The 13 best hotels in Stockholm that should be on your radar

For those with active lifestyles, Scandic’s Downtown Camper is the perfect spot. Not only is it located absurdly close to all the major attractions, the waterfront and Stockholm Central Station, but the hotel provides daily activities for guests, including running, walks, workshops, film nights and DJs. There’s also an in-house gym, pool, spa and yoga classes. Plus, you’ll find a selection of skateboards, kayaks and bikes in the foyer which you can hire out. There are plenty of great places to eat around the hotel, but it also has a grill restaurant that serves exquisite comfort food.

What’s nearby? An eigh-minute walk to Stockholm Central Station, along with plenty of shops, parks and restaurants. 

Budget range: Not bad for a few nights in the heart of Stockholm. 

Time Out tip: On a budget? Downtown Camper's activities come at no extra cost to guests, making an economical choice. If you're travelling as a group, no need to text across the hallway, just make sure you book the connecting rooms.

Located in a former bank building (the name's a bit of a giveaway), Bank Hotel is a luxury hotel in the heart of Stockholm. The interiors are nothing bank-like however – think plush furnishings, modern fittings and a vibe that is anything but Wall Street. Luxury amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffee machines and complimentary toiletries and slippers. On-site, there's a casual dining restaurant – although it feels high-end –  and a cocktail terrace bar, Le Hibou, that offers great views of the city from the top floor. Chin-chin, darling.

What’s nearby? It's pretty central, with both Strandvagen – for the high-end shops, and Stureplan –for the nightlife, being within walking distance. 

Budget range: A moderately-priced weekend escape that works out even cheaper when you split with a roomy. 

Time Out tip: Craving a lazy breakfast with bubbles? The only cure for that is to top up a glass and tuck into eggs benedict the way the good Brunch-Lord intended on-site restaurant Bonnie's. You'll have a choice between a buffet and an al la carte menu accompanied by champagne.

Soak up some local history with a stay in the Swedish National Museum’s old archive building. Built in 1829, this beautiful place was renovated by the Small Luxury Hotel Group in 2008. Each room is decorated differently and boasts slick, contemporary furnishing and artwork on the walls. This theme runs throughout the hotel, with pieces from 1900 to the present day on rotation. In-room amenities include a mini-bar, TV and AC.

What’s nearby? Nearby you’ll find the culture hub that is Stureplan Square, the beach and the recently renovated National Museum.

Budget range: Comes with a pretty dear price tag – worth it for the serene waterfront views and the melt-in-your-mouth steak tartare (sorry, veggies).

Time Out tip: Like most travellers, you'll want to pack as many attractions in as humanly possible, but how to do it effectively? Grab yourself a Go City All-Inclusive Pass (just under 60 quid) for access to over 50 attractions across the city, including sightseeing cruises.

A mere 100 metres or so from Stockholm Central Station, this design hotel is the very incarnation of slick Nordic style. Expect floods of light coming in from massive windows and original artworks installed in the lobby as part of their ‘artist in residence’ programme. You’ll also find rainfall showers in the rooms, as well as luxury beds courtesy of Swedish designer Hilding Anders, complimentary toiletries, a TV and a safe large enough for a laptop. The in-house restaurant, Lykke, serves modern Nordic cuisine and offers an organic breakfast featuring everything from fresh fruit to sweet, fluffy American pancakes.

What’s nearby? The hotel is conveniently close to The  Arlanda Airport Express Train, Sergals Torg and bustling shopping district, Drottinggatan. 

Budget range: A cheap and cheerful minimalist dream come true. 

Time Out tip: If you're looking for a traditional keepsake for your travels or just fancy a bit of window shopping, visit flashy department store Nordiska Kompaniet, where you'll find everything from jewellery to ceramics.

Owned by former ABBA 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, a 32-inch plasma screen, and access to a library of DVDs and music by – who else? – ABBA. Plush red velvet sofas, film and theatrical motifs and tasteful lighting give the property an old-school cabaret vibe. 

What’s nearby? Next door to Mariatorget Square and just a 10-minute walk away from Old Town. 

Budget range: Moderately-priced stylish art deco rooms with lots of space and charming views.  

Time Out tip: Why not end the year a little differently in Stockholm? New Year's Eve is quite the celebration at Rivals Watson Bar, where you'll be served an extravagant seafood platter paired with delicious French wines.

The Winery Hotel invites guests to follow the winemaking process from barrel to bottle. Enjoy a relaxed tasting at the bar or panoramic views from the rooftop terrace’s heated pool. All 184 guest rooms share a factory-like feel with exposed brick walls, high ceilings and windows and brass accents. Packages include guided tours of the on-site winery, tastings and multiple-course dinners; daily activities planned by the hotel’s expert sommeliers may involve learning how to open a champagne bottle with a sabre or indulging in a Kundalini yoga and wine session. 

What’s nearby? Close to Friends Arena, and Mall of Scandinavia. Plus, you can reach Central Station in under 30 minutes via public transport.

