Best Hotels Stockholm [2024] Guide

Stockholm, Sweden's stunning capital effortlessly combines old-world beauty and modern vibrancy. Wander the cobblestone alleyways of Gamla Stan, the immaculately preserved mediaeval Old Town, and feel transported back in time.

Still, Stockholm welcomes the future with cutting-edge architecture, prominent museums, and trendy neighbourhoods filled with cool cafés and stores.

Built on 14 islands, this waterfront paradise boasts breathtaking natural beauty, with bridges, parks, and rivers beckoning exploration. But arguably Stockholm's biggest draw is its distinct charm, inviting environment, and capacity to make tourists feel right at home - an intriguing city that will definitely attract you to experience its charm.

Best Hotels Stockholm

Grand Hôtel

The hotel's central location allows guests to easily explore Stockholm's various neighbourhoods, such as Östermalm for museums and high-end shopping, Vasastan for vibrant restaurants, Gamla Stan for coffee shops, and Södermalm for trendy bars.

The Modern Museum on Skeppsholmen is nearby, as is the Stockholm city park Djurgården, which includes Skansen Zoo, Gröna Lund amusement park, Liljevalchs Museum, and Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde. Despite being in the city centre, Djurgården provides magnificent countryside, so make sure to enjoy the fresh air.

With a long history dating back to 1874, the hotel has undergone numerous renovations and modifications, the most recent of which included restoring the building's façade to its original lighter colour palette. The style remains classic, but with a modern twist in the colour palette and furniture pieces.

This is obvious in the two trademark suites, which were recently redesigned by London-based Swedish interior architect Martin Brudnizki, who used modern furniture and bolder hues like blue and yellow walls to create an at-home atmosphere. Visit Spegelsalen (Hall of Mirrors), where the original Nobel Prize Awards were held from 1901-29, and Vinterträdgården (Winter Garden), which is still utilised for performances.

The service is of top quality. Make sure to explore the Nordic Spa & Fitness, which is inspired by the Stockholm archipelago and features a sauna with a pinewood aroma, soothing cold and warm baths, and luxury treatments. Despite its small size, the environment stays serene. There is also a well-equipped gymnasium. For more solitude, reserve one of the spa rooms, which include a massage room, bath, and sauna.

There are 273 rooms in total, comprising Standard and Deluxe rooms, as well as a large range of suites (70 in total). All rooms include bathtubs and amenities from the beautiful Italian fragrance brand Acqua di Parma.

The rooms retain a traditional elegance, with hardwood fishbone floors, marble stone in the bathrooms, and a light colour palette throughout - but with modern amenities such as smart screens and a connected music system.

Even the smallest things are of the finest quality, such as sumptuous linen, towels, bathrobes, and stunning flower arrangements from the on-site florist. Some accommodations come with binoculars, which provide even better views of the Royal Palace and Strömkajen port. Each floor's interior and design are unique to the interior architect, bringing a lively and personal touch to a classic luxury hotel.

The Veranda serves classic dishes that change with the seasons, such as exquisite ravioli stuffed with Swedish Västerbotten cheese and savoy cabbage, or baked cured back of cod with freshly peeled prawns and butter sauce.

The popular Smörgåsbord includes herring, gravlax, and meatballs. In addition, chef Mathias Dahlgren operates two restaurants in the hotel: Michelin-starred Matbaren and vegetarian Rutabaga. Finish the night with a martini at the large Cadier bar, named for the hotel's founder, Régis Cadier.

Breakfast is available à la carte in the room, and options include great American ricotta pancakes, avocado toast, and yoghurt parfait. There is also a buffet available at The Veranda.

Ruin Retreat

The hotel is conveniently located 25 minutes by car from central Stockholm or 30 minutes by ferry from Strömkajen in the Östermalm district, providing a peaceful escape from the city. The secluded position makes it ideal for romantic vacations and special celebrations. Yasuragi Spa is a 10-minute drive away, and the Stockholm Archipelago is easily accessible.

The property also rises high above the sea, providing wonderful views of both the surrounding woodland and the water.
When you enter the courtyard, the first thing you see are two ruins dating from the late 1890s.

