The Nordics • Stay • Best of the best: our 15 favourite hotels in Sweden
Throughout the years, we’ve had the absolute pleasure of staying at some of the finest hotels across Sweden, each one offering a unique and unforgettable experience. From the vibrant streets of Stockholm to the serene landscapes of Gotland, we’ve dedicated countless hours to bring you the ultimate list. We’ve basked in the elegance of Gothenburg, explored the cultural richness of Malmö, and unwound in the tranquil settings of Norrbotten. Every hotel on this list has been personally experienced and meticulously selected, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay, no matter where your adventures take you in this stunning country.
01
Staying at Ett Hem – Swedish for ‘a home’ – feels like a home away from home. Since its opening in 2012, owner Jeanette Mix has perfected Ett Hem’s low-key yet elegant atmosphere that makes guests feel like part of the household. Housed in three neighbouring red-brick townhouses, Mix enlisted the help of Ilse Crawford in designing the 22-bedroom boutique hotel that also houses a lush patio garden and greenhouse, a cosy kitchen and restaurant, a well-stocked library, a grand sitting room, a gym and a Hamam. The winter of 2022 and 2023 saw the opening of three residences for long-term stays.
Read the full article on Ett Hem.
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Photography courtesy of Magnus Mårding and Ett Hem
02
It isn’t possible to get further north than to Riksgränsen, a ski resort bordering Norway. While out skiing, friends Johan Lindblom and Clas Darvik came across a derelict railway workshop in the middle of nowhere. With the help of architecture firm Krook & Tjäder and interior design studio Stylt, the site was reborn as a 14 room boutique resort and the world’s northernmost heliski lodge. After a day of winter adventures on the slopes, guests are invited to continue their experience at Niehku Mountain Villa’s restaurant, where head chef Ragnar Martinsson prepares a multi-course meal inspired by the Arctic kitchen.
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Photography courtesy of Niehku Mountain Villa
03
If you’re looking for a unique and eco-friendly vacation experience, consider staying at Treehotel in Harads, Sweden. The hotel features a series of cabins that are suspended high in the trees of a pine forest. Each cabin has been designed to blend in with the surrounding environment and offer a comfortable and stylish place to stay. You’ll have a range of cabin options to choose from, including some that look like birds’ nests and others that resemble tiny houses or spaceships. The treehouses were designed by a range of architects and design firms, including Tham & Videgård Arkitekter, Snøhetta, Bertil Harström and Mikael Genberg, with the latest addition being a wondrous creation by BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group. Each cabin has its own unique design, inspired by the surrounding natural environment and the creative vision of the architects and designers who worked on it.
Read the full article on Treehotel.
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Photography courtesy of Treehotel
04
Lydmar Hotel, Stockholm’s first design hotel, make quite a splash on the hotel scene back when it opened near Stureplan, the city’s nightlife Mecca, in 1993. In 2008 it reopened in a new, more grown-up location, sandwiched between the National Museum of Fine Arts and Grand Hôtel on the waterfront. Behind its grand white stone façade, this urban boutique bolthole offers luxe rooms in generous sizes, a laid-back brasserie beloved by locals and a hoppin’ terrace that ushers the party crowd through Stockholm’s endless summer nights.
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Photography courtesy of Johan Nilson and Lydmar Hotel
05
Arctic Bath in Harads, Sweden, slowly bobbing away on the Luleälven, is a floating cold bath house with several accommodation options. The exterior of the circular open-air bathhouse, conceived by architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi, is covered in logs as an ode to the river’s past as an essential route for log driving. Arctic Bath is a year-round spot: in summer, the bathhouse floats freely on the waters and in winter, it is frozen in place. Arctic Bath features a cold bath in the centre of the building, three saunas, an arctic spa with a treatment room, a restaurant, a lounge and a bar.
Read the full article on Arctic Bath.
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Photography courtesy of Arctic Bath
06
Hiding behind the surprisingly anonymous facade of a landmark building in one of Stockholm’s most prestigious locations is Bank Hotel, a plush and seductive boutique hotel with 115 rooms and eight suites. Despite its size, the hotel manages to retain its intimate and luxurious atmosphere. Bank Hotel also houses a number of restaurants and bars – we are particularly fond of the Le Hibou cocktail terrace bar on the top floor.
Read the full article on Bank Hotel.
