Friends of RG: Malin
Friend (and sister-in-law) of RG: Malin
In films, in-laws are often portrayed as these annoying, intrusive relatives that can ruin any holiday with their mere presence. But the thing is, for me it is completely the opposite. I have two brothers and I have been blessed (yes, almost getting a little religious there) with the two most amazing sisters-in-law. This is one of them, the amazing Malin who is married to my younger brother Fredrick, and is the mother to three little blond nieces who I love to bits. Malin is a creative, forward-thinker. She is a real entrepreneur and has a wicked sense of humor (which is a must in our family, not to be ostracized). She is generous, caring and patient (she is married to my brother ;-)). She loves to run and has a special place in her heart for Italy (another must in our family). And just like me, Malin is a hotel-fanatic.
What hotel were you staying at when you first realised that you were a hotel-fanatic?
"Funny enough, the moment I became a fanatic started with a realization of what I never wanted in a hotel. It was a seriously run-down, dingy, and incredibly dirty place in New York. It was so bad it ruined the entire start of the trip. When we quickly checked out and swung the other way - I realised how much a quality stay elevates the entire travel experience. It was the negative that defined the positive. I've been chasing that feeling ever since!"
What kind of hotels do you usually go for?
"I lean towards modern, fresh, and generally newer hotels. I’m a big fan of the ESS Group hotels in the Nordics because they manage to feel modern without being sterile or stripped-down; they still have a great, warm vibe. But I also absolutely adore properties that celebrate history, like Hasselbacken in Stockholm, where they’ve preserved the feel of an older building. So, a hotel that is either sparkling new or one that shows great respect for its heritage—as long as it’s impeccably clean and has a personality!"
Malin is a huge fan of ESS Group a chain of hotels working with hotels in the Nordics. This is one of their hotels, Pigalle in Gothenburg.
What has been your most memorable hotel stay thus far? And why?
"Hands down, it’s the METT Hotel in Estepona (near Marbella). A five-star gem right on the beach. I’m picky, but the level of service their staff provides is simply outstanding. They achieve that perfect balance of being present but not intrusive, making you feel both pampered and completely at ease. Everything from the design to the food to the beachfront location was extraordinary. It set a new benchmark for five-star service for me."
3 of your musts when staying at a hotel?
The Breakfast. It needs to be exceptional. A great day starts with a great meal, and I expect the breakfast offering to reflect the hotel's overall quality.
The Service. Personalized, attentive, and genuinely warm. I want to feel like they care that I'm there.
Cleanliness/Freshness. This is a dealbreaker. I will never return to a hotel that doesn't meet my standards for being modern and spotlessly clean. Yes, I'm picky—but that's also what my clients expects from me, haha!
If you have stayed at any of the hotels featured on SbRG, which one is your favourite?
"I’ve been fortunate enough to stay at several of the ones featured here in Sweden, but my current favorite is Ellery Beach House. It just manages to combine that relaxed resort feeling with a unique, chic design, making you feel instantly transported even though it’s just outside Stockholm. They also manage to handle bigger groups without cutting down on service or expectations.”
Malin really loves Ellery Beach House, located on the island of Lindingö, close to Stockholm.
Which of the featured hotels on Selected by RG are on the top of your wish list to stay at?
"Oh, the list is long! But the one calling my name right now is Monastero Arx Vivendi in Arco, Italy. I absolutely love the city and the surrounding area. To stay in a beautifully converted monastery with that atmosphere and proximity to such stunning nature and history would be a dream."
Malin is dreaming of booking a stay at Monastero Arx Vivendi, a converted monastery in Arco, next to Lake Garda in Italy. I totally understand why. It is a great hotel.
Are there any hotels you think should be featured on Selected by RG in the future?
"Yes! And this is a direct recommendation: The METT Hotel in Estepona. As I mentioned, the service is truly world-class, the beachfront design is stunning, and it offers that full lifestyle experience that aligns perfectly with the aesthetic of SbRG. I think your readers would absolutely love it!"
