NO.04.16 Hotels Best Western
azine
& Resorts mag
Carnival time Experience winter time in Venice.
TIME TO VISIT AARHUS European City of Culture 2017
RAISE YOUR GLASS What is real Champagne?
IN THE STARS Hotel room star ratings explained
REWARDS Exclusive offers for Best Western Rewards members
Buy a gift to someone special!
Why not use your earned points to buy a gift to someone special? Choose between hotel stays, clothes, toys, home appliances, technical gadgets and much more. You only need 1,500 points to start shopping!
To order, visit: www.bestwestern.dk/no/se Best Western RewardsÂŽ has been named as one of the top hotel loyalty programs! On top of all the other benefits you can also earn points from every night's stay around the world (more than 4,100 hotels). It's free to join, just contact your hotel or visit one of our websites.
Lowered levels for free nights! As a Christmas gift to Best Western Rewards members, many of the 4,100 Best Western hotels all over the world will be offering free nights with a discount of at least 4,000 points in December and January. Where would you like to go? Not yet a member? Apply today! www.bestwestern.dk/no/se
NEWS Stay with people who care – 30 % holiday discount! On weekends and public holidays between 23 Dec and 29 January, everyone who stays 3 nights at the same Best Western hotel in Scandinavia, will receive 30 % discount*. Book by 23 December! *subject to availability.
Take your best friend on holiday Dogs are often a part of the family and in most Best Western hotels in Scandinavia you are welcome to bring your best friend. All members of the family should feel welcome and therefore many Best Western hotels also give dogs a special treat. Guests with guide dogs are always welcome and guide dogs are not subject to any extra charges, if applied.
Unique experiences All major hotel chains strive to facilitate for hotel guests when it comes to booking their hotel rooms and in early 2017 we will launch a new booking platform. Guests will notice how much easier and fun it is to book a room at a Best Western hotel online. This is regardless of whether you do it through your mobile, tablet or laptop. The best thing about booking directly through the hotel’s own website or through our central website is that we guarantee that you will always get the best price – we call it ‘Low Rate Guaranteed’. This means that if you find a published price that is lower somewhere else on the Internet, we will give you the room for the same price and in addition, you get a gift card worth US$ 100. We also want to reward our faithful and loyal guests by always giving our Best Western Rewards members 10% off our regular price, Flexrate. So if you are not already a member, be sure to become one right away! Johan Kukacka, CEO johan@bestwestern.se
Best Way/Best Western Hotels & Resorts Best Way is published by Spenner Media in conjunction with Best Western Hotels & Resorts. Johan Kukacka is responsible for the content on Best Western Hotels & Resorts pages.
Visit Levi - Finland’s Ski Resort of the year 2016 Levi, the largest ski resort in Lapland with over 40 slopes, has been voted the best Finnish ski resort of the year on numerous occasions and has also hosted the first Alpine Ski World Cup Slalom race of the season since 2004. Easy or challenging - Levi has it all. There is South Park and Street for freeskiers to enjoy and Kids Land and Leevilandia for the little ones. You’ll find Best Western Apartments Levi Gold right in the centre of town just 70 metres from the slopes. These are modern and fully equipped close to all the services.
Best Western Plus City Hotel Best Western Plus City Hotel has a total of 50 rooms and studio apartments with the amenities today's travellers desire together with a spacious, trendy lobby to encourage socialising. On the lower floor is the popular vegan restaurant Frist Else Cafe & Bistro. Best Western Plus City Hotel is located in a classic townhouse from 1858, next door to the Christiania University, just a few metres from Karl Johans Gate and most of Oslo’s attractions. The central location is close to all sorts of culture, nightlife and shopping and it is only five minutes walk to the fjord.
New estern Best W tel! lu P s Ho
Kirkegata 30, 0153 Oslo, Norway. Tel: +47 22 42 11 50. Opening: 1 January 2017.
Best Western Plus Hotel Waterfront Göteborg This four-star full service hotel is located at the entrance to Gothenburg harbour in Klippan – a trendy, progressive area of great diversity. There is a mix of old and new residences, restaurants, cafés, hotels, offices and business premises and the area is home to many artists and creative people.
New estern Best W tel! Plus Ho
The hotel is situated in what was once the old Carnegie Porter brewery and now houses 151 guest rooms, eleven conference rooms, a wellness centre, bar, restaurant and a terrace with sea views. Klippan 1, 414 51 Göteborg, Sweden. Phone: +46 31 - 720 22 00 Open for reservations from January 2017. Each Best Western® branded hotel is independently owned and operated.
Love gingerbread? Then you will adore this recipe for gingerbread yoghurt! Which is taken from Best Breakfast by Tina* Tinas gingerbread yoghurt 1 litre natural yoghurt 2 teaspoons seasoning mix Mix together! Seasoning mix 6 tablespoons brown sugar 2 pinches of ground cloves 1 tablespoon ground ginger 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon Enjoy!
* Best Breakfast by Tina is served at all our Swedish and Norwegian hotels.
Best Western
Hotels & Resorts
Photo: Jan Malmström
NO.04.16
magazine
Carnival time Experience winter time in Venice.
TIME TO VISIT AARHUS European City of Culture 2017
RAISE YOUR GLASS What is real Champagne?
IN THE STARS Hotel room Star ratings explained
BEST WAY NO.04.16 Best Way is published by Spenner Media in conjunction with Best Western Hotels & Resorts and distributed in all Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Scandinavia. Best Way reaches up to 4.3 million hotel guests per year and is produced 4 times a year. Editorial material and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Spenner Media or Best Western Hotels & Resorts. Editor & publisher Leslie Spenner, +46 42-14 70 40 leslie@spenner.se
Contributors Thomas Madsen, Thomas Rödin, Håkan Nilsson. Design Wayne Butler www.butlerdesign.se Printed by Printfabriken www.printfabriken.se
Contents 18
Photo: Håkan Nilsson
To advertise Spenner Media Mark Magnusson, +46 42-14 71 02 mark@spenner.se
20
Experiencing Carnival time.