They were erected by two German brothers who wished to alleviate their wives' homesickness for the Rhine Valley's hills, which were at the time in ruins. They've been kept ever since.

When you enter the courtyard, the first thing you see are two ruins dating from the late 1890s. They were erected by two German brothers who wished to alleviate their wives' homesickness for the Rhine Valley's hills, which were at the time in ruins. They've been kept ever since.

In contrast, a modern black home created by the team at Löwén Widman Arkitekter rises between the ruins, with windows overlooking the pool, the ocean, and the magnificent woodland. The same concrete flooring is used both inside and outside, enabling a seamless transition between the two environments.

The inner roof is painted black, serving as a picture frame for the breathtaking vistas. Enjoy the cosy leather couches in front of the stove, observe the chefs in the open kitchen or read a book from the bookshelves on the rooftop sundeck. It's good to see that the proprietors have incorporated local talent into the design, such as Eli Keller's pottery dishes and Anneli Asp's art.

The service is excellent; the personnel is both professional and casual. Staffan was my personal chef and concierge throughout the stay; he made drinks for after the sauna, kept the living room fire burning, lit candles outdoors in the evening, and prepared lunch and dinner.

Marie, the hotel's owner, is also available to prepare breakfast and answer any questions you may have. As a former florist, she designed the villa with nature in mind, adding her own personal touch to the stunning flower arrangements.

The outside pool is heated and complements the sauna nicely. There is also the option of arranging spa treatments, borrowing bikes, and going for nice walks on the beach, which is only a few minutes' walk from the villa. The venue can also be reserved for weddings and other celebrations.

Rooms are modest but pleasant - the communal rooms are the major focus - and tastefully arranged in a light colour palette, with soft grey flooring and trendy black pendant lamps for reading. The standard for details is high, with sumptuous bedding, thick robes, and Rituals products. The bathrooms are all equipped with showers, and one even has its own sauna with views. There is a direct way from the top floor to the pool, thus it is recommended that you swim after warming up in the sauna.

I was accompanied by a team of two chefs, who helped to make the tour truly special. The day began with a chilled smoothie, followed by delectable appetisers, and concluded with an Italian platter featuring sweet tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, cold cuts, and chilled champagne.

Claes Björling, who runs Nisch restaurant in central Stockholm (formerly Smörgåstårteriet), leads the dinner service with innovative flavours and beautifully presented plates.

Expect dishes like a heart of palm salad with lobster, kohlrabi, and horseradish cream, followed by white and green asparagus with bleak roe, and a roasted tartlet with foie gras and plum. The dessert of local whipped yoghurt, rhubarb, raspberries, and spruce shoots is delicious.

Breakfast is carefully curated. Begin with a ginger shot, then move on to fresh bread and croissants from local bakery Lindeberg Bageri & Konditori, as well as cheese, ham, boiled eggs, yoghurts, granola, fresh fruit, and berries.

Ett Hem

The building from 1910 is set among residential residences in Lärkstaden, also known as the embassy neighbourhood in Östermalm and one of the most premium addresses in Stockholm. Despite its proximity to the city centre, it is extremely tranquil and quiet. High-end boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and museums are all within a short walk.

The name Ett Hem, which translates as 'a house', is drawn from Carl Larsson, a famous Swedish painter, and his collection of 24 watercolour paintings from 1910, the same year the building was built. He was a friend of the government official and his wife, who lived here at the time and used his paintings to decorate their home.

The title was discovered by British interior designer Ilse Crawford and her colleagues at Studioilse while conducting research for the hotel's design, and has since become one of Crawford's trademarks. It was critical for the owner, Jeanette Mix, to revitalise the building as a residence rather than a hotel.

The interior is truly spectacular, with every detail, even the particular aroma that welcomes you upon entrance, carefully considered. The decor features wood, marble, leather, and velvet, with unique touches like custom-made wooden chairs in the bathrooms and handblown water glasses by Ingegerd Råman. Tiled stoves and wooden floors are among the original characteristics that have been restored. There are books and periodicals everywhere for guests to browse and read.

The bottom level contains a variety of areas for visitors to hang out in, including a living room with a grand piano, gorgeous tiled stove, stucco ceiling, comfortable sofas and armchairs and a library (selected by staff and updated on a regular basis) with a formal dining table.

The open kitchen includes a common table, and the conservatory has an adjoined garden, which is ideal for an afternoon tea.
Staff understands when to be your buddy, speaking about the best of Stockholm, when to accept orders or assist with luggage, and when to leave guests alone. This makes the stay really relaxing.

Downstairs, there is a workout facility and a sauna/hammam room where treatments can be booked.
There are a total of 12 rooms on three floors, ranging from comfortable doubles to junior suites, a spacious suite with a four-poster bed and a one-bedroom mezzanine suite.

We stayed in a junior suite, which had a marble-clad bathroom with a bathtub and a separate lavatory decked entirely in teak wood. Toiletries from Australian brand Aesop include a generously sized shampoo and conditioner, soap, body moisturiser, and room scent. Some of these suites also feature exquisite tiled stoves that serve as reminders of the building's history.

The rooms are carefully adorned with great attention to detail, including a brass cocktail cabinet, design classics such as the exquisite floor lamp 'La Lampe Gras' by Bernard-Albin Gras and an antique chandelier, as well as a king-sized bed with luxurious bed linen from local label Behagligt.

A huge benefit is the extensive selection of current publications and books. The minibar contains a well-thought-out assortment, including vegan gummy bears, raw chocolate, and probiotic walnuts. There are also large-sized spirits for creating your own drink, as well as non-alcoholic options.

There is free seating, but it is strongly advised to eat dinner in the kitchen with the working cooks. The kitchen, located between the conservatory and the library, serves as the heart and soul of the home.

This feels like a pleasant country cottage, with a rustic wooden communal table, a freshly baked sponge cake on the shelf, and biscuits in glass jars available for guests to snack on. You also get the chefs' conversation, the sound of pots and pans, and music. Overall, it feels like a bustling kitchen in a private house.

We tried the fixed house menu of five courses paired with wine, all delicately composed with seasonal ingredients, such as pointed cabbage with rainbow trout and fennel, celeriac skewer with vendace and trout roe, grilled pulpo with blood orange and endive, and quail with carrot and miso butter. We finished with goats' cheese rolled in ash, served with a green tomato and apple jam, and nougat ice cream with cherries. If you prefer a lighter snack, you can even create your own meal with the chefs.

Bank Hotel

The hotel is located in the heart of Stockholm, surrounded by several of the city's cultural attractions, such as the Grand Hotel, Bern's Salonger, and Royal Dramatic Theatre. Norrmalmstorg, a nearby square and district, offers high-end shopping, featuring both local and international fashion brands.

There are plenty of fantastic restaurants and bars in the vicinity. Djurgården, a city park with green surroundings and clean air, is easily accessible by foot in 30 minutes. Stockholm Arlanda Airport is around 45 minutes distant by car.

The hotel boasts a bank-inspired design concept, a tribute to the building's previous use. The restaurant Bonnie's (named after the famed American bank robber duo Bonnie and Clyde) features original aspects such as magnificent stucco décor, a black-and-white chequered marble and granite floor, green scagliola vaults, and velvet chairs. Huge contemporary crystal chandeliers enhance the huge statement.

There is also a heavy emphasis on modern art: the Bank Art Collection, a collaboration with local gallery CF Hill, comprises works by world-renowned artists such as Albert Watson and Annie Morris, as well as chosen works by emerging Swedish artists through the art platform Young Art.

Guests are encouraged to request assistance: the staff is kind and strives to be personable by knowing your name. They gladly assisted me in carrying a pushchair down the steps in the entrance.

The fitness room has training equipment, machines, a treadmill, and a yoga section. The hotel also offers a handy 'Bank Book' with great ideas on where to work out outside of the hotel, such as running routes and bootcamps, as well as a strolling, shopping, and culture guide. Aside from the main restaurant, there are three bars: Papillon, Sophie's, and Hibou.

Rooms are classified as elegant doubles, standard superiors, deluxe rooms, and eight suites. They are attractively designed, with books and a variety of well-curated food and sweets. The decor includes soft rugs, airy curtains, velvet sofas, and contemporary art that varies by room. The majority of beds are king-sized, and all rooms include a desk.

