Last updated on January 02nd, 2023
Stockholm is style. Stockholm is sea and water and its archipelago. Stockholm is a city at ease with itself that’s a real joy for the visitor. This ancient place is also ultra-contemporary with new cafes, restaurants and bars opening in its hippest districts every week.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to museums and galleries too. Don’t bother with a Swedish phrase book or translator because everyone here speaks perfect English. Whether you’re a fan of royal palaces or of cutting edge night-clubs, Stockholm is the place for you. You’ll quickly learn the joys of stopping for a fika – a coffee and a cake that’s a true Swedish institution – and you’ll want to return, soon.
Real Quick: The best luxury hotel in Stockholm is the Bank Hotel, located in the heart of the city in the Östermalm district. One of the top rated boutique hotels is the Lydmar Hotel, located at the waterfront close to the old town. Read on below.
What are The Best Hotels in Stockholm City Center?
1. Bank Hotel, a Member of Small Luxury Hotels ★★★★★ (Top)
Strandvägen, 4 min. walk
A cossetting hideaway set in the heart of Stockholm. Bank Hotel’s 115 rooms and suites blend neutral tones with art deco flourishes, reflecting this 100 year old building’s heritage. Public areas are boldly colourful, with deep armchairs and breathtaking period atriums that are now seating areas and restaurants. Take breakfast under the high glass ceiling at Bonnie’s, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant. Le Hibou is a lounge bar on the top floor with views to Stockholm’s archipelago.
2. At Six ★★★★★ (Top)
Royal Swedish Opera, 4 min. on foot
A multiple award winner and understandably so. Hotel At Six, in the heart of Stockholm, is set in a reimagined brutalist building with art-filled interiors in concrete and marble. Luxurious guest rooms show off the best of minimalist Swedish design. Take breakfast in Dining Room, also open for lunch and dinner, with an open kitchen. Brunkebergstor offers fine dining, while there’s also a hip cocktail hangout and The Rooftop, a bar and club with sweeping views. Sumptuous and one of Stockholm’s top rated hotels !
3. Grand Hôtel Stockholm ★★★★★ (Luxury)
A heated indoor pool is the centrepiece of Grand Hôtel Stockholm’s fully equipped underground Nordic Spa, where you can also enjoy a traditional sauna complete with cold plunge pool. It’s all part of the top-rated Grand Hôtel experience which begins in the chandelier-bedecked marble floored lobby. Founded in 1872, this five star establishment has been pampering celebrity guests ever since. Your view from many of the luxurious, contemporary guest rooms is over motor yachts docked at the waterfront. The Veranda Restaurant serves a renowned smörgåsbord, or meet your friends for cocktails in the sumptuous Cadier Bar.
4. Hotel Diplomat Stockholm ★★★★★ (Strandvägen)
Old school style with highly contemporary touches, all to be found in a former art nouveau palace. The family-run Hotel Diplomat Stockholm, with a perfect location on the city’s waterfront, offers 115 Scandi-elegant guest rooms, many with far-reaching views over the water, with decor in pale tones punctuated by low key colours. Contemporary art lines the walls of the beautiful dining room, providing an elegant start to your Stockholm day over a full Swedish breakfast.
5. Nobis Hotel Stockholm, a Member of Design Hotels™ ★★★★★
Forumdammen Kungsträdgården, 3 min. on foot
Inside a historic building at Stockholm’s heart, on-trend luxury awaits, very much in the Swedish style. Nobis Hotel’s 201 spacious rooms blend classical mid-century sofas and colourful chairs with characteristically restrained Swedish design in a neutral colour palette. The hotel lounge is both intimate and contemporary, with art and photography prominently displayed. Among the dining options is Bino, the hotel’s relaxed bistro and NOI where a full breakfast is offered daily.
6. Radisson Collection, Strand Hotel, Stockholm ★★★★★ (Waterfront)
Legends of Sweden stayed here and now so can you. Reputedy a favourite of Greta Garbo, Strand Hotel dates from 1910 and today offers its guests the choice of 170 rooms furnished in the elegance and simplicity that marks out the best of Swedish design. The waterfront central setting makes for an enviable location, with views out to moored boats from the hotel’s restaurant where a lavish breakfast is offered along with lunch and dinner. Two bars offer a decadent cocktail choice.
