Eriksberg Hotel & Nature Reserve

“Great place for animal-spotting”

If you love animals, especially seeing them in their in their natural environment, you will love this place. The self drive for hotel guests is trully appreciated. We could drive slowly and whenever we spotted any of the reserve's inhabitants, we could just stop and observe them.The recommended app… more

If you love animals, especially seeing them in their in their natural environment, you will love this place. The self drive for hotel guests is trully appreciated. We could drive slowly and whenever we spotted any of the reserve's inhabitants, we could just stop and observe them.The recommended app was also very informational. It would come on during the drive as we approach certain spots (linked to GPS), and we would hear about the reserve's occupants as well as it's history. We arrived at about 1pm and it gave us optimal time to do a slow self-safari drive. After the drive, it was just in time to check into our room. Our room at the Mahvillan was not the best for deer-spotting (many of whom were hanging out towards the other end of our lodge in the evening) as it was the furthest to the right, so we had a view of the outdoor gym (not very popular during out stay, we didn't spot any gym rats by it at all) and some cute ducks. Since we booked our stay pretty last minute, we didn't have much choice in terms of room options. I would say the Safari villas or the rooms at the new Arken might be best for viewing animals from the balciony of your room. next time. Our room was big, because it was handicap friendly and comfy enough. We did see the Illusion villa near the spot where we could stop and get out on the safari drive, and am sure you will see animals staying all the way out there BUT with no running water and Cinderalla toilet (i am guessing a dry toilet), and having to drive to the main complex for meals, may not be for everyone. At least there is a lake you can take a dip in, in lieu of a shower- if that's your thing. After checking in, and before dinner, we hung out at the Relax area with some refreshments. The staff here was nice enough though pretty newly hired and so not very knowledgeble in terms of wine recommendations. The heated pool was nice but small. When we were there, the small pool and the pool area was super crowded. We eventiually went to the roof top with our drinks, to be away from the crowd to take in the views. As it got later, more animals started coming onto the 'savannah' and that was very cool. Our stay came with a 3 course dinner. We enjoyed the dinner. Since i don't eat meat, they offered fish or vegetarian options. The fish option was very nice. Presentation of the courses was great as well. The wait staff at restaurant however seemed very new and not very knowledgeble... They weren't that good at explaining what was on my plate, but maybe because i asked for the explanation to be in english... Anyways, we enjoyed our dinner, and i especially enjopyed where we sat, by the window, where we could make out the animals grazing as we ate. That was magical.

less

“Think twice about going here - strange pricing and food poisoned in the restaurant.”

There are many good things about this place. The rooms are spectacular, setting is beautiful and the ambition to be a top resort is high. However, there are quite a few things that are not up to a luxury resort standard or are poorly designed. The two things that was the biggest problem with my vis… more

There are many good things about this place. The rooms are spectacular, setting is beautiful and the ambition to be a top resort is high. However, there are quite a few things that are not up to a luxury resort standard or are poorly designed. The two things that was the biggest problem with my visit was the restaurant and the booking procedure. In short, 6 out of 8 in the company got food poisoned in the restaurant. One with a pre-existing condition illness had to go hospital and another suffered nausea for days after while the rest suffered from stomach problems. The response from the resort was "well no one else got food poisoned, so bad luck - sorry". As for the food itself it was questionable. High ambition but it seemed like they had problem serving the food to 8 persons at the same time. Timing was a bit off causing a slight temperature problem. Also, the seasonal menu is a surprise for you if you book it. You will not find out what it is until you arrive or ask a day or so ahead. Turned out that they rotate 4 menus, so it should be possible to know, but no. The next huge problem is the booking routine which on their homepage is controlled by an algorithm raising the price when someone makes a booking. This is normal, but this place raises the prices to the extreme. +25-50% difference or even higher in a day, only to find that the next day the price is back to a "normal" level again. It is impossible to get a price to plan a vacation here. You'll have to book instantly if you find a good price. Even if you call to get an offer, you might get an offer with discount that is higher than the current on-line price of the day. Crazy. As for the rooms they are good. Designed and large, but with flaws. Temperature in the room was hard to regulate due to the high ceiling. If you are sensitive to this, you might want to think again. The relax area is quite good. Nice views, a heated pool, sauna and a few lounge chairs. The area has sun the first half of the day in the late summer, and is a bit cold and shady in the afternoon. Come early or around lunch to enjoy sunshine. The area is also very spotty from an architectural design. No coherent design just different buildings at the same place which leaves a messy impression. The breakfast is ok, but not more. A lot of locally produced items which is their approach, but as for selection and variation, a standard chain brand hotel like Scandic beats the breakfast quite easily. Would I come again or recommend anyone going here - doubtful. Possible for a nights stay if I book well ahead and don't get caught up in the craxy price scheme they run here and of course avoiding the restaurant "Havsörnen".

less