Barbara Balfour

Fed up with impersonal hotel chains? They’re easily avoided in the artsy Swedish capital. Whether you’re looking for somewhere cheap so you can enjoy Sweden's nightlife, an uber-chic boutique for elevated comfort, or special-occasion luxe for when its time to go all out, the very best hotels in Stockholm can all offer bang for your krona. Plenty of the top boltholes are centrally located. And a third plus: here as in few other cities, you’ll most likely get a side order of swish Nordic style in your room. Some hotels boast incredible architecture and interiors, many are steeped in fascinating local history, and others are also home to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. Whatever your budget, you’ll find something apt in our pick of Stockholm’s best hotels. Updated August 2024: Ever wondered where celebrities stay in Stockholm? The Grand Hotel is the answer, and we've just added it to the list...  RECOMMENDED: 🇸🇪 Check out the best Airbnbs in Stockholm🍷 Plan your next adventure in Stockholm🚲 Here's Where to stay in Stockholm Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Before the Lydmar was a member of the Small Luxury Hotel group, the building was home to the archives of the Swedish National Museum. It’s only fitting for its exquisitely decorated rooms, lobbies and hallways to serve as a showcase for rotating art and photography exhibitions. Never stuffy or overdone, the guest rooms feature period fireplaces, Nespresso machines, surround sound and the vibe of being in your best friend’s home (which just happens to be very expensive). In other words, you won’t be overly afraid to break anything, it’s comfortable enough to sprawl out as if in your own living room, and you’ll be breathlessly waiting to go back. Suites come with separate living room areas, a working desk and a guest bathroom; many offer harbour views that are especially breathtaking to wake up to. Each of the five floors features its own upscale lounge space which can be used to entertain guests or rented out for private functions. An outdoor second-floor terrace is a well-kept secret in the summers, serving lunch or cocktails over live music and occasional club events; a sprawling patio at the front of the hotel is ideal for sunset and people-watching. There’s also room service until 1 a.m. and an excellent breakfast included with your stay offers both buffet and a la carte options, while several Michelin-starred restaurants are right next door. NeighbourhoodNorrmalm is Stockholm’s busiest neighborhood, home to the main shopping street, Mood Stockholm shopping mall and famous

Before it became the only hotel on the island, Skeppsholmen enjoyed past lives as a hospital, a temporary prison and the Royal naval barracks for officers of the Swedish king. Despite their more than 300 years of history–and structural changes not being allowed during renovations–the 81 guest rooms are in excellent shape. Sleek, modern furnishings and rustic décor are juxtaposed next to tributes in the form of a plaque in every room that conveys important historical details relevant to each space. Guests may practice their serve on Sweden’s first outdoor tennis court (built in 1882), swim in the harbour or sunbathe on the waterfront terrace, from which direct views of the old town, Djurgården, and Södermalm can be enjoyed. At the hotel’s restaurant, Långa Råden, locally-sourced seasonal ingredients include honey from the property’s multiple beehives as well as the offerings of the garden’s elderflower and apple trees. Don’t miss the homemade Pilsner sausages and mustard, or the local beers and spirits. Complimentary breakfast comes with in-house baked bread. There’s also a mini-gym onsite, but you might as well get your exercise by walking to any of the numerous museums in the immediate vicinity. NeighbourhoodSkeppsholmen is Stockholm’s smallest and greenest island, also known as the Island of Museums. It’s home to the Museum of Modern Art, the architectural museum and Östasiatiska Muséet (East-Asian museum) as well as the site of the popular summer event, Stockholm Jazz Fest

Unlike its namesake, who was a statesman, founder of Stockholm and important figure in Swedish history, the Birger Jarl Hotel isn’t stately. But this centrally located, comfortable gem does provide great value for money in one of the most expensive cities in the world. A range of accommodation options include a choice of recently refurbished suites, junior suites and studios from among 271 guest rooms. Some include kitchenettes for extended stays; while all have either a bathtub or shower, suites feature both, as well as multiple TVs. Powerful showers, comfortable armchairs and minibars, tea/coffee machines and modern lighting and décor are features of every individually designed room. Pets are welcome for an additional charge; there’s also parking, free Wifi, and a breakfast buffet offering Swedish staples such as meatballs and mustard herring, a make-your-own-waffle station and gluten free/lactose-free alternatives. While the location ensures you’re already well-connected to shopping, restaurants and other points of interest, you won’t want to miss the AfterWork jazz evenings held every Wednesday in the lobby bar. NeighbourhoodA bustling neighbourhood in north-central Stockholm, Vasastan is home to most of the city’s second-hand record shops, ethnic restaurants and points of interest such as the old Stockholm Observatory, the Jewish Museum and the home of world-famous children's author and creator of Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren.  Nearby1. A Bit of the Old Touch: For