18 Champagne Photo: Ditte Isager
Paper Amber Graphic 120g Cover Winter in Venice. Photo: Thomas Madsen Editorial address Spenner Media Drottninggatan 53 B, 252 22 Helsingborg www.spenner.se
07 Entertainment 10 Culture 14 Winter in Venice
Håkan Nilsson explains what real Champagne is.
20 It’s in the stars
Hotel star ratings explained.
24 Aarhus
What is happening in 2017s European City of Culture.
24
27 Technology 28 Travel
EXPERIENCE WINTER SPRING IN BEAUTIFUL IN THE THE BEAUTIFUL ARCHIPELAGO CITY CITY OF OF VÄSTERVIK VÄSTERVIK ARCHIPELAGO WEEKEND PACKAGE WITH LUXURIOUS FEEL AT FOUR STAR HOTEL • • • • •
Sparkling wine, fruit and chocolates in the room upon arrival. FROM Black Rock Grill with welcome drink. Free admission to our spa area Skönare Liv. SEK Best Breakfast by Tina. PER PERSON Accommodation two nights in a standard double room.
1490
Best Western Plus Västerviks Stadshotell | 0046 (0)490-82 000 | info@stadshotellet.nu | www.stadshotellet.nu
HONEY FONDVÄGG En lekfull väggabsorbent med god ljudabsorption för att förbättra akustiken i rummet. Honey tar ljudet till en ny behagligare nivå!
6 BEST WAY 04.16
FROM WORKPLACE TO CREATIVE SPACE™
Entertainment
Photo: Sony Music
Depeche Mode are back on the road again. The British synth pioneers are embarking on a world tour - the Global Spirit Tour and are set to release their fourteenth album Spirit next year. The tour includes 32 cities with the first concert in Stockholm which will be the first Depeche Mode live gig for three years. The group has sold over 100 million albums and had mega-hits such as Just can't get enough, Enjoy the silence and Personal Jesus.
Photo: Aorta
Synth legends Depeche Mode back in Scandinavia
Please wait! A hospital comedy
5 May in Stockholm, 31 May in Copenhagen.
Disney on Ice Come to an imaginative winter wonderland and a fairytale world that you can barely imagine. The whole wonderful Oscarwinning tale Frost, a favourite of many, will soon be performed entirely on ice. Anything can happen, so get ready to join in the wonderful fairytale world of Arendal. Dazzling special effects and world class ice artists show the way. It will be a fantastic celebration of love and friendship and a show you will never forget. Playing at the Malmö Arena from 19-22 January.
Karin Bellman (Ulla Skoog) is admitted for her broken arm, but she has forgotten. When she is moved departments from Fröding to Ferlin in the hospital in Gothenburg, so starts a carousel of confusion. Her husband is a doctor of
theology, but gets mistaken for a medical doctor at the understaffed hospital. Adde Malmberg directs for the first time at the Gothenburg City Theatre. Please wait! plays between 9 December and 4 February.
Emotional charged terror drama
04.16 BEST WAY 7
Photo: Lionsgate
Photo: Disney on Ice
Seymour ‘Swede’ Levov has a successful sporting career from high school behind him, is married to a former beauty queen and has inherited his father’s business. His seemingly perfect life is shattered when his beautiful daughter Merry revolts by becoming a revolutionary and commits a fatal act of political terrorism. While everyone around condemns Merry, Seymour refuses to let go and give up on his daughter - something that has fatal consequences. Based on Philip Roths novel American Pastoral, the film stars, amongst others Ewan McGregor (also director), Jennifer Connelly and Dakota Fanning. Released on 13 January.
Entertainment
Photo:Gislus
Photo: Malin Johansson
José González in a new format Now there is an opportunity to experience José González and his songs in a completely new setting. The Swedish singer with Argentine roots, will be giving a concert with the company of The Gothenburg String Theory, and therefore lifting his low-key, acoustic songs to a whole new level. With his gentle voice and his guitar-based melodies, José González has, since his solo debut in 2003, sung himself into the hearts of many music lovers worldwide. Performing at the DR Koncerthuset in Copenhagen 16 January.
Gothenburg Horse Show Photo: Claes Jacobsson
Since the start in 1977 over 2,5 million visitors have enjoyed the magic atmosphere and the world-class events at the Gothenburg Horse Show. In 2017 Gothenburg is hosting the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final as well as the Reem Acra FEI Dressage Final. And this event will be the 40th edition of Gothenburg Horse Show. There will be doubtless some magnificent moments during the five days of competition when the world’s greatest horses, riders and fans enter the Scandinavium arena between 21-26 February. 8 BEST WAY 04.16
For more than a hundred years, Holmenkollen has hosted international ski jumping and cross-country skiing events. The annual FIS World Cup Nordic competitions draw thousands of spectators to Holmenkollen, to cheer from
the ski arena or along the cross-country ski tracks in the forest. There is also the possibility to buy a festival pass and get admission to the Biathlon World Cup in Holmenkollen, one week after. 11-12 and 18-19 March, Holmenkollen, Oslo.
Lundqvist in warm-hearted comedy The children have left home, she lives in a loveless relationship, and as usual, she stands alone in her kitchen, cooking food, while she talks to the wall. Life was not quite as Shirley imagined. Suddenly her friend Jane invites her on a holiday to a Greek island paradise. See two-time Guldbagge winner Maria Lundqvist in the role of Shirley Valentine, proving that it is never too late to explore your dreams. Shirley Valentine has its première at the Maxim Theatre in Stockholm on 31 March.
Thrilling spring at GöteborgsOperan! plevas Måste up
ytt P4 SR Kulturn
Euforisk energi
GP
Runs until 29/3
Opera by Georges Bizet
Opera by Richard Strauss
Dance piece by Alan Lucien Øyen
Runs until 23/2
Premiere 4/2
Revival Premiere 8/1
Dance piece by Marcos Morau & Stijn Celis
Opera by W A Mozart
Ballet by Pär Isberg
Opera by Ture Rangström
World Premiere 4/3
Revival Premiere 1/4
Premiere 9/6
26/2
Book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado. Music arranged by Galt MacDermot.
Runs until 8 April
Runs until 3 June
Runs until 9 April
Runs until 11 June
Runs until 18 January
04.16 BEST WAY 9
Tickets www.opera.se 031-13 13 00
Culture Photo: Morgan Norman
Tragicomic drama by Nikoline Werdelin The sensitive violinist Harald struggles to navigate the middle way as a member of an erratic family where the mother explores her bisexuality, where his stepfather has hooked up with a much younger girlfriend from one of the world’s trouble spots, and with a stepsister whom Harald wants to kiss. Stellar family is a story about the dilemmas of the modern patchwork family where everyone’s readiness for change is constantly being challenged. Premières on 8 February at the Royal Danish Theatre, Copenhagen.
The life and art of Sidsel Paaske
Norwegian director Runar Hodne makes his drama debut with Turgenev’s classic novel Fathers and Sons in an acclaimed stage version by Irish playwright Brian Friel. The play describes, in a recognizable and fun way, the eternal clash between the generations and at the same time puts its finger on one of today’s most tender points: Radicalisation and the inability to see beyond their own prejudices. It is city against country, upper against lower class, reality against utopia, men against women, rethinking the traditions. Performing at Dramaten, Stockholm from 10 December to 21 February.
10 BEST WAY 04.16
Photo: Etoile Ballet Gala
World class ballet
Photo: Jazzcode
Russian book classic in new revered stage version
During her short artistic career, Paaske was always open to new ideas and expressed herself through many different media. She started out as a textile artist, but was quick to break into new ‘ism-free’ territory. Her innate desire to experiment caused her to throw herself into a range of different styles, and she moved freely among different media: watercolour, oil painting, textiles, enamel, music, text, book illustration, sculpture and jewellery. Paaske was a key figure in Oslo’s art scene in the years 1965–80. Showing at the Museum of Contemporary art, Oslo until 26 February.
The exclusive gala performance Etoile Ballet Gala - with ballet stars from all over the world - returns to Malmö with a brilliant new program on 12 February 2017 at Malmö Live Konserthus. A revered pas de deux of the legendary ballets Bajadera, Korsaren, Swan Lake, Satanilla and the Nutcracker, as well as other classical and contemporary ballets will be performed by the world's best ballet soloists.
Kaffenjutning –
nymald, inte kapslad.
Roger Federer Inspirerande förebild, obesegrad rekordhållare som Grand Slam-vinnare, alla tiders största tennisspelare – och kaffenjutare.
Perfekt espresso tack vare P.E.P.®. Z6 från JURA imponerar på till och med de mest anspråksfulla kaffenjutare som Roger Federer. Pulsextraktionsprocessen (P.E.P.®) garanterar ristretto och espresso av högsta kaffebarkvalitet. Även tillredning av trendiga specialiteter går lekande lätt med en knapptryckning tack vare automatisk omkoppling från mjölk till mjölkskum. Hanteringen framifrån tillsammans med Intelligent Water System (I.W.S.®), som av sig självt känner igen filtret, säkerställer fulländad funktionalitet. JURA – If you love coffee. www.jura.com
över 100 kända varumärken upp till 70% lägre pris nordens största utbud av kostymer
6000m butik 2
fri frakt vfo.se/fraktfritt på ditt första köp
besök sveriges största outlet för märkeskläder herr - dam - barn - sport - jeans - skor öppettider mån-fre 10:00-19:00 lör-sön 10:00 -18:00
butiksadress widengrensvägen 1 vingåker
Culture Photo: Diesel
Monumental and figurative art Georg Baselitz is regarded as one of Europe’s most prominent and influential artists. The subject matter in the series The Heroes was a provocative reminder of German history, in an era when the nation was rejoicing in ‘the German economic wonder’. The art scene, which was dominated by the shiny surfaces of pop art and cool minimalist abstraction, also spurned his works as out of touch with the times. They offered no optimistic outlook. Shown at the Moderna Museet, Stockholm until 19 February. Georg Baselitz
Diesel advertisements 1991–2001 The challenge was nearly impossible: Levi’s had over 75% of the European market. The mission was to launch a new jeans brand - Diesel. For Johan Lindeberg, already responsible for many of the trends, the choice was obvious. It was Joakim Jonasson,from Paradise Ad agency, who would make the
commercial. The exhibition Finally It All Makes Sense at Fotografiska shows the world-famous, controversial advertising campaign for Diesel, including images by some of the world’s most prominent fashion photographers. Shown at Fotografiska, Stockholm until 5 February.
Photo: Amanda Obitz
Photo: Göteborgsoperan
Electric opera of revenge and desire
Richard Strauss’ Elektra from 1909 is high voltage from the first beat to the last. It is a breathtaking drama that also tears down the boundaries of tonality. Elektra is obsessed by the idea of murdering her mother in revenge for her father’s death at the hands of her mother and her lover. Little by little, Elektra has lost her humanity since her father’s death. But once she has satisfied her quest for revenge, she has nothing left to live for. Première 4 February at GöteborgsOperan.
Documentaries in focus CPH:DOX, Copenhagen’s international documentary film festival, is the largest of its kind in Scandinavia. The festival aims to present a programme that ranges from the works of major international directors to new
talent, from large-scale theatrical releases to films and formats that do not reach cinema and TV screens. This years event takes place between 16 and 26 March.