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Photography courtesy of Bank Hotel
07
Elegant, timeless and effortlessly chic, Swedish hotelier Alessandro Catenacci and Stockholm design trio Claesson Koivisto Rune drew inspiration from their travels across the globe in the creation of Nobis Hotel. Nobis Hotel occupies a prime spot on Norrmalmstorg town square and is housed in two interconnected stone buildings from the late 19th century, in a neighbourhood that emerged during Sweden’s industrial revolution.
Read the full article on Nobis Hotel.
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Photography courtesy of Nobis Hotel
08
Photography courtesy of Erik Lefvander and Ruin Retreat
09
PM & Vänner in Växjö features a contemporary hotel with striking architecture, a rooftop pool, a bar area, and a sun terrace. Designed by Bläck & Co, the interiors are stylish and reflect the natural beauty of Småland. During your stay, you have access to a spa, a small gym as well as to a nearby larger gym and day spa. The hotel also houses a Michelin-starred restaurant, led by skilled chefs, offering tasting menus with local ingredients like caviar from Strömsnäsbruk and spring lamb from Appeltorp. The extensive wine cellar showcases a diverse collection, featuring both renowned and emerging labels.
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Photography courtesy of PM & Vänner
10
Welcome to Wanås Hotel, a boutique sanctuary that intertwines art, history and Nordic charm within the rustic walls of two 18th-century barns in Skåne, Sweden. Boasting a lineage steeped in medieval tales and war-soaked annals, Wanås Hotel marries vintage aesthetics with contemporary elegance. The vibrant traces of its past unfold in its organic, sustainable practices and a famed sculpture park, home to over 70 site-specific installations. An ideal destination for art enthusiasts and serenity seekers, this unique gem is a mere one and a half hour’s journey from Malmö or Copenhagen.
Read the full article on Wanås Hotel.
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Photography courtesy of Wanås Hotel
11
Yasuragi in Hasseludden, near Stockholm, offers a unique sanctuary where Japanese tranquillity meets Scandinavian minimalism. This distinctive spa hotel, encircled by serene woodlands and stunning sea views, provides a peaceful escape. Here, we can cruise around comfortably in our yukatas, enjoying the freedom of not having to get dressed up. The 191 rooms demonstrate exquisite Japanese minimalist design, with features like low beds and refined pine floors, all while embracing eco-friendly practices. Dining at Yasuragi is a delight with options like Saishoku for vegan dishes, A La Carte for Japanese-inspired fare, and the interactive Teppanyaki Restaurant. The spa features Kyoto-inspired pools and innovative treatments like sauna yoga and bamboo massages, enhancing our relaxation. The cocktail bar and Japanese breakfast buffet offer further indulgence in this tranquil retreat.
Read the full article on Yasuragi.
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12
Lindeborgs Eco Retreat in Vrena offers a serene escape with a strong focus on sustainability. Set amidst forests, fields and Lake Hallbosjön, the retreat features eco-friendly accommodations designed by White Arkitekter, including the award-winning Eco Barn and cosy nature cabins. Enjoy organic meals in the farm kitchen, with ingredients sourced directly from the garden and prepared by chefs like Peter Andersson, known for his work at sustainable restaurants. The retreat also offers yoga sessions, a biological water treatment system and a sauna, ensuring a relaxing and eco-conscious experience.
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Photography courtesy of Lindeborgs Eco Retreat
13
Steam Hotel in Västerås offers a striking blend of industrial history and modern luxury. Housed in a former steam power plant, the hotel features 18 floors with 263 uniquely designed rooms. You are welcome to enjoy the world-class Voltage Pool Club, which includes an outdoor pool with stunning views of Lake Mälaren. Dining options are diverse and includes Chamberlin Grill which offers a rustic yet romantic setting, while Locavore on the 18th floor serves Asian fusion cuisine crafted by head chef Victor Björnberg. The hotel’s interiors, designed by Gin Design Group, seamlessly integrate the building’s industrial past with contemporary elegance.
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Photography courtesy of Steam Hotel
14
In an attempt to curb the depopulation of the northern Swedish city Skellefteå, its inhabitants came up with the idea to create Sara Kulturhus – a new landmark and epicentre for art, culture and literature designed by White Arkitekter. The 20-storey building, one of the world’s tallest buildings constructed in wood, also houