Growing your green credentials

One of the tallest wooden buildings in the world, The Wood Hotel by Elite in Skellefteå should be on every architecture fan’s must-stay list. Built using timber sourced from within a 40-mile radius of this small city in Västerbotten County, each room was constructed off-site before being assembled like toy construction bricks. 

This extraordinary hotel is actually carbon-negative: All that wood absorbs carbon dioxide, and the hotel draws all its energy from renewable sources to the point that it creates more than it needs, with surplus energy fed back into the city’s network. Artificial intelligence controls the heating system, automatically lowering panels between two panes of glass to protect the building in windy weather. 

That planet-saving ethos is woven through every detail—without compromising on style. Each of the 205 rooms in this 20-story tower is furnished with biodegradable (and super-stylish) leather and wool, while you can lounge across reindeer furs with a hot chocolate on Restaurant Mandel’s outdoor terrace.

Not only is it planet-first, it’s also people-first. Thirteen rooms are accessible, thoughtfully designed to make the stay as comfortable as possible, with details such as extra-wide doorways for wheelchairs, a bigger shower, and an additional roll-out, floor-level mattress. Add dogs, too, to the list of those welcomed: Book one of the 16 pet-friendly rooms on their own floor and your pup will have a blanket, bowl and snacks. Whether they’ll appreciate the view, however, we’ll never know.

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The bigger picture

What guests say

Fantastic hotel in the center of town. Large, beautiful lobby, warm and welcoming staff at reception who only wanted the best experience for us. The spa is the finishing touch: great design, pleasant service, quiet, and with a fantastic view from the outdoor pool. Several saunas which were lovely to use and such nice areas to relax with something to read… We’ll be back.
Raymond, Norway 


We had an absolutely fantastic overnight stay at The Wood Hotel. We stayed on the 18th floor with a breathtaking view of Skellefteå. The room felt really fresh and well maintained with a real Nordic feel about the interiors. The breakfast was one of the most impressive hotel breakfasts we’ve ever eaten—that alone is reason enough to spend a night at this hotel. We are already thinking about when we’ll return.
Johanna, Sweden 


I loved it! Everything was excellent. The view, the rooms, the fabulous breakfast! Everything was 100. 
Carmen, Mexico