04.16 BEST WAY 13
Winter in
Venice It’s carnival time. On the way to the Palazzo Pesaro Papafava, at Ca’D’oro, through the winding alleys behind a heavy wooden door opens a different world.With burning torches, people in capes and from inside the old ballrooms the sound of music from a string quartet, mixes with laughter and the clink of glasses. For an evening you are back to a bygone era, where one hid behind masks to act out fantasies. Text & photography: Thomas Madsen
14 BEST WAY 04.16
Venice Carnival
M
orning on the Piazza San Marco. A pleasant calm hangs over the square. Almost a magical atmosphere. Close your eyes and enjoy. It feels almost a bit unreal. The sun peeps out. Slowly the square fills with people and a seemingly well directed spectacle begins. Tourists, waiters and people in the most imaginative costumes share the stage. Everyone intermingled for a spot on one of the world’s most famous sites. At Florian, people squeeze in, both with and without masks and costumes. Those that can’t get in stay on the outside, trying to get a glimpse through the windows. When dusk falls, the next part of the spectacle begins. They stand outside Doge’s Palace and along the quayside, with the towering San Giorgio Basilica in the background,
posing patiently in front of the cameras. Everyone wants to have their share of the carnival. The area around the Rialto is like a bubbling cauldron. A constant stream of tourists, traders and businessmen. The view from the bridge is seductive and etches itself into your memory. Below, the gondolas, vaporettos and small speedboats hurry across the water. A fascinating life with a seemingly endless energy around the water and the streets there. There is something special in the enclosing darkness, where one can still find warmth despite the chilly weather. Here are alleyways that never end, offering both privacy and the opportunity to take an espresso, a coretto or a glass of red. Places you can stay for fifteen minutes or several hours.
04.16 BEST WAY 15
Venice Carnival
The carnival has been around a long time – almost a thousand years. But when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Venice in 1797 he banned the carnival and it lay dormant for nearly two hundred years, until the late seventies, when some students took up the old tradition and since then it has grown bigger and bigger. For my part, I have taken upon me to buy a cheap mask and it feels suddenly as if I am part of the carnival in a completely different way. Spontaneously greeting people with masks both left and right , I can even feel the sense of community with the people who have spent hundreds of euros on a contemporary costume. So the carnival in Venice need not cost a fortune unless you want it to.
16 BEST WAY 04.16
Outside, the pouring rain turns into a light drizzle. Time to turn up the collar and pull the scarf around the neck. The temperature tonight is bearable, other nights it has chilled to the bone. A total contrast to the daytime, when, if you're lucky, you can enjoy an early spring sun. The clock has passed ten, which means that most of the restaurants are about to close, if they have not already done so. It is becoming more sparse, people drifting away in to the night until finally the streets are almost deserted. The rain stops. It is winter in Venice. Venice Carnival 2017 runs from 11 to 28 February.
04.16 BEST WAY 17
Just taste the word Champagne in your mouth... whetting the palate, giving a sense of anticipation, glamour and luxury. Champagne has been produced for over three decades and of the two billion bottles of sparkling wine produced annually worldwide, only 250 million of these can actually be called Champagne.
Text and photography: Håkan Nilsson
Champagne F
ew wine brands are as abused as Champagne, so therefore, ten years ago the name was patented, and now other brands cannot mention anything on their labels which has an association with the original from France. There are very few districts in the world that have similarly strict regulations as Champagne. Within the appellation of Champagne, there are today around 15,000 grape producers. There are about 150 cooperatives and 300 champagne houses where 65 of these are so-called Grand Marques, such as Moët & Chandon, Pommery and Veuve Cliquot. The price per kilo of grapes is fixed annually, and every village in Champagne is classified. The best 18 BEST WAY 04.16
plant sites are called Grand Cru and here the producers receive 100% of the established price of the grape. Plantations that are rated from 99-90% get paid accordingly and they are called Premier Cru. Village is the lowest of the classified groves and here farmers get between 89-80% of the established price. In 2015 the price per kilo was roughly 6 euros and it takes 1.4 kg of
grapes for one bottle. Therefore, I think that Champagne is rather cheap when you know that the raw material costs nearly 8,5 euros per bottle. Each champagne has its own standard. This is a wine that lacks a vintage so the consumer should recognize the taste year after year even though the contents of the bottle come from different years and cuvées (blends). There is no room for a newly employed cellar master to learn his trade with new ideas and methods. Here, everything is based on old traditions with very few changes. In Champagne, the big houses have created traditional styles created by mixing together a cuvée. If it is a weak vintage (2011, for example) then there can be a stockpile of so-called Vin de
Champagne NV stands for non-vintage and many believe that this is worse than a vintage champagne, which is completely wrong.
Reserve which is to strengthen the character of the somewhat weaker base. This mixture is made every year during the twelfth week, where one gets the opportunity during a Vin clair tasting to test the still white wine from different villages. In most cases there is a cuvée of wines from around thirty villages but it may in some cases be up to 90 different wines. I can reveal that a Vin clair tasting is no great taste experience, but still very interesting. The base wines are acidic and extremely rich and it feels like biting into a lemon. That this tasting ultimately leads to a heavenly Champagne is hard to comprehend. I can compare it to testing the raw spirit Eau-de-Vie which subsequently, after storage in casks, becomes a lovely Cognac. NV stands for non-vintage and many believe that this is worse than a vintage champagne, which is completely wrong. A vintage champagne reflects more the year of the champagne than the producer, whilst a non-vintage shows the character of the producer. Non-vintage accounts for 80% of the total market.