Music lovers might particularly appreciate the Pop Hotel’s shared entrance with the Abba Museum, or the fact that one of its owners is former band member Bjorn Ulvaeus. Opened in 2013, the hotel’s 49 rooms, brightly decorated with accents of purple and lime green, are filled with light thanks to panoramic sliding windows. Guests are offered a choice between twin, queen or king-sized beds, which along with linens and toiletries are locally made by eco-friendly Swedish companies. All rooms are equipped with amenities such as bathrobes, hairdryers, 42-inch flat-screen TVs and safes (large enough to fit a laptop), as well as a terrace. There’s also a small gym and an elegant restaurant. Only a five-minute tram ride from downtown, the hotel is located right by Gröna Lund amusement park, the Swedish Music Hall of Fame and Skansen, one of the world’s oldest museums. NeighbourhoodA tranquil parkland oasis in the centre of Stockholm, Djurgården is home to some of Sweden’s most popular museum sites such as the open-air Skansen, historical buildings and recreational green spaces. Nearby1. Gröna Lund: For scary rides and family fun at Sweden’s oldest amusement park.2. Skansen Museum: For a tour of five centuries of Swedish history.3. Skroten Cafe och skeppshandel: For a delicious nautical-themed lunch in an old shipyard. Time Out tipBook the Mamma Mia suite to sleep under a canopy of leaves and a painted sky blue ceiling. Better yet, book a ticket to the Mamma Mia party for an unforgetta

Newly renovated rooms and suites showcase sleek Nordic design with a touch of hygge at the Nordic Light Hotel. Features include floor-to-ceiling windows, rainfall showers with full-sized toiletries and minibars with thoughtful touches like pantyhose, organic toothpaste and the most quintessential of Swedish souvenirs, the dala—a wooden horse painted red. Check out the hotel’s new 150-seat restaurant and bar opening in May 2018, offering sustainable Nordic cuisine cooked in an open kitchen and a healthy selection of vegetarian dishes. Their complimentary candle-lit organic breakfast, served amongst slouchy sofas and fluorescent patio furniture, rivals those to be had at five-star hotels in the city. A great stop for leisure travellers, too, the hotel is a pleasant stroll from the Royal Palace (one of the largest palaces in Europe), the Nordic Museum and Grona Lunda theme park. NeighbourhoodNorrmalm is Stockholm’s busiest neighborhood, home to the main shopping street, Mood Stockholm shopping mall and famous icons such as the Old Haymarket and the Sergels Torg glass obelisk. It is minutes away from Gamla Stan, and the waterfront area of Strömkajen, from where most boat tours depart. Nearby1. Icebar: For a frosty cocktail and a slice of the Arctic with a secret, chamber-like feel.2. Old Haymarket: For gourmet shopping, flea market finds and local produce such as elk and reindeer salami.3. Kulturhuset: For a one-stop culture shop filled with art, design, theatre and film exhibiti

Whether you’re an urban explorer or outdoor aficionado, this is your ultimate basecamp. Pluck a complimentary kayak from the lobby and explore Stockholm’s breathtaking archipelago, or borrow a bike for a spontaneous tour of Gamla Stan’s picturesque cobblestoned streets. Or stay in—the hotel’s playful, nature-inspired interior energizes the many communal spaces in this property. You can lounge in a hammock, partake in a free social happy hour or attend a film screening, spiritual workshop or yoga class (there’s even one that’s just for men). There is a games-room on every floor, a 25-seat theatre and a rooftop wellness oasis with an outdoor pool heated year-round, plus a sauna, juice and cocktail bar and panoramic sea views. Some rooms feature connecting doors to neighbouring suites; all are spacious, family- and pet-friendly, boasting free Wi-Fi, high-definition televisions and fridges, bunkbeds or sofa beds and window seats with extensive views of the city. An organic breakfast, included in the daily rate, is filled with superfoods and alternatives to accommodate the most restrictive of diets. NeighbourhoodNorrmalm is Stockholm’s busiest neighborhood, home to the main shopping street, Mood Stockholm shopping mall and famous icons such as the Old Haymarket and the Sergels Torg glass obelisk. It is minutes away from Gamla Stan, and the waterfront area of Strömkajen, from where most boat tours depart. Nearby1. Nordiska Kompaniet: For upscale shopping and souvenirs you won’t fin

