Travel
Written by
Hugo Cannon
Stockholm's allure lies in its seamless blend of old and new. Wander medieval cobblestone streets, explore trendy neighborhoods with cutting-edge architecture. Stockholm's unique charm and warm hospitality will undoubtedly captivate you.
Table of Contents:
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
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.
Grand Hôtel
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.
Grand Hôtel
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.
Grand Hôtel
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.
Grand Hôtel
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
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.
Ruin Retreat
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.
Ruin Retreat
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.
Ruin Retreat
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.
Ruin Retreat
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
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.
Ett Hem
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.
Ett Hem
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.
Ett Hem
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.
Ett Hem
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.
Ett Hem
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
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.
Bank Hotel
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.
Bank Hotel
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.
Bank Hotel
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
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.
Grand Hôtel
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.
Grand Hôtel
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.
Grand Hôtel
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.
Grand Hôtel
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
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.
Ruin Retreat
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.
Ruin Retreat
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.
Ruin Retreat
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.
Ruin Retreat
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
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.
Ett Hem
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.
Ett Hem
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.
Ett Hem
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.
Ett Hem
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.
Ett Hem
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
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.
Bank Hotel
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.
Bank Hotel
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.
Bank Hotel