The limestone-tiled bathrooms are large, with showers and marble sinks. There are robes and slippers, as well as a wide range of amenities. Diptyque Paris provides high-end toiletries.

The hospitality firm behind the hotel, Stureplansgruppen, has a long history of operating successful restaurants in Stockholm, and this hotel is no different. Begin in the Papillon bar, which was inspired by the original bank executive's office. If you're feeling virtuous, try one of the numerous innovative alcohol-free drinks, such as the Mediterranean Sour with rosemary, blood orange and lemon.

Head down to Bonnie's, where the menu may contain classics like grilled beef fillet with chanterelles, Jerusalem artichoke, and pistachio. Dessert was the highlight of my evening: a delectable melon bowl with mint, coconut sorbet, and citrus granite. There's also the option of sharing a smashed chocolate piggy bank loaded with treats like meringue, vanilla parfait, and fudge.

After dinner, you can enjoy a drink at Le Hibou roof terrace bar, which offers stunning views of the Östermalm neighbourhood. The exquisite décor, with white sofas, dramatic art and a brass ceiling, evokes the feeling of an upscale Parisian apartment. Sophie's, the third bar on the grounds, is well-known for its drinks and cool Stokholm feel.

Breakfast is of exceptional quality, with a carefully chosen buffet of freshly baked baguettes, cheese, cold cuts, fruit, and pastries. The green drink with celeriac, apple, spinach, and ginger provides a refreshing start to the day. Hot dishes like scrambled eggs with avocado and eggs Benedict can be ordered à la carte.

Villa Dagmar

Located on a quiet pedestrianised street in the well-heeled Östermalm neighbourhood, Villa Dagmar is ideally located for shopping visits and explorations into the city's fantastic food scene.

The hotel has a special entrance to Östermalms Saluhall, one of the city's oldest food markets, and is within a 20-minute walk from major sites including the Vasa Museum. Tiny wine bars and seafood restaurants share space with bakeries and cheesemongers.

The hotel is comprised of three distinct buildings: an ancient apartment block, a former candy factory, and a magnificent modern red-brick structure united by a glass-covered, lush centre courtyard.

The hotel, inspired by the owner's family holiday home in southern Sweden, which was modelled on the beautiful Villa San Michele in Capri, has a warm Mediterranean ambiance, with mustard yellow walls and light airy areas. The courtyard is the hub of activity, as well as the location of the hotel's concept store, which sells homewares and Aroma products curated by the founders.

Villa Dagmar, despite its small size, offers a surprising number of amenities. It boasts an onsite'retreat' complete with a lounge area and sauna, as well as holistic therapies including chakra balancing, facials, and massages.

Sound healing seminars are held on most Thursdays, and there is a high-end workout room with rowing machines, cycles, and a Kinesis Personal Vision fitness mirror.

All of this is accompanied by outstanding service from people who are always willing to help. However, if you're planning a late night out, make sure you have the hotel's phone number on your phone, as we were locked out after some Friday night festivities.

Standard rooms are small but well-designed to maximise space, with built-in wardrobes and minimalist bedside tables. The beds have boudoir-style glossy black headboards, and eccentric designer wallpaper (in some) adds a boutique air.

All rooms include a large television with a Chromecast adapter for streaming, a Lavazza coffee maker, and a well-stocked minibar with high-quality French wines and Swedish delicacies (for an additional price).

The bathrooms are finished in smooth marble and furnished with full-size Swedish-made Aroma toiletries. All Double Superior rooms include bathtubs, which are a wonderful feature on frigid winter days.

With a relaxed wine bar and small dishes restaurant near the entrance, as well as a bar that bustles with locals on weekends - with DJs and live music most evenings - the hotel is a popular hospitality destination.

The restaurant, located on the ground floor of the historic candy factory, is the standout feature. It is a Mediterranean fusion concept that partners with two of Sweden's finest restaurateurs, Daniel Höglander and Niclas Jönsson of Michelin fame, and serves Bloody Mary-style scallops as well as saffron and za'atar hummus. Don't miss the lobster schnitzel.