Owned by former ABBA band member Benny Andersson, Hotel Rival is filled with subtle tributes to the world-famous Swedish pop group. All 99 rooms are equipped with a state-of-the-art entertainment system, 32” plasma screen and access to a library of DVD movies and music by—who else?—ABBA. Plush red velvet sofas, movie and theatrical motifs and tastefully designed lighting give the property a vibe of something between cabaret fun and old school funk. Guests sleep on fine Egyptian linens and choose from a menu of pillows; a self-serve tea and coffee station with access to computers and printers comes in handy throughout the day. You don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the hotel’s three bars, which often feature live music, a historic cinema circa 1937 that hosts concerts and events, and a bustling café filled with Persian rugs. Sunday’s brunch buffet is one of the most popular in the city and deservedly so–though small by North American standards, you’ll taste the love in every bite.  NeighbourhoodWithin Södermalm, Mariatorget is a quiet residential neighbourhood filled with coffee shops, art galleries and bars. It’s home to one of Stockholm’s best viewpoints, Monteliusvägen, from where you can see panoramic views of the city hall and old town Nearby1. Kvarnen: For fans of Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy books, in which this 100-year-old bar is featured.2. Fotografiska: For enthusiasts of award-winning, contemporary photography.3. Johan & Nyström: For a caffeine hit at what cri

Here is where Edith Piaf sang, Marlene Dietrich had her own dressing room and Axl Rose once bit a security guard on the leg (losing his Converse hightops in the process, which the hotel gave away on Instagram 10 years later). More than just a place to lay your head at night, Hotel Berns is also home to an internationally renowned concert venue, for acts which have, over the decades, ranged from the Supremes to Rihanna. The hotel boasts a grand hall adorned with several tons’ worth of crystal chandeliers, popular cocktail bars, a French bistro and Stockholm’s very first Chinese restaurant—the baroque gilded Berns Asiatika, where dim sum is served amidst red velvet upholstered chairs and gold-plated mirrors. Many of the uniquely designed 82 guestrooms offer views of Berzelii Park or Nybroplan’s waterfront; guests can also expect such perks as Malin + Goetz toiletries, 24-hour room service and VIP, complementary access to the hotel’s in-house nightclub. There’s also a gym on the lower ground floor, but guests also get access to any SATS gym in the city and discounted spa services at the high-end Sturebadet.  NeighbourhoodNorrmalm is Stockholm’s busiest neighborhood, home to the main shopping street, Mood Stockholm shopping mall and famous icons such as the Old Haymarket and the Sergels Torg glass obelisk. It is minutes away from Gamla Stan, and the waterfront area of Strömkajen, from where most boat tours depart. Nearby1. Sturebadet: For a pampering spa day at a facility that da

Its name, Ett Hem, quite fittingly means “at home” in Swedish. And if home is where you sneak bites of homemade apple cake from the kitchen in between chatting with the chef about what you’d like for dinner or curling up with a novel and a sheepskin throw–well, you’ve come to the right place. A low-key, elegant vibe permeates throughout this red brick townhouse, filled with carefully curated Scandinavian antiques, vintage furniture, plants and flower-filled vases. Guests may help themselves to everything from bicycles and raincoats to a freshly squeezed juice from the fridge, play a record on the hotel’s working gramophone, tickle the ivories on the grand piano or relax in the bright, sunny conservatory. The 12 guest rooms range in size from small doubles to large suites; all feature plush Malö beds, cocktail cabinets, walk-in rain showers and the finest of toiletries including Marvis toothpaste and Kiehls skin care products. No detail has been overlooked, from turn-down service and scented candles to a map of running routes for every guest. There’s also a gym and private sauna, open 24/7; and the kitchen turns out exquisite, Michelin star-caliber dishes based on whatever local ingredients happen to be in season and available that day. Though not quite in the centre of town, the hotel is only a 3-minute walk from Tekniska Högskolan metro station. NeighbourhoodBoasting the highest concentration of nightclubs in the city, the posh residential neighborhood of Östermalm offers no

Ideal for a staycation or soaking in the New York vibe without having to go all the way there, The Winery Hotel allows guests to follow the winemaking process from barrel to bottle. Sink into comfy leather chairs for a relaxed tasting at the bar or enjoy panoramic views—glass of the hotel’s own wine in hand—from the rooftop terrace’s heated pool. All 184 guest rooms share an industrial factory-like feel with exposed brick walls, high ceilings and windows and brass accents; standard, superior and deluxe configurations are available, and all include complimentary breakfast. Packages include guided tours of the on-site winery, tastings and multiple-course dinners; daily activities planned by the hotel’s expert sommeliers could involve learning how to open a champagne bottle with a saber or indulging in a kundalini yoga and wine session. The on-site restaurant and deli sources local, seasonal ingredients, while the fitness centre could come in handy later for working off all the (liquid) calories. NeighbourhoodLocated just outside of Stockholm, near the Arlanda airport, Solna is home to Sweden’s new football stadium–Friends Arena–as well as the largest shopping centre in all of Scandinavia. Nearby1. Mall of Scandinavia: To shop while you drop in the largest shopping centre in Scandinavia.2. Swedish Museum of Natural History: For rainy-day, family-friendly learning activities.3. Hagaparken: For a leisurely lakeside stroll. Time Out tipBook a room above the third floor for views of