The Best Places to Stay in Stockholm for First-Time Visitors

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a city that effortlessly blends historic charm with modern sophistication. Spread across 14 islands, it’s a city where you can stroll through medieval streets, enjoy cutting-edge design, and savor world-class cuisine all in one day. Choosing the right place to stay is essential for making the most of your visit, especially if it’s your first time. In this blog, I’ll share my experience staying at a hotel in Stockholm and provide recommendations for other great places to stay in this beautiful city.

My Stay at Hotel Skeppsholmen

Location:
Hotel Skeppsholmen is situated on the serene and picturesque island of Skeppsholmen, a tranquil oasis right in the heart of Stockholm. The location is perfect for those who want to be close to the city’s main attractions while enjoying a peaceful retreat. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers stunning views of the water. It’s within walking distance of the Moderna Museet and the Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design, making it an excellent choice for art and design lovers.

How to Book:
I booked my stay directly through the hotel’s website. The process was seamless, and I appreciated the clear information on room categories, amenities, and pricing. I recommend booking directly through the hotel for the best rates and to ensure that any special requests, such as a room with a view, are accommodated.

How to Get There:
Getting to Hotel Skeppsholmen is straightforward. From Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport, you can take the Arlanda Express to Stockholm Central Station, which takes about 20 minutes. From the central station, it’s a short taxi ride to the hotel, or you can take a 10-minute walk to the nearest ferry terminal and enjoy a scenic boat ride to Skeppsholmen. Public transportation in Stockholm is excellent, so it’s easy to reach the hotel by bus or metro as well.

Environment and Surroundings:
The hotel’s setting is nothing short of magical. Skeppsholmen is a small island, so the atmosphere is very peaceful, with plenty of greenery and open spaces. The hotel itself is housed in a beautifully preserved 17th-century building, which adds to its charm. The minimalist Scandinavian design inside contrasts nicely with the historic exterior, creating a unique blend of old and new.

Facilities:
Hotel Skeppsholmen offers a range of facilities that cater to both leisure and business travelers. The rooms are spacious, with comfortable beds, modern bathrooms, and all the amenities you’d expect from a high-end hotel, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and luxurious bath products. The hotel also has a fantastic restaurant that serves traditional Swedish cuisine with a modern twist. The breakfast buffet, included in the room rate, is a highlight, featuring a variety of local and organic options.

For those who want to stay active, the hotel has a small fitness center, and the surrounding area is perfect for jogging or a morning walk. The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive, making sure that every aspect of my stay was comfortable and enjoyable.

My Experience and Rating:
Staying at Hotel Skeppsholmen was a delightful experience. The combination of the peaceful location, the beautiful design, and the excellent service made it a perfect choice for my first visit to Stockholm. I particularly enjoyed the hotel’s tranquil setting, which provided a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. I would rate my experience at Hotel Skeppsholmen a solid 9 out of 10. The only minor drawback was that the hotel is slightly removed from the city center, which could be a consideration for those who prefer to be right in the middle of the action.

Other Recommended Hotels in Stockholm

1. Grand Hôtel Stockholm

Location:
Located on the waterfront opposite the Royal Palace and the Old Town (Gamla Stan), the Grand Hôtel Stockholm is one of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels. Its prime location makes it an excellent choice for first-time visitors who want to be close to major attractions like the Royal Palace, the Nobel Museum, and the lively shopping streets of Norrmalm.

How to Book:
The Grand Hôtel can be booked through its official website or through major booking platforms like Booking.com or Expedia. The hotel often offers special packages, so it’s worth checking for deals, especially during the off-peak season.

Facilities:
The Grand Hôtel is renowned for its opulent rooms and suites, many of which offer stunning views of the harbor and the Royal Palace. The hotel’s Nordic Spa & Fitness center is one of the best in the city, offering a range of treatments, a pool, and a fully equipped gym. Dining at the hotel is a gastronomic experience, with several restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Mathias Dahlgren.