Blique by Nobis

It is positioned where the burgeoning artists district Hagastaden intersects with Vasastaden. The top galleries in Stockholm can be found here, including Galerie Nordenhake, Cecilia Hillström, and Berg Gallery. There are numerous eateries around for foodies, including Etoile, Lilla Ego, and Agrikultur. Hagaparken, the city park, is also nearby, and a visit to the studio of 20th-century sculptor Carl Eldh is highly recommended.

Originally planned as a warehouse and office for Phillips in 1931 by famed Swedish architect Sigurd Lewerentz, the building has been extensively renovated by architect firm Wingårdhs, with a strong intention to stick to its functionalist background.

Lewerentz's significant industrial aesthetics, with raw concrete walls and floors and small box-like windows, are enhanced by new clever design that is both beautiful and functional, such as an elegant in-room black rail design that connects clothes storage, a full-size mirror, lamps, and bedside tables. Carl Hansen, Charles and Ray Eames chairs, and Wingårdhs custom-built furniture are examples of design classics.

In addition to two restaurants, a lobby bar and a rooftop bar, there is a small theatre on the lower ground floor available for private screenings and hotel-hosted events for guests. There is also a sauna on the same level. The lobby is ideal for both work and socialising. Check the hotel's schedule for after-work DJs, release parties, pop-ups, and neighbouring gallery district openings. There are various event facilities available for rent, both large and small.

The rooms, built by architect firm Wingårdh, comprise Sleep Rooms without windows, Blique Rooms with windows, and Studios with kitchenettes for extended visits. We stayed in a Blique Queen with a double bed from Bed Factory, original concrete wall elements, and a minimalist colour scheme throughout. The bathrooms are finished in traditional terrazzo, with a tiny shower and amenities from Swedish beauty brand Byredo.

There are two restaurants: Boketto on the lower ground floor serves Euro-Asian cuisine, and ARC specialises in Scandinavian seafood and Korean fare, with dishes like spicy chicken stew, pepper-fried ribeye, and pork belly teriyaki style, served with green lettuce leaves and side dishes like kimchi, pickled onions, and sprouts.

The panoramic view of Stockholm from the rooftop bar is breathtaking. It becomes really busy in the afternoon, so make sure you snag a seat.

Enjoy it with an In Square Circle drink made with raspberries produced in Tabasco fields, which adds a fiery kick. A great feature is the rooftop herb garden, where chefs and bartenders choose fresh herbs for their dishes and cocktails.

Breakfast features a variety of European and Asian foods such as overnight oats, fresh fruit, smoothies, ramen noodles, sushi, and frittata.

Stallmästaregården

The location is both central and secluded, and it accurately reflects Stockholm. On one side of Stallmästaregården, there is wonderful nature - the tranquil bay of Brunnsviken, surrounded by meadows and forest, offers great hikes, while the centre areas Norrmalm and Vasastan are full of restaurants and shops.

Don't miss artist Carl Eldh's exquisite historic workshop in neighbouring Bellevue Park, and if you're lucky, you might catch Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel exercising near their home in Haga Park.

With its sophisticated and inviting atmosphere, it's simple to see why Design Hotels handpicked this hotel. It's like walking into a lovely home that you'll never want to leave, replete with a welcoming open fire and comfortable leather sofas and armchairs in the lobby.

The restored 18th-century structure has the same characteristics throughout; in the restaurant, dark, heavy furniture, faded Tom Dixon Void Suspension lamps, and a striking round bar create a modern yet timeless environment. Some ancient characteristics still exist, such as original mural paintings, oak beams, and chandeliers that pay homage to the past.

The staff is professional and attentive, which makes the stay go very smoothly. This is the ideal spot to unwind, whether with a newspaper in the lobby or a pleasant walk along the bay. If you want to get involved, there are plenty of events available, including seasonal celebrations like Valborg, Midsummer, Christmas, Easter, and crayfish parties.

The hotel also provides event space, ranging from the huge banquet room to the intimate Queen Kristina Pavilion, which overlooks the bay and accommodates six people.

