the highest hotel buildings in Gothenburg (Strawberry official blog).
- 474 rooms combining cinematic charm with contemporary design (Strawberry official blog).
- Rooftop restaurant on the 33rd floor – exceptional dining with panoramic city views (Expedia).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Total rooms | 474 |
| Floors | 34 |
| Spa & fitness | Lush spa centre and fitness centre with gym |
| Dining | Rooftop restaurant on 33rd floor, plus other restaurants |
| Nearby park | Slottsskogen Park – 15‑minute walk |
| Star rating | 4‑star |
Clarion Hotel Draken Reviews
What do guests consistently praise?
The hotel’s modern rooms, exceptionally friendly staff, and the hearty breakfast buffet draw the most positive comments. On Booking.com, the property scores 8.7 out of 10, with cleanliness and staff both earning sub‑scores above 9.0 (Booking.com). TripAdvisor reviewers echo the sentiment: “a beautiful hotel with a lively atmosphere and some rather unique features, such as the rooftop bar and the views from the rooms on the highest floors” (TravelGuys.fr). Another guest called it “an exquisite experience” and said they would “exclusively book to stay in whenever I visit Gothenburg” (TripAdvisor user review). The rooftop bar and the panoramic views appear across multiple reviews as highlight features.
Are there common complaints?
The most frequent criticisms revolve around extra fees. TripAdvisor reviews note that “There’s a spa, but it’s not free. There’s a rooftop, but it costs a fortune” (TripAdvisor user review). Several guests mention that the breakfast requires pre‑booking in specific time slots and that housekeeping consistency could improve. The overall TripAdvisor rating sits at 4.2 out of 5 based on roughly 430–485 reviews, a score that reflects the split between praise for the property and frustration with surcharges (TripAdvisor).
Pros and Cons of Clarion Hotel Draken
Pros
- Stunning rooftop bar with 360‑degree views and a lively atmosphere
- Spacious, modern rooms with cinematic design touches
- Highly rated breakfast buffet and extremely friendly staff
- On‑site Obie Spa and gym (when operational, pay‑per‑use)
- Great location near Slottsskogen Park and Linnégatan
Cons
- Spa and rooftop bar require separate fees, adding significantly to the stay cost
- Breakfast must be booked in advance for a specific time slot
- Some guests report inconsistent housekeeping
- Early months after opening saw the spa and fitness centre not yet operational
- Spa access can cost 395–595 SEK per person, and the rooftop is described by some as “costs a fortune”
Clarion Hotel Draken Spa and Gym
What spa treatments and facilities are offered?
The Obie Spa is a Japanese‑inspired wellness centre featuring three hot springs, steam rooms, dry saunas, and massage services (Expedia). However, several early‑2024 reviewers noted that the spa was not yet open despite the hotel having opened in October 2023 (TravelGuys.fr). Later TripAdvisor posts confirm the spa is now open and described as “fantastic,” but access is not included in the room rate. RoomerTravel reports a typical cost of 395–595 SEK per person, requiring advance booking (RoomerTravel).
What equipment is in the fitness center?
The hotel’s fitness centre includes a gym with standard cardio and strength equipment, again available only to guests who pay the spa access fee or on a per‑use basis. Early reviews indicated it was also not operational in the first few months after opening, but by late 2024 it was running.
Clarion Hotel Draken Rooftop Bar and Restaurant
What is the rooftop restaurant experience?
The 33rd‑floor brasserie offers panoramic views over Gothenburg and serves an “exceptional dining” menu, according to guest reviews. The restaurant area is separate from the bar above, and diners can enjoy full city vistas through floor‑to‑ceiling windows.
Is there a separate rooftop bar?
Yes – above the brasserie, on approximately the 34th floor, an open‑roof bar with around 90 seats provides a lively atmosphere with a DJ and signature cocktails such as the “Nordic Fusion” (Strawberry official blog). TripAdvisor users rave: “The hotel rooftop bar was the icing on the cake!” (TripAdvisor feature page). Some guests note that access may require a minimum spend or cover charge, and that it can get very busy on weekends.
Clarion Hotel Draken Prices
What is the typical price range?