This makes the difference between a small champagne producer and a wine from the larger houses. The small farmer is ultimately dependent on the vintage as they rarely have any stock of Vin de Reserve. Usually half of the mixture comes from the last harvest. Then, about 25% from the year before and 25% of older vintages called Vin de Reserve. This means that in some cases the wine can include 3-6 different vintages in a standard cuvée and it shall always taste the same. But of course, if a vintage champagne has a high status such as 1990, 1996 and 2002, then one knows exactly how old it is. At the end of September 2014, I was involved in a test of 28 Prestige Champagnes from the legendary year of 1996. It was a blind test where you do not ‘drink a label’. I can reveal that the winner was the Taittinger Comtes Champagne. Today there are many wine enthusiasts who search the Grand Cru villages to find a “local grown champagne” for a sensible price. During my most recent
trip last spring, it seemed that these boutique producers had created a cartel, since most took 15.95 euros for their standard champagne from behind the counter. Almost 90% of plantations in Champagne are still controlled by small farmers, who often sell their fruit to the great wine houses. A glass of Champagne always sets the bar at a party or as a welcome drink and is fantastic to a range of fresh seafood. Håkan Nilsson is a renowned wine expert from Helsingborg, Sweden who lectures and teaches on the subject and has also published several books. www.vinkonsult.com
04.16 BEST WAY 19
It’s in the stars
Havsvidden, Ă…land
I
nterest in hotel standards has constantly increased over the past few years. We care more and more about how we live when we travel, especially on holiday. But what do those stars actually represent, what service should we expect and what is the difference between the different categories? We take a closer look at the world of hotel stars. In Europe there is a system called Hotelstars Union and it was originally an amalgamation of seven countries, of which Sweden was one. Today, there are 16 countries with more in the pipeline, and there is hope that the major tourist countries of France, Spain and Italy which have so far remained outside the system, will soon come onboard. Spain and Italy each have 15-17 regional systems and a history of doing things on a regional basis. Italy now seems to want to join its European neighbours, and has asked for the test classification in some regions. But both countries need to co-ordinate their regions first, before anything happens on that front. There are also ongoing discussions with France, but it is the same problem there, explains Rikard Bergsten, CEO of Svensk Klassificering, a subsidiary of Visita, the Swedish part of the Hotelstars Union.
20 BEST WAY 04.16
Photo: Sebastian Jern
The standard of the hotel is of increasing importance the more we travel. But what do the stars really mean and is it the same everywhere?
Hotel stars explained
Best Western Plus Priceless Hotel, Jönköping
Best Western Plus Victoria Hotel, Stavanger
Photo: Jason Strong
Photo: Jan Malmström
Hotel Kung Carl, Stockholm
How does it look around Europe for those countries that are a part of Hotelstars Union and can one expect the same standard of a four-star hotel in say, Greece, which joined in 2013, as in Sweden? “Greece is currently implementing the Hotelstars Union system. Though we are talking about 10,000 hotels so most likely it will take a few years before all the hotels are classified. But otherwise, the goal is that the standard per star level should be comparable in most hotels in Europe which are in the system”, says Rikard. What about those countries outside the EU and Europe – attempts to establish an international classification have been made but yet to succeed, what are the plans for the future? “We have focused on Europe and the EU member countries and within the framework of Hotelstars Union we have had enough work with co-ordinating Europe. An international classification will take much longer to establish. Therefore we shall continue to use the various international chains’ ‘own’ classifications though it may not
The Winery, Stockholm
always be easy to know what the various chains’ brands stand for. But the star classification still provides a quick and pretty good picture of the hotel’s standard and level of service”, according to Rikard. In Scandinavia, Best Western, which is one of the world’s largest hotel families, has also developed its own system. “We are also in Hotelstars Union, which means that all our hotels are graded according to their system, but then there are some different categories that are only in our own classifications”, says Johan Kukacka, CEO of Best Western in Scandinavia. “All Best Western hotels are either 3 or 4 stars, which offer a high-standard of accommodation, then we also have the Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier ranges, and the latest addition, the BW Premier Collection. These offer an expanded range of hotel services and refurbishing requirements, such as 24-hour reception, more foreign television channels, higher quality bed linen and towels, an expanded breakfast selection, as well as a restaurant and bar on site”, continues Johan.
04.16 BEST WAY 21
Photo: Jason Strong
Hotel stars explained
What is the trend within Best Western in Scandinavia – what are hotels investing in and what should travellers expect in each of the hotel categories? “Our hotels invest a lot in being personal and individual. Since all the hotels are privately owned, it feels that the quality and service is genuine and not generated centrally. Guests expect to get a product that matches what they pay for, whether the hotel has three or four stars, and they often use the star classification as a first guide when choosing a hotel”, says Johan.
The Winery, Stockholm
Photo: Jan Malmström
So what should you expect for each rating?
HHH • The reception shall be open for at least 14 hours a day and be available by telephone for the remaining hours. • The staff shall be bilingual, including English. • Bathrooms shall have a shower or bath and toilet, heater, hair dryer and facial wipes. • Colour TV with remote control, telephone, internet access, large mirror, luggage rack, laundry and ironing services, as well as opportunities for shoe shine plus an extra blanket and pillow on demand.
HHHH
HHHHH • The reception shall be open around the clock. • The staff should be multilingual. • Porter and valet parking. • Bellboy. • Spacious reception with a variety of seating plus the serving of drinks. • Minibar in the room, and drinks from room service available around the clock. • Toiletries in the room. • A safe, internet and computer in the room. • Ironing and shoe shine service. • Turn-down in the evening.
22 BEST WAY 04.16
Hotel Kung Carl, Stockholm
Photo: Max Sjögren
• The reception shall be open for 18 hours and available by phone around the clock. • There should be a lobby with seating. • Rooms should have access to beverages, breakfast/menu via room service, comfortable sofa with a table or chair, bathrobe and slippers on request, cosmetic products and a make-up mirror shall be available. • There must be access to internet and computers, plus access to an à la carte restaurant.
4**** “The heart of Gothenburg is just around the corner!”
