Today, Strawberry is opening the doors to the very first hotel in its new Stopover chain – a completely new concept of modern roadside hotels located along Sweden’s major highways. Stopover Falkenberg is now officially open, and it has also been confirmed that the next hotel will be built in Mariestad, with a planned opening in 2026.
Domestic and intra-Nordic travel has increased significantly since 2019, creating a greater need for convenient and accessible accommodation for travelers on their way to and from their destinations. In February 2024, Strawberry announced its plans to launch Stopover – a hotel chain designed for people who want to recharge themselves, their cars, their laundry, and perhaps even their dog, all in one place. The first hotel is now complete in Falkenberg, where guests can check in starting today.
– We’re incredibly excited to finally be able to welcome guests to Stopover Falkenberg from today. Our aim is to offer a place where people can both relax and recharge, whether they’re staying to enjoy beautiful Falkenberg or just passing through, says Andreas Andersson, General Manager, Stopover Falkenberg.
– Today marks a milestone for our new Stopover hotel chain with the Viaggio restaurant. I’m thrilled that our very first opening is here in Falkenberg – a brand-new destination for Strawberry. I truly believe this new concept will bring something unique to the local hotel market. To announce Mariestad as our next location makes this even more exciting. Its position right by the southern entrance from the E20 makes it an ideal and natural stop for families, sports teams, and business travelers alike, says hotel owner Petter Stordalen.
Mariestad Becomes the Next Strategic Stopover Location
Strawberry and Slättö have now signed a land agreement for a new development in Mariestad, and planning for the construction start is already underway. The goal is to open the new hotel at Haggården – right by the southern entrance from the E20 – at the end of 2026.
– We’re delighted to have signed a land agreement in Mariestad. It’s a central hub both for car travelers across Sweden and for business establishments, and it’s been high on our priority list. We’re now starting the planning phase for the new Stopover location, while also continuing discussions with landowners at other strategic roadside locations around Sweden for future developments, says Erik Möller, Head of Hotels at Slättö.
The target group for Stopover includes business travelers, families, and sports teams, as well as people needing temporary housing during transition periods. Each hotel will have 151 rooms, EV charging, a gym, playroom, laundry facilities, meeting rooms/phone booths, a dog park, and a restaurant.
The hotels are built in Säffle from timber grown in the forests of Värmland and assembled at each location. Sustainability is a key focus of the project, with buildings designed around renewable energy production using solar panels and geothermal heating, as well as resource-efficient digital solutions.
All Stopover hotels will feature a brand-new dining concept – Viaggio. With a varied Italian menu for both children and adults, focusing on quality, speed, and authentic flavors, Viaggio fills a long-standing gap in the current roadside dining options. The restaurant is open to both hotel guests and passers-by, with a drive-through service for motorists who want good food without a long stop.
Construction of the new hotel will begin once all necessary building permits and approvals have been granted.
