More than just Swedish meatballs! The world’s only IKEA hotel announces expansion, making the dream of staying in a blue labyrinth come true

Key takeaways

• The world’s only IKEA hotel is in the small Swedish town of Älmhult and is currently undergoing its largest expansion yet.
• The hotel began as a 25-room motel in 1964, and renovations are expected to be completed in fall 2028.
• After the expansion, it will have around 300 rooms, along with a new indoor swimming pool and a courtyard with a forest-like atmosphere.
• During construction, the hotel will remain open with around 170 rooms available, so travelers planning a Nordic trip can book ahead.

We’re halfway through 2026, and many women have already begun quietly planning long-haul trips for the second half of the year. If you enjoy the pace of Scandinavian life, there’s exciting news: the world’s only IKEA hotel, in Älmhult, Sweden, has announced a major expansion. Who would have thought that the giant blue maze we’re so familiar with has a historic hotel at its birthplace that has been open since 1964?

• Related reading: The architecture alone is worth the trip! The list of the world’s 7 most beautiful museums for 2026 is out. Which one do you most want to visit?

From a 25-room inn to today

The story of this hotel dates back to 1964. At the time, IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad built a small 25-room inn beside the first brick-and-mortar store, giving guests who had traveled to the small town of Älmhult to shop a place to stay. After decades of renovations and expansions, it has continued to offer local residents and travelers a warm, home-like welcome. Warm wooden furnishings and classic discontinued pieces from different eras tucked into every corner make it more than a place to stay for the night; it feels like a living museum of Scandinavian design.

Set for completion in fall 2028: upgraded facilities and 300 rooms

To welcome more design lovers from around the world, the IKEA hotel has officially announced a large-scale renovation and expansion project, expected to be completed in fall 2028. The upgrade will increase its room count to around 300 and add new conference spaces, a multipurpose building with a restaurant, and a comfortable indoor swimming pool.

Step into the guest rooms and you’ll find familiar clean lines and practical storage solutions. The hotel features a wide range of the latest IKEA products, while every floor has a spacious shared area. Its extensive facilities are another major draw. Along with a free gym and laundry room, the hotel even has an authentic Swedish sauna. At dinnertime, head to the hotel restaurant on the first floor for classic Swedish meatballs and fresh salmon, for an authentic taste of everyday Swedish life.

Although construction is in full swing, the hotel remains open, with around 170 rooms available for guests. Next time you’re planning a Nordic trip, consider adding this quiet little town to your itinerary and checking the official website for a room that suits you.

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