Best Western Plus Hotel Mektagonen Our hotel are close to Liseberg, Svenska Mässan, Landvetter Airport and City center. All of our 149 rooms are at least 32 square meters, all the rooms have kitchens and some have sauna! With us there is room for warmth and personal service! JUST A SHORT WALK TO LISEBERG! Christmas at Liseberg
Christmas at Liseberg
A warm welcome!
ss! Följ o
Falkenbergsgatan 3 ~ SE-412 85 GÖTEBORG +46 (0) 31-387 90 00 ~ info@hotelmektagonen.se ~ www.hotelmektagonen.se
SKIDSEMESTER
BO I RENOVERADE BEST WESTERN STÖTEN SKI HOTEL
TEL BEST WESTERN STÖTEN SKI HO PRISEXEMPEL DYGN V.2 834:-/VUXEN I DUBBEL RUM, SKIPASS OCH FRUKOST
SÄLENS BÄSTA SKIDÅKNING Boka på 0280-75 000 eller www.stoten.se
Stöten_BW_180x122.indd 1
2015-11-19 09:36:03
Photo: Ole Hartmann Schmidt
Aarhus is a lovely mix of old and new, hot and trendy, cool and relaxed. Denmark’s second city is definitely worth a visit during 2017. Text: Thomas Madsen
Aarhus City of Culture 2017 Aarhus City Hall
24 BEST WAY 04.16
Aarhus Photo: SeaRangers Aarhus
Photo: Anders Hede
Photo: Jonas Høholt
Møllestein
L
ong before it was decided that Aarhus would become Capital of Culture 2017, Denmark's second largest city had a reputation for mixing old and new with cool and trendy in an exciting melting pot, and therefore has long been a popular destination. Now, when the Capital of Culture year is upon us, Aarhus has emerged as one of the cities you just have to visit. It is not hard to understand why the city has become so popular. There is culture in abundance, including one of Europe’s largest art museums – ARoS, a wide selection of restaurants and cafés, as well as architecture that spans from the 1400s up to today’s’ exciting modern structures. The different districts in central Aarhus also reflect the city’s transformation over the centuries. One of the most famous and trendy districts is the so-called Latin Quarter, which is the oldest part of Aarhus. In these cosy quarters thrives street life among the cobbled
Musikhuset
pavements, offering the latest fashion and design boutiques, along with countless restaurants, bars and cafés. In the Old Town there are no less than 75 historic buildings in a big outdoor museum. Here you get a vivid insight into the history of the city dating back to the 16th century. Another picturesque part of Aarhus is Møllerstien, a collective name for an area of small charming houses, mostly from the late 1800s. But it has not always looked like it does today. The area was initially very poor, and in 1960 they took a decision to demolish the whole area in order to build new. However, some of the dilapidated houses were occupied by artists and students, who started renovating them themselves, and today it has become an idyllic element in the street scene. Students in Aarhus have continued to shape the development of the city and now you will find many of them in Trøjborg, which is almost a city in itself,
with a lively atmosphere and a wide selection of restaurants, cafés and shops. Other areas of interest worth mentioning are Fredriksberg, the part of town that has undergone the greatest transformation in recent years, which has attracted many new residents, especially from the younger generation, and of course the most central parts around Strøget and Vadestedet which also offer both shopping and café life. But of course, 2017 promises fantastic cultural experiences. There are several world-class museums and during the Capital of Culture year Aarhus will become a great cultural laboratory, under the theme Let’s Rethink. The ambition is to create innovative solutions to society’s challenges assisted by a number of events and no less than 350 cultural projects, a reason as good as any to visit Aarhus before and during the cultural year.
04.16 BEST WAY 25
Aarhus ARoS Aarhus Kunstmueum
What's happening during 2017?
Opening – 20-21 January – is the official opening date when the whole city celebrates with a host of children, pageantry and Viking spirits. 8 April-30 July – taking place in three different themes, past, present and future, The Garden explores human stories and changes of nature. It takes place in various places in Aarhus, partly ARoS.
Eating and drinking: Casablanca – brasserie, cafe and bar all-in-one. Casablanca can be found right in the middle of the Latin Quarter, next door to the cathedral. www.cafe-casablanca.dk Café Viggo – lovely cafe by the river in Aarhus, famous for their cakes. www.cafeviggo.dk Fredrikshøj - one of three Michelin Restaurants in Aarhus (the other two are Gastromé and Substance), run by award-winning chef Wassin Hallal, Denmark’s answer to Gordon Ramsey. Has also been named Denmark’s best restaurant. www.fredrikshoj.com Domestic - known for its simple dishes made from local ingredients served in a cool, slightly rough industrial environment. www.restaurantdomestic.dk Kähler Villa Spisesalon
25 May-1 July – performance of Røde Orm, a classic Viking tale performed on the roof of Moesgaard Museum, a collaboration between the Royal Theatre, Moesgaard and Aarhus 2017.
Isbjerget, Aarhus Island
26 BEST WAY 04.16
Kähler Villa Dining – Kählervillan, one of the city’s best gourmet restaurants, offers Nordic food experiences in a beautiful environment. Prefer a more informal setting? - then try genuine Danish open sandwiches at the sister restaurant Kähler Spisesalon, mentioned in the Nordic Cities Michelin Guide. www.villadining.dk www.spisesalon.dk
ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum - www.aros.dk Moesgaard Museum - www.moesgaard.dk Musikhuset Aarhus – www.musikhusetaarhus.dk Kunsthal Aarhus – www.kunsthalaarhus.dk
Architecture: Aarhus rådhus – built between 19371941 and designed by Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller. Seen today as an icon in Aarhus. Rådhuspladsen 2. Isbjerget – a unique project in residential construction and an architectural gem, located in a new district, Aarhus Island, next to the sea. The youngest neighbourhood in Aarhus offers several exciting architectural creations. Jette Tikjøbs Plads Dook 1 – a culture and multimedia centre, including library. Hack Kampmanns Plads 2.