As a 4‑star property in Gothenburg, Clarion Hotel Draken falls into the mid‑to‑upper price bracket. Expedia listed a September night starting around USD 103 for two adults including taxes and fees (Expedia). Room rates fluctuate by season and booking date, and the hotel does not publicly publish fixed prices. Pay‑per‑use additions – spa access (395–595 SEK) and rooftop bar fees – can increase the total cost significantly.
Are there deals for early booking?
No specific early‑booking deals are confirmed in the available sources. Travelers are advised to check directly with the hotel or booking platforms for current offers.
Clarion Hotel Draken Location and Nearby Attractions
How far is it to Slottsskogen Park?
The park is a 15‑minute walk west of the hotel, providing a large green space with walking trails, a small zoo, and picnic areas – a popular retreat for families and joggers.
What is the neighbourhood like?
The hotel stands at Järntorget, a central square in Gothenburg with trams, shops, and restaurants. Linnégatan, a lively street lined with cafés and bars, is steps away. The property is close to Nordstan Shopping Center and about a 10‑minute tram ride from the central station.
Best for segments
- Couples seeking a romantic getaway: the rooftop bar and panoramic views create a memorable backdrop.
- Business travelers needing conference facilities: the hotel offers meeting spaces and a central location.
- Spa enthusiasts: the Obie Spa with multiple hot springs and treatments is a draw, though the extra fee should be budgeted.
- Families who value generous breakfast buffets: the breakfast receives high marks, but time‑slot booking may require planning.
Alternatives to Clarion Hotel Draken in Gothenburg
While Clarion Hotel Draken is unique for its height and cinema heritage, Gothenburg offers other 4‑star accommodations. Travelers who prefer a quieter, less surcharge‑heavy stay might consider hotels on the Avenyn or near the canal. No specific alternatives are detailed in this review; guests are encouraged to compare options on booking platforms to find the best fit for their needs.
Our pick: who should choose Clarion Hotel Draken?
We recommend Clarion Hotel Draken for:
- Couples wanting panoramic city views with rooftop dining – the 34th‑floor bar is a standout date spot.
- Business travelers needing conference facilities – modern meeting spaces and central location.
- Wellness‑focused guests using spa and fitness centre – provided you factor in the 395–595 SEK spa fee.
- Families who appreciate a hearty breakfast buffet – but be prepared for the time‑slot booking.
If you are willing to pay extra for rooftop and spa access, the hotel delivers a memorable high‑rise experience in Gothenburg. For budget‑conscious travellers, the total cost including add‑ons may exceed expectations.
“A beautiful hotel with a lively atmosphere and some rather unique features, such as the rooftop bar and the views from the rooms on the highest floors.”
– TravelGuys.fr reviewer, Independent travel blogger
“The hotel rooftop bar was the icing on the cake! An absolutely incredible atmosphere, beautiful views even there, and fantastic drinks.”
– Tripadvisor user review, Hotel guest
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tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.de, booking.com
Frequently Asked Questions about Clarion Hotel Draken
Is Clarion Hotel Draken a 4‑star hotel?
Yes, it is officially classified as a 4‑star property. Guest reviews on Booking.com and TripAdvisor confirm ratings consistent with that category.
How many rooms does Clarion Hotel Draken have?
It has 474 rooms, a mix of cinematic‑themed and contemporary rooms across 34 floors.
Does Clarion Hotel Draken have a spa?
Yes – the Obie Spa offers hot springs, steam rooms, dry saunas, and massage. Access costs 395–595 SEK per person and is not included in the room rate.
Does Clarion Hotel Draken have a gym?
Yes, there is a fitness centre with gym equipment, but it is part of the spa area and requires the same access fee.
What dining options are available at Clarion Hotel Draken?
Two restaurants and four bars, including the 33rd‑floor brasserie and the 34th‑floor rooftop bar with DJs and cocktails.
How far is Clarion Hotel Draken from Slottsskogen Park?
A 15‑minute walk west of the hotel.
What is the rooftop restaurant experience?
Panoramic city views from the 33rd floor, with a brasserie menu. The separate bar above offers an open‑roof concept and about 90 seats.
What do guests say about the staff at Clarion Hotel Draken?
Guests consistently praise the staff as extremely friendly and helpful, often cited as a highlight across both Booking.com and TripAdvisor reviews.