7. Sheraton Stockholm Hotel ★★★★★ (Near Old Town)
Gamla Stan or Old Town, 5 min. walk
Relaxed luxury in a perfect location. Just a short stroll across the bridge from Gamla Stam, the modern Sheraton Stockholm Hotel offers the deluxe comfort of homely Swedish design. Many guest rooms have far-reaching views over the lake, the City Hall or the old town itself. The hotel’s Brasserie 360, which looks out over Lake Mälaren is open throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, dinner or simply a break over coffee.
8. Downtown Camper by Scandic ★★★★ (Good Value)
Stockholm Central Station, 8 min. on foot
A young-at-heart hotel that serves up rustic, urban style in a superbly central setting. Downtown Camper’s 494 rooms are intimate and stripped back, like a personal Stockholm studio. Industrial decor and leather Chesterfield sofas await in the large lounge area, with kayaks slung from the ceiling and bicycles on the walls. The Campfire Grill & Bar is a place to meet, eat and relax, while The Nest Cocktail Lounge offers a rooftop bar experience to end your day. Top Hotel !
9. Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Stockholm ★★★★ (Popular)
Radisson Blu Hotel & Waterfront Conference Centre
Directly adjacent to Stockholm Central Station and the ultra modern Stockholm Congress Centre, Waterfront Hotel’s 414 rooms and suites has sleek accommodation just a 20 minute stroll from Gamla Stan. Higher rooms have city views and all provide typically Swedish efficiency in their deluxe decor. The elegant RBG Bar & Grill is open throughout the day while the lobby bar is the place to relax in front of an open fire after your day or night out on the town.
10. Hotel Skeppsholmen, a Member of Design Hotels™ ★★★★ (Charming)
Skeppsholmen Island
Get away from it all in the centre of the city. Set on the tiny island of Skeppsholmen, this historic family-run eco-friendly hotel is steps away from the treasures of Moderna Museet, the Modern Museum and its contemporary art collection, and just a 20 minute walk from Gamla Stan. Buildings date back to 1699, while guest rooms have an open, bright, distinctly Swedish character. The hotel’s Restaurant Langa Raden serves a lavish Swedish breakfast and contemporary cuisine throughout the day.
11. Hotel With Urban Deli ★★★★ (Trendy)
Adolf Fredriks Församling, 4 min. on foot
Stay a floor below ground in one of 106 compact guest rooms, windowless and soundproofed for the ultimate good night’s sleep. Venture above ground for the all-day bustle of Urban Deli, with restaurant, lounge, food hall and a delightful rooftop park. The location is ideal, just a few blocks from Stockholm’s Central Train Station and within easy walking distance of the city’s finest shopping streets, nightclubs and happening bars.
What are The Best Boutique Hotels in Stockholm Sweden?
1. Lydmar Hotel ★★★★★ (Top Luxury)
Stockholm Gamla Stan, opposite Lydmar Hotel
Highly personal service with eclectic design flourishes. Lydmar Hotel’s historic guest rooms are your boutique home from home in an ideal location near the National Museum and just a ten minute walk to Gamla Stan. A book lined dining room is popular with guests and locals alike, for breakfast, lunch and dinner while a lush second floor waterfront terrace is a relaxed secret and The Patio is the place for coffee and to watch the world go by. A luxurious spa completes a perfect picture.
2. NOFO Hotel; BW Premier Collection ★★★★ (Top)
Södermalm District
In hip, cosmopolitan Södermalm, NOFO Hotel’s vibrant, anything-goes style reflects its happening surroundings. Each guest room has its own surprise, be it stand-out wallpaper, eye-catching art or the serenity of pure Scandinavian design. This listed 18th century building oozes character with a full Swedish buffet breakfast served in the homely bar or the delightful secret courtyard. The NOFO Wine Bar has cocktails, drinks and snacks each afternoon and evening.
3. Hotel Kungsträdgården ★★★★ (18th Century Building)
Nobel Prize Museum, 12 min. walk
This family-run hotel’s name translates as “King’s Garden”, a reference both to its location directly next door to the city’s Royal Garden and to the hanging green plants in the soaring atrium courtyard of this historic 18th century building. There are 94 rooms melding past and present with chandeliers and stripped wood floors. Take breakfast in that breathtaking courtyard, enjoy insider tips from the concierge and relax in the sauna when you return.
4. Hotell & Värdshuset Clas på hörnet ★★★★ (Vasastan Area)
A seductively individual approach awaits, about half and hour’s walk from Gamla Stan, at Hotel Clas At The Corner, as this welcoming, small establishment’s name translates. There are just 17 rooms, presented in the Swedish Gustavian style of the 1800s, with lavish four poster beds and elaborate floral wallpaper. There’s been an inn on this site since the 1700s so you’ll be following in the footsteps of generations of grateful travellers. Absolutely unique.