Budget range: A budget-friendly stay somewhere truly unique – ideal for wine lovers or special occasions.  

Time Out tip: On-site, Gallo Nero has it all when it comes to creating an ambient atmosphere that's perfect for dining with friends or family. It's local wine, dinner and dancing all under one roof. 

Before it became the only hotel on the island, Skeppsholmen enjoyed life 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. In each room, you’ll find sleek, modern furnishings, rustic décor and plaques that tell you the history of the place (and what precisely went on in your room). 

What’s nearby? The hotel is secluded yet well-connected so, you can easily catch a ferry to Old Town or catch a bus into town from Kastellholmsbron.

Budget range: Affordable standard rooms with outstanding views of the sea. 

Time Out tip: Quickie tournament before lunch? Dust off a racket and head down to the tennis court, situated right by the waterfront so you can drink in those views.

This comfy central bolthole offers great value for money in one of the world’s most expensive cities. Among the 271 guest rooms, accommodation options include a choice of recently refurbished suites, junior suites and studios. While the location ensures you’re already well connected to shops, restaurants and other points of interest, you won’t want to miss the ‘after work’ jazz evenings held every Wednesday in the lobby bar.

What’s nearby? A 10-minute walk to Stureplan, while the ABBA Museum is no more than a Stone's throw away. 

Budget range: Enjoy a range of affordable cosy, modern rooms with great amenities, while being centrally located. Perf. 

Time Out tip: Get the breakfast guests can't stop raving about included in your stay. From cold cuts and hot dishes to seasonal fruits and pastries. Yum. 

Ett Hem fittingly means ‘at home’ in Swedish. And if home is where you sneak bites of homemade apple cake from the kitchen while chatting with the chef about what you’d like for dinner or curl up with a novel under a sheepskin throw, you’ve come to the right place. From lobby to bedroom, this red brick townhouse exudes low-key elegance throughout. Guests can help themselves to everything from bicycles and raincoats to freshly squeezed juice from the fridge, play records on the hotel’s working gramophone, tickle the ivories at the grand piano or relax in the bright, sunny conservatory. To ensure comfort with every stay, the hotel also provides facilities for disabled guests. 

What’s nearby? Pretty close to the Royal Swedish Opera and Old Town. 

Budget range: We'll spare you the actual price tag of this quaint country-esque five-star beauty. 

Time Out tip: Need to take five? Ett Hem's private garden provides the perfect intimate setting for digging into a novel.

Villa Dagmar is a "home for the curious" traveller looking for a stylish place to hang up their boots after pounding the pavements of Stockholm's charming medieval centre. Every last detail, from its cosy and elegant rooms to the kitted-out fitness centre and spa to the on-site restaurant and wine bar, is an invitation for guests to unwind, indulge, and get a real taste of the very cool and trendy Östermalm neighbourhood. In the mornings,  you can also treat yourself to a buffet, a la carte or Full English/Irish-style breakfast before exploring the nearby museums and shops. 

What’s nearby? A short distance from Army Museum where you can discover Sweden's wartime history from 1500 to the present. 

Budget range: A decent price for a typical three-day trip to Stockholm.

Time Out tip: The not-so-secret Artilleriet is the perfect way to end your trip to the museum. Enjoy a cosy dining experience dining or a round of cocktails while enjoying live jazz. 

Tucked away between Söder and Old Town, Hotel Frantz is a small family-run boutique that pays tribute to tailor Frantz Bock who commissioned the building construction. And taking a leaf out of Frantz's book in true tailoring fashion, this four-star hotel desires to create a uniquely tailored experience for each guest. Each room varies in style and size, but what they do have in common is that they all ooze contemporary elegance – you may even stumble across fun decorative touches like the cool monkey lamp fixture. Monkeying aside, you can also dine in at the on-site restaurant bar, serving an international-inspired menu prepared with local organic produce. It's ticking all our boxes. 

What’s nearby? You're one stop away from the centre via the metro and a stone's throw from the Museum of Medieval Stockholm and the Royal Palace.

Budget range: Affordably priced rooms, great for couples or solo travellers.

Time Out tip: If you prefer low-key tourism, visit the 1940s art-house cinema Bio Rio for cosy afternoon screaming. 

The five-star Grand Hotel is an obvious choice for everyone from celebrities to fans of award-winning Swedish gastronomy. It's all about high standards in hospitality and high-class offerings in every other department, from the Nordic spa to the food and drink. Sultry lighting, high ceilings and elaborate furnishings bring a sense of drama, and some rooms come with views of the marina to remind you of the beautiful city you're staying in. 

What’s nearby? You're 400 metres from the Royal Swedish Opera and also nearby the Museum of Medieval Stockholm. Right in the centre and pleasantly close to the marina. 

Budget range: A celeb-worthy price tag, but still not the most expensive in the list. 

Time Out tip: Try out one of their signature treatments at the spa; the Nordic Detox sounds like a winner.