Best Western hotel: Best Western The Mayor Hotel www.themayor.dk For more information visit: www.visitaarhus.dk
Photo: SeaRangers Aarhus
Welcome 2018 – there will be a festive end to the year, which welcomes in 2018 under the slogan ‘Your future starts today’. It will also present twelve full moon events, one for each month, with different themes and content. In addition, there will be plenty of other cultural events such as exhibitions, music, movies and much more.
Art and culture:
Key Management Informatikai megoldások Systems – the KeySafeLock series – W HY K E Y M A N A G E M E NT I S N E E D E D?
Keys should be stored in a safe place Keys should be used by right persons Control keys and users Tracking key usages Key inventory Have always up-do-date information about keys
Security Keys are secured by electric engine driven locks and RFID tags. Access to keys using PIN code and/or card. What an intelligent key management system can do for you? you know exactly where your keys are you know who is using the key keep track of usages define rights for users add/remove users, cards and keys users will access the keys only with permission view reports safe storage manage keys in several buildings from a central office Who needs key management? Banks Government institutions Military Power plants Hotels, hostels, resorts Conference centers Universities, colleges Gaming industries Corporate buildings Property management Security companies Automotive businesses Car rentals & Fleet management Hospitals, Healthcare facilities and many more…
KEY MANAGEMENT „Who took what keys and when?” Problems around keys Keys get used by wrong person Keys get borrowed They get lost and found by unathorized people They are often forgotten to return Items may be accessed by external staff If more people are entitled to use a certain key and it is taken by one of them, who knows where the key is at the moment?
Security You always now who removed the key and when it was taken or returned. Define access rights to users individually. Monitor how often it was accessed and by whom. Invoke alerts in case of missing key or overdue keys. Secure storage in steel cabinets or safes
Solution Managed access control system for keys, valuables and different items Illuminated and flashing key positions make finding keys very easy Access via a user-friendly touch PIN-pad and card reader Return any key to any open key-place and the system will remember the new position Permanent positions can also be configured Provides access records and reports Helps reducing cost – less lost keys lead to lower expenses and higher security Improves efficiency Access is fully monitorable Comprehensive management and reports available remotely
Advantages Real-time transactions Control access to cabinets and to all keys and/or compartments Convenient acessability Scalability – Decide about how many key positions you need now and how many to expand later Combine key positions and storage boxes within one system Key capacity can grow together with your needs It can cooperate with other systems Accountability and responsibility – reporting user and key activit. Software on the cabinet’s screen shows what keys are in and what is missing 24h - 36h operation from backup battery power (depends on usage) Optional WiFi connection Optional SMS and E-mail alerts Optional built-in Camera module
Manage valuables Gain access not only to keys but also to different assets You can put several valuables into the boxes: tools, mobile phones with charging function, ID cards, documents, etc. Use the your RFID card, PIN code , or fingerprint to access both keys and items.
04.16 BEST WAY 27
Travel Photo: Thomas Madsen
Genteel dining and hot clubbing or a relaxed afternoon tea with champagne, the Danish way. These are just a few of the culinary experiences you can enjoy in the Danish capital. The Manzel restaurant in Nørrebro has embraced the concept of dining and clubbing and has opened L'affaire Supper Club, a concept inspired by other cities abroad, where it mixes a dining experience followed by music. If you like it lot calmer then Nimb’s Bar, neighbour to the famous Tivoli Gardens, has re-launched its version of afternoon tea, under the leadership of baker Torben Plank. Here you can warm up by the fireplace, enjoy the champagne, different kinds of tea and nibble on canapés and cakes. Perfect on a cold winters day.
Winter paradise, FjordNorge, is starting a new venture – Ski and Train in Vanahalsen. The mountains that surround the legendary Flåmsbanan are very popular for skiing and have been called Norway’s answer to St. Moritz. In 2014 Lonely Planet called the track the world’s most amazing train journey and with the help of the train, you can easily move between the alluring slopes. Photo: Fredrik Schenholm - vistnorway.com
Culinary experiences in Copenhagen
Ski and Train in Norway
Global masters New Best Western White Guide presents some of, not just the Nordic countries, but the world’s best restaurants in its category Global Masters. Among those mentioned are: Esperanto in Stockholm, Fäviken Magasinet in Åre and Maaemo in Oslo, together with Daniel Berlin in Tranås, Skåne, Kong Hans Kaelder in Copenhagen, PM & Vänner in Växjö, Koka in Gothenburg and Restaurant Koch in Aarhus, Denmark, to name just a few on the impressive list.
Plus hotel in Oslo
The first Best Western Plus hotel in Oslo will open its doors in January 2017 with the name Best Western Plus City Hotel. It is the former My City Home Hotel which re-opens after the interior has undergone a refurbishment. It is a trendy, modern apartment hotel located right in the heart of the city, just a stones throw from Karl Johans Gate.
The world’s best museum shop in Denmark Louisiana, the Danish Museum of Modern Art, situated in Humlebaek about half an hours drive from Copenhagen, has been awarded the prestigious Leading Destination Culture Award for the best museum shop. Louisiana is in good company with museums such as London’s Tate Modern, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and The Broad i Los Angeles. Louisiana’s shop gets the prize for ‘the great combination of Scandinavian coolness and fun’.
If you need a break from palm trees and swimming pools in Bangkok, then take a trip to Jesada Technik Museum, a half hour’s drive from the capital, in the small village of Nakon Pathom. The museum has long been an institution in the automobile world, and the collection owned by businessman, Jesada Dejsakulrits includes everything from classic cars, buses, motorcycles and rickshaws, to planes and trains. 28 BEST WAY 04.16
Photo: Ulrik Jantzen
Dream Thai destination for motor enthusiasts
Stop dirt at the entrance... Kåbe Scraper Grids Pressed steel or rubber nonslip strips
The scraper grid is normally placed outside the entrance door. Where possible, over a deeper recess where the dirt can collect over a long time without any need to lift the grid for cleaning. Scraper grids are available in several different designs.