5. Miss Clara by Nobis, Stockholm, a Member of Design Hotels™ ★★★★ (Art Nouveau)
Stockholm Sweden
An Art Nouveau building in Stockholm’s heart is now an up-to-the-minute relaxed, elegant boutique hotel. Parquet floors and Anglepoise lamps set the scene in white-walled guest rooms, punctuated by the elegance of dark browns and black. Simplicity is the key throughout, with original features and exposed pipework celebrated in the restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel’s urban-themed bar serves snacks, bespoke cocktails and hosts DJs at weekends.
What are the Top Hotels in Gamla Stan or Old Town?
Gamla Stan is the historic heart of old Stockholm and it’s not to be missed, on any account. On its own island, in ancient times a defence against unwelcome guests, the tiny cobbled streets of Gamla Stan wind beneath atmospheric medieval buildings. The crown jewels – quite literally – are to be found in the Kungliga Slottet, the lavish and oddly forbidding Royal Palace, which is open to all visitors and took almost 70 years to build. The Karl XI Gallery, inspired by Versailles, is a Swedish Hall of Mirrors. You shouldn’t miss a glimpse at the Royal Apartments, provided the Swedish royal family are not in residence. Storkyrkan, directly next to the palace, is Stockholm’s much loved cathedral. Look out for the 15th century wooden statue of St George and the oldest known image of Stockholm in Vädersolstavlan, which translates, intriguingly, as The Sun Dog Painting. You might want to take advantage of the open tradition of Swedish democracy, and take one of the free tours offered at the Riksdagen, the Swedish parliament building. Still more beauty awaits at Riddarholmskyrkan, one of Stockholm’s oldest churches, dating from the 14th century. The history of the renowned Nobel Prize is the focus of the Nobel Museum, in the old Stock Exchange Building in the heart of Gamla Stan. Above all, just meander around this wonderful place and inhale the history.
1. Collector’s Victory Hotel ★★★★ (Old Town)
Old Town or Gamla Stan, Stockholm
Lovingly furnished with the founders’ collection of antiques, Collector’s Victory Hotel is right in the atmospheric heart of historic Gamla Stan. With a name taken from Lord Nelson’s most famous ship, Collector’s Victory Hotel celebrates its very own international eclectic style where oriental rugs and old oil paintings meet Scandinavian cool with nautical themes. Rooms are named after Swedish sea captains. Djuret and Flicken are the hotel’s atmospheric destination restaurants.
2. Hôtel Reisen in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt ★★★★★ (Luxury)
Old Town
With the allure of the Gamla Stan waterfront at guests’ disposal, First Hotel Reisen’s historic exterior conceals calm, cool guest rooms with many highly distinctive design flourishes. Some of the delightful rooms and suites offer far-reaching sea views. Restaurant Reisen is the hotel’s waterfront eating establishment, offering a daily breakfast buffet to all guests and also open for traditional Swedish cuisine at both lunch and dinner. All of Gamla Stan’s many attractions are within easy strolling distance.
What are The Best Family Hotels in Stockholm?
1. Motel L Hammarby Sjöstad ★★★ (Affordable)
Avicii Arena, 16 min. on foot or 3 min. by car
A delight from the moment you walk in. For family luxury on a budget and with a central location, Motel L is hard to beat. The cheerfully furnished and decorated family rooms have twin beds and a designer fold out bunk bed. Detailing is by the Swedish designer and illustrator Lisa Bengtsson. Thoughtful design is the key to the success of Motel L, with in-house restaurants and a relaxed welcome for all the family.
2. Sky Hotel Apartments, Stockholm ★★★ (Affordable)
Stockholm City Hall, Kungsholmen
Your family’s Stockholm from home. Close to a stop on the city’s superbly efficient subway system for easy links to the centre of Stockholm and Gamla Stan, Sky Hotel Apartments is the ideal choice for families wanting to take advantage of the city’s fresh food markets and live as locals do, indulging in nearby cafes and restaurants. Apartments have neutral Scandinavian influenced decor and furnishings. All apartments have a kitchenette and can accommodate up to four people.
3. Lilla Rådmannen ★★★ (Affordable)
Stockholm Vasastan Area
Perfect for all families who are travelling with two or three children, this intimate and friendly three star hotel is centrally located close to Stockholm Central Station with all of the city’s attractions in easy reach. Decor in the 62 rooms is cheerful, efficient and individual. Lilla Rådmannen’s Family Rooms can accommodate up to five people in cosy comfort. Triple rooms are also available. Breakfast is offered and there’s a wide choice of cafes and restaurants nearby.
