I booked this hotel over the phone then read some tripadvisor reviews and decided to cancel and try another hotel. When I called to cancel and explained why, the receptionist offered me 100 kr off my room and since I'm on a budget I decided to risk it. I'm so glad I did as the unfavourable reviews couldn't have been more wrong. When I arrived at 7pm, very tired and asked at reception if I could waive my extra discount and get a room upgrade instead. They were only too happy to oblige and I was upgraded to a superior single room (for 951 kr/night, bed and breakfast, a bargain by any standards). The room itself was lovely; clean and fresh with a nice big bed and skylight views of Kristianstad when standing on tiptoe. After freshening up I asked about food and was offered a choice of 'bistro' meals or the option of 10% discount at a steak house about 50m up the road. Although I chose to eat elsewhere in the end I did look at the menu and it looked perfectly fine. The next day breakfast was very good and served until 10 so I didn't have to rush. Checkout was at 12 so, again, no rushing. As my train didn't leave until 4.30 pm I then had some time to kill in Kristianstad and the hotel staff were happy to let me leave my bag while I did a little exploring and when I'd had enough walking around they were happy for me to sit in reception, drinking free coffee and using their wifi. this is where I'm sitting now and I have to conclude by saying that I would recommend this hotel without reservation. Room was clean and fresh, facilities good, not too expensive and, most importantly, incredibly friendly and helpful staff! One other little thing - the hotel I was originally going to change to due to better reviews on tripadvisor was Stadshotellet, about 100m further from the train station. On the night I stayed the bar (O'Leary's) attached to Stadshotellet was very busy and the customers were singing loudly well past midnight. On this occasion, at least, I suspect I had a much more peaceful nights sleep than had I actually changed to Stadshotellet.