Kåbe Kombi
Perfect, where it is not possible to prevent the passage of heavy trolleys! Kåbe Kombi is the high-heels-friendly, hardwearing rollable entrance mat that is a good alternative to the Kåbe Original Mat. Kåbe Kombi is fitted with strips of brush, textile or rubber. These can also be combined with each other on the same mat.
...we have the answers! Kåbe Original Colour Available in red and grey! Kåbe-Mattan AB • Sågverksvägen 10A • SE-716 93 Fjugesta, Sweden Tel. +46 (0) 585-255 50 • Fax. +46 (0) 585-255 59 e-mail@kabe-mattan.se • www.kabe-mattan.se
Kåbe Original Mat is now available with rubber in red or grey as an alternative to Kåbe Original Mat with black rubber. The function is just as good, but allows new design options.
Offers
Discover Universeum
Northern lights
World class skiing
Enjoy an unforgettable day of knowledge and entertainment in Gothenburg with our Universeum package. It includes entry tickets to Universeum and one night in one of our large standard rooms with a delicious breakfast buffet. You also have free access to our relax area with sauna where you can relax after a day of adventure. Offer valid 1 Dec. 2016 until 28 Feb. 2017. The package includes 1-night stay for 2 adults + 2 children (< 13 yrs) • 1-day ticket to Universeum for 2 adults + 2 children (< 13 yrs) • Breakfast buffet Price 2,000 SEK per room. Booking code WINTER. Best Western Plus Hotel Mektagonen Booking: +46 31 387 90 00 info@hotelmektagonen.se
Experience the Northern Lights in beautiful surroundings by spending a weekend in the middle of Lofoten. The winter in Lofoten is the perfect location for taking amazing pictures, and photographers from all over the world travel here for the unique motives. Offer valid until 28 Feb. 2017. The package includes 2-night stay in a double room • 2-course dinner on both evenings in our lovely restaurant
Enjoy two days skiing at Narvik Mountain, a world class ski area. Best Western Narvik Hotell located across the street, has 40 rooms, a restaurant on site, free parking and an area for ski tuning. Guests receive a ski pass at check in. Offer valid Nov. 2016 until Apr. 2017. The package includes 2-night stay for 2 people in a double room • Best Breakfast by Tina Nordström • Dinner for 2 nights • Ski pass for 2 days.
Price 1,650 NOK per person Booking code LOFNORTH. Best Western Lofoten Hotell Booking: +47 76 05 44 30
Price 1,725 NOK per night. Booking code NARSKIPAKKE. Best Western Narvik Hotell Booking: +47 76 96 48 00 service@narvikhotell.no
Relax to the max
Local gourmet specialities
Kick back and treat yourselves to a weekend of relaxation in Eskilstuna. Just ten minutes walk away is River Relax – the ultimate in relaxation, with a combination of the latest technology in the art of pampering. Worship the sun in the sunroom, savour the infusion sauna with essential oils and unwind in the sanarium. In the evening enjoy a Lebanese dinner at Meze Lounge. The offer is valid from 12 Dec. 2016 – 19 Feb. 2017. The package includes 1-night stay in a double room (Fri-Sun – not holidays) • Best Breakfast by Tina Nordström • Entrance to River Relax (min 18-yrs old) + 1 bottle of sparkling wine and seasonal fruit • 2-course meal at Meze Lounge. Price 2,180 SEK for 2 people (over 18 yrs only). Booking code BESTWAY. Best Western Plaza Hotel Booking: +46 16-15 00 00 / info@plazahotel.nu
Spoil yourself with a gourmet stay at the Best Western Hotel Royal in charming western Denmark. The central location in Holstebro is a key starting point for experiencing the west coast and for enjoying local specialities at Restaurant Under Klippen. Available on Fri-Sat/Sat-Sun including the Danish school holidays. The package includes 1-night stay in double room • 3-course dinner with snacks, appetizers and coffee/tea at Restaurant Under Klippen • Scandinavian Breakfast. Price 799 DKK per person in shared double room (A single room can be booked for an additional DKK 250). Booking code GOURMET. Best Western Hotel Royal +45 97 40 23 33 / hotelroyal@hotel-royal.dk
Our hotel packages can also be found on: bestwestern.dk / bestwestern.no / bestwestern.se Each Best Western® branded hotel is independently owned and operated.
Narvik Leknes
Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Scandinavia
Luleå
Skellefteå
Steinkjer
Umeå
Trondheim Östersund
Sweden 020-792 752 www.bestwestern.se
Ålesund Måløy
Sæbø
Sundsvall
Nordfjordeid
Norway 800 11 624 www.bestwestern.no
Hudiksvall
Årdalstangen
Sogndal
Söderhamn
Sälen Rättvik
Bergen Eidsvoll/Dal
Oslo
Borlänge Gardermoen
Ludvika
Lillestrøm
Gävle
Geta
Avesta
Booking and Member services:
Denmark 80 01 09 88 www.bestwestern.dk
Uppsala Västerås Arlanda Köping Bromma Åkersberga Horten Årjäng Karlstad Stockholm Örebro Eskilstuna Halden Strängnäs Askersund Lidköping Motala Vänersborg Norrköping Skara Linköping Uddevalla Trollhättan Tranås
Kongsberg Stavanger
Kristiansand
Frederikshavn
Göteborg
Aalborg
Fagersta
Borås
Jönköping
Kungsbacka Vrigstad
Västervik
Vimmerby Vetlanda Oskarshamn
Visby
Skive Halmstad Viborg Kalmar Holstebro Ljungby Randers Silkeborg Herning Aarhus Karlshamn Helsingborg Horsens Vejle Kristianstad København Fredericia
Odense Svendborg
Malmö Trelleborg
3 4 11 4 7
VI PRESENTERAR
EN HELT NY BANBRYTANDE HONDA CIVIC PREMIÄR MARS 2017
Kontakta din Honda-återförsäljare för mer information eller läs mer på honda.se.