What’s the Best Cheap or Affordable Hotel in Stockholm Sweden?
1. Hotel Hornsgatan ★★ (Good Value)
View of Old Town Stockholm
In hip Södermalm, the first floor of a historic 1905 building houses Swedish style no frills accommodation in just 17 rooms. Floors are stripped wood, guest furnishings are reclaimed vintage and primary colours contrast with sparkling white floors. Some rooms share bathrooms. A chandelier welcomes you to the spacious, friendly breakfast room where a daily Swedish buffet is served to all guests. The area’s on-trend cafes and bars await just outside the front door.
Stockholm City Centre
This great city’s central area has something for everyone. You might want to hire a bicycle to get around or perhaps even take a kayak trip to get to grips with a city that’s on several individual islands. There are more than 70 museums to pick and choose from, catering to the most particular of needs, whether it’s photography that takes your fancy or a wide range of toys at Leksaksmuseet, literally Toy Museum. Remember that Stockholm is a place where design isn’t some sort of add-on, a flounce for those who can afford it, but a daily essential. Take a look at the knives and forks where you’re taking your lunchtime snack, the chairs where you’re settled for an evening drink, everything is thoughtfully selected. Take a trip on Stockholm’s T-bana, short for Tunnelbana, or simply “subway” in English, whether you need to travel anywhere or not. You’ll find not only one of the most efficient public transport systems in Europe but some quite remarkable artwork commissioned by the city authorities too. The tunnel art on the blue line is of particular note: just look at those ceilings! The neo classical Stockholm Concert Hall from the 1920s is also worth a look, even if you have no interest in the culture-rich rock, pop and classical programmes, not least because it’s where Nobel Prizes are awarded.
Best Hotels in Stockholm City Centre
- Lydmar Hotel – Luxury
- Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Stockholm – Most Popular Hotel
- Hotel Skeppsholmen – Great Value
- Elite Hotel Carolina Tower – Affordable/Great Value
What’s the Top Accommodation in Norrmalm District?
Norrmalm is the beating heart of commercial Stockholm, the bustling home to the city’s Central Station and the popular Drottninggatan pedestrianised shopping street. Once you’ve filled your shopping bags and dived into the nearest cafe for a fika – a typical Swedish coffee break – head over to Norrmalm’s essential stop: the Nationalmuseum, Sweden’s National Gallery, in a majestic building directly on the Norrmalm waterfront. Along with the Old Masters such as Rembrandt, Renoir and Gaugin, there’s an extensive Swedish collection featuring Ernst Josephson and Anders Zorn among many others. There’s an excellent cafe, too. Fans of contemporary art need look no further than the superb Modernamuseet, the Museum of Modern Art, with work by everyone from Picasso to Damien Hirst. This is another must-see in a building that’s itself a landmark of contemporary architecture. If all of that’s not enough, Kulturhuset, or Culture House, has an ever-changing programme of performance and contemporary exhibitions that are always worth a look.
Top Hotels near in the Norrmalm District
- Grand Hôtel Stockholm – Luxury
- Downtown Camper by Scandic – Great Value
- City Backpackers Hostel – Budget Hostel
What’s the Top Accommodation in Södermalm District?
Södermalm is a fascinating island residential area in central Stockholm with a street life and an identity all of its own. This is where you’ll go to find the latest restaurants, cafes and street bar hangouts. The less you plan, the better it’ll be. There’s more here though than eating and drinking. This is where to go to take advantage of Stockholm’s fascination with the vintage, the old and the recycled. Take your pick of vintage stores in the re-branded SoFo to the south or on Götgatsbacken in central Södermalm. Truth to tell, you’ll find interesting independent stores throughout Södermalm, so meandering is a must. Among the other attractions is Fotografiska, a superb private museum that’s an essential visit for anyone remotely interested in photography. The waterfront cafe here is an excellent refuelling stop. For a glimpse of the area’s – and Stockholm’s – history the gorgeous Katarina kyrka, the Church of Catherine, bathed in yellow colours, is a quiet pause in you busy Södermalm day.
Finest Accommodation in the Södermalm District
- Hotel Rival – Great Value
- NOFO Hotel; BW Premier Collection – Boutique Hotel
- Hotel Hornsgatan – Cheap/Affordable
