As Amy’s challenge this week is Architecture, I invite you to follow me to Umeå for a visit to a very special hotel.
The Grand Hotel in Umeå, by architect Viktor Åström, was built 1894-95. The facade is in neorenaissance. Close up to this beauty is U&Me Hotel, opened in 2014, by architects from Snøhetta, and interior design by architect- and design Stylt Trampoli.
The more than 120 years old Seafarers’ House and Grand Hotel in central Umeå has been exquisitely renovated, and the concept of historic influences from the seven seas is so unique that the hotel was elected World’s Best New Boutique Hotel 2014.
The whole interior is spectacular…
and some pieces remind you of a shipwreck.
The old Grand Hotel is closely connected to (a real juxtaposition) U&Me, something that feels a bit awkward from the outside – while the inside might be described as a smooth swim through a coral reef…
Thank you, Amy, for an inspiring challenge and the opportunity to follow in your footsteps to one of the new seven wonders of the world!
Leya 
Beautiful! I have been to Goteborg, Stockholm, and Uppsala. I must expand my horizons next time.
Haha, well – one of the good things about blogging…constantly getting new ideas for travelling. Mostly people tend to visit only the biggest cities in a country…Thank you for a nice comment.
I love the contrast in colours in the first photo Leya! Thank you for following my blog!
Thank you for being there!
😊
It does have an old world charm. Very unique and beautiful interiors. Thanks for this accomodation recommendation. 🙂
My pleasure
I see what you mean. Lovely series!
Thank you!
While I’ve spent a little bit of time in Stockholm and Vaxholm, I like seeing different parts of Sweden. I looked up where Umeå was located, and I’m intrigued by its coastal location next to the Gulf of Bothnia. Thanks for providing a peek!
My pleasure! Hope you liked it. It is a university city so it is lively, artsy, cultural and quite lovely.
A unique choice for this challenge. It is a perfect choice! The architecture and interior design are strikingly original. Beautiful!
Thank you, Patti – so glad you liked it! I wanted to mix inside and outside as I thought most people would go for the outside structures. And – to me this interior design and architecture felt a bit innovative.
As it is a Hotel so laureated, your photos recreate the most outstanding of him. Undoubtedly you will stand out in the contest.
I am very happy you liked the photos – thank you kindly!
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Thank you for the glimpses from the inside. One would never guess! Exquisite architecture and photography!
I am delighted you liked it, Manja!
Unbelievable architecture, brilliantly photographed. Thank you.
I am very glad you liked it – and thank you for the compliment!
What a great response to the challenge, A C….and Umeå looks wonderful, the more images you show
Glad you really enjoyed them, Sue! And you are right about Umeå – it is great.
I would love to see Umeå!
Tell me if you plan to go! My daughter is a good guide ;-D
I’ll let yu know ifIdo
It’s grand and so special. Beautiful photos of this architecture.
Thank you, Ann-Christine!
Thank you Amy! Hard to beat your outdoors, so I thought I would do the indoors version.
”A swim through a coral reef” Yes! Wonderful shapes and colors in this response to the architecture challenge.
So glad to share this – and happy you liked it!
Truly unique Ann-Christine. I’d love to see it in person. Excellent choice for the challenge!
Thank you, Tina! Thought I would have an inside take on this.