My brother and I are traveling to Sweden next fall. We plan mid September ‘26 for our visit. Time in Stockholm(history, architecture etc) but we have cousins who are seniors like us in the Linkopping area. I would not presume to stay with them, but do not mean to offend. Would getting a hotel room nearby be seen as kind or insulting somehow? We’re all getting older. It’s with an open heart we want to meet and engage with them. I’ve never met them, but other family has, and I’ve been emailing and getting acquainted. They will help us find all the “old places”. I’m only 2nd generation American. Super excited to explore my roots. Thanks in advance! Nancy
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7048 posts
Always a delicate matter, when meeting up with relatives you haven't met in person before. Perhaps you could ask if they have any recommendations for accommodations near them. That then allows them to either invite you to stay with them, or to suggest a hotel, etc.
Posted by
Duluth, MN🌲
11404 posts
I wouldn't assume that they would be insulted. In fact, I would just tell them when you email that you are going to be there and would love to get together and meet for dinner or something like that. Then tell them where you will be staying so that they know that you already have something booked.
It would be different if you knew them. And quite frankly I think that if they wanted you to stay with them, they probably would have suggested it already. That's my opinion of course and I could be wrong.
My daughter and I are going to Norway next year and we are going to stop by and visit some cousins of her husband. He has met them but she has not, so we are staying at a nearby hotel and then plan to go out to dinner with them.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
922 posts
With the exception of my aunt and uncle with whom I was very close, I was preemptive in my approach and booked a hotel each time I visited places where cousins lived both in Norway and Sweden. I then let them know where we were staying and that I hoped to plan some visits with them.
Posted by
Freedonia
18599 posts
I don't see how getting a hotel room would offend them. If they want you to stay with them, they will invite you.
If they found out you were in the area and didn't contact them, then they might get offended.
Posted by
Gothenburg, Scandinavia
242 posts
I agree with the other forum members. It is up to your relatives to decide if there should be an invitation issued to stay with them. Just tell them you will be in town and where you have chosen to stay. They can then at any time offer you an invitation. Most Scandinavians would like to get to know people somewhat, and meet them, before inviting them to stay in their home. Many of them would prefer to have the dinner at a "neutral" place, such as a restaurant, to see how things unfold. But there are also exceptions.
Posted by
Gothenburg, Scandinavia
242 posts
Consider staying at Hilma Winblad heritage bed & breakfast. Having gone to the provincial semi-capital Linköping for the very first time just two years ago, this unexpectedly turned out to be one of the most charming accommodations i have ever experienced anywhere. Located in what can only be described as an open air museum with old timbered buildings there was a wonderful tranquility and sleep was amazing. Just 12 rooms. Linköping was all right. Hilma Winblad was a true delight!
Posted by
222 posts
This question is individual and country dependent. I have both Swedish and Polish relatives. The Polish ones would be highly offended if I stayed at a hotel while the Swedes wouldn't mind at all. Book the hotel, give them your travel details and leave it up to them to invite you to stay.