The 49 rooms consist of classic, superior, and deluxe rooms, as well as two suites. They are tastefully appointed and reflect the hotel's classic/modern aesthetic, with grey walls, oak floors, airy drapes, and French balconies facing the courtyard. Swedish Hästen beds, Egyptian cotton linens, and cosmetics designed by Irish designer Orla Kiely are among the luxurious features. Depending on the room, the bathrooms have baths or showers and are tiled in marble.

The restaurant serves classic Swedish cuisine, such as Toast Skagen with prawns, blini with Kalix bleak roe and cod with baked carrots and buckthorn, as well as spicy roast deer. The 'Lingon' dessert is a delicious interpretation on the red, sour Swedish fruit, baked into a parfait with honeycomb and served with baked apple cream and lingonberry sorbet.

On Sundays, the restaurant serves brunch, which includes a wide variety of warm and cold dishes such as salmon, cheese, and scrambled eggs. Don't miss the dessert buffet to accompany it!

Breakfast consists of both hot and cold dishes, as well as plenty of fresh fruit, and may include sweets like traditional Swedish cinnamon buns.

Sandhamn Seglarhotell

The hotel rises behind the masts at the lambent harbour on Sandön (Sand Island), which is a two-hour ferry voyage from Stockholm. The four-mile (six-kilometer) vehicle-free island can be visited on foot or by bicycle in under two hours, and the hotel is centrally located, a few minutes' walk from wooden trails that crisscross into picturesque communities adorned with traditional and vividly painted rustic homes.

Fans of Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy may recall that his protagonist had a writing hut here. The hotel is also half a mile (less than a km) near Trouville, a long sandy beach.

Sandhamn's sloped roof, lookout tower, and deep red façade evoke rustic archipelago architecture, but on a bigger scale. After all, it was created in the nineteenth century by renowned Swedish architect Fredrik Liljekvist for the Royal Swedish Yacht Club (members still conduct highly anticipated regattas from its on-site clubhouse).

Sandhman has established itself as a four-star hotel with the installation of additional wings for rooms and suites designed with predictable clean lines and warm oceanic colours that honour Sandön's pleasure sailing tradition, making it ideal for the sailing set.

Sandhamn, located on an island that has long served as an inspirational retreat for famous Swedish writers and artists, takes pleasure in providing a relaxing and unwinding atmosphere for its guests.

It has a pool with a food bar, a whirlpool tub, a sauna, spa treatments and a fitness centre. When summer comes to the archipelago, Sandhamn transforms into an upscale evening destination for sailing parties and a weekend nightlife.

Concierge services can arrange sailing, rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), fishing, kayaking trips, and historic walking tours.

It is the largest archipelago hotel, with 79 rooms, three suites, and nine family-friendly flats, but the facility retains a small village atmosphere. Rooms with wooden floors inspired by maritime design are filled with neutrals and navy accents. Sailing-themed artwork hangs in standard rooms with two single beds and extra soft mattress toppers.

White-tiled bathrooms use Algotherm toiletries, a marine-based label from France. The rooms have spacious balconies with stunning views of the port and the Baltic Sea.

The Seglar Restaurant, with lofty ceilings and views of the bustling Sandön waterfront, serves a full buffet breakfast featuring Swedish morning fare such as berry jams, local yoghurt, cheeses, and deli meats.

Chef Johan Wihelmsson's gourmet meals are influenced by Swedish cuisine, including his take on the island's speciality Tore Wretmans Sandhamnsgryta, a salmon and fennel stew. Live music comes in from the nearby piano bar, where fashionable Scandinavian men and women sip pricey cocktails.

Conclusion

There are many wonderful hotel alternatives in Stockholm to fit every preference and price range. The hotels in the city offer a great base for visiting Stockholm's rich cultural offers and natural beauty.

From ancient grand dames like the legendary Grand Hôtel to innovative boutique hotels in dynamic neighbourhoods like Södermalm, these accommodations are sure to impress. Stockholm's best hotels offer warm Swedish hospitality and the ideal ending to days spent exploring the quaint Gamla Stan neighbourhood, visiting top-notch museums, or island hopping across the stunning archipelago, whether you're looking for the pinnacle of luxury with white-glove service or a comfortable home away from home.