Why Stay Here:
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience in a historic setting, the Grand Hôtel is hard to beat. It’s ideal for travelers who want to be pampered while being within walking distance of Stockholm’s top attractions.

2. Haymarket by Scandic

Location:
Haymarket by Scandic is located in the heart of Stockholm, at Hötorget Square. This hotel is perfect for those who want to be in the middle of the city’s vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment district. It’s a short walk from Drottninggatan, Stockholm’s main shopping street, and close to cultural landmarks like the Stockholm Concert Hall.

How to Book:
You can book your stay at Haymarket by Scandic through their official website or through popular travel booking platforms. The hotel frequently offers discounts and promotions, especially for members of the Scandic Friends loyalty program.

Facilities:
The hotel is housed in a historic Art Deco building that was once a department store. The design of the hotel reflects its history, with stylish interiors that blend modern comforts with a nod to the 1920s. The rooms are well-appointed, with comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. The hotel’s restaurant, Paul’s, serves classic European dishes with a contemporary twist, and Gretas, the café, is a popular spot for breakfast and brunch.

Why Stay Here:
Haymarket by Scandic is ideal for travelers who want to be in the heart of Stockholm’s action. The hotel’s central location and stylish design make it a great base for exploring the city’s shopping, dining, and nightlife.

3. Hotel Rival

Location:
Hotel Rival is located in the trendy Södermalm district, known for its bohemian vibe, eclectic shops, and lively bars and restaurants. The hotel is situated on Mariatorget Square, a picturesque spot surrounded by leafy trees and charming cafés. It’s a great location for those who want to experience Stockholm’s more alternative side while still being close to major attractions like Gamla Stan and the Fotografiska Museum.

How to Book:
Hotel Rival can be booked directly through its website or through various online travel agencies. The hotel often has special offers, so it’s worth checking for deals on their site.

Facilities:
Hotel Rival, owned by ABBA’s Benny Andersson, combines retro charm with modern amenities. The rooms are stylishly decorated with plush beds, quality linens, and unique touches like old-school movie posters. The hotel has its own cinema, a lively bar, and a bistro that serves a delicious breakfast and a variety of Swedish and international dishes. Free Wi-Fi and access to a nearby gym are also included.

Why Stay Here:
Hotel Rival is perfect for those who appreciate a mix of retro charm and modern comfort. Its location in Södermalm makes it an excellent choice for exploring one of Stockholm’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

4. Nobis Hotel Stockholm

Location:
Nobis Hotel is centrally located in Norrmalmstorg Square, in the upscale Östermalm district. It’s within walking distance of many of Stockholm’s top attractions, including the Royal Dramatic Theatre, Stureplan’s nightlife, and the luxury shopping street of Biblioteksgatan.

How to Book:
Reservations can be made directly on the Nobis Hotel website or through various booking platforms. The hotel occasionally offers packages that include extras like breakfast or spa access, so it’s worth checking these out.

Facilities:
Nobis Hotel is housed in two historic buildings from the 19th century, with interiors that blend classic Scandinavian design with modern luxury. The rooms are elegant and understated, with high-quality furnishings, plush bedding, and marble bathrooms. The hotel features a gourmet restaurant, Noi, and a stylish bar, Gold Bar, known for its creative cocktails. Guests also have access to a fitness center and sauna.

Why Stay Here:
Nobis Hotel is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience the best of Stockholm’s luxury and style. Its location in the heart of Östermalm makes it perfect for those looking to explore Stockholm’s upscale shopping and dining scene.

Stockholm offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat on a picturesque island, a luxury experience in the heart of the city, or a trendy spot in a vibrant neighborhood, there’s a hotel in Stockholm that will make your stay unforgettable.

For first-time visitors, it’s essential to consider your interests and how you plan to explore the city when choosing your accommodation. Whether you opt for the tranquility of Hotel Skeppsholmen, the grandeur of the Grand Hôtel, the centrality of Haymarket by Scandic, the retro charm of Hotel Rival, or the luxury of Nobis Hotel, Stockholm’s diverse range of hotels ensures that you’ll find the perfect place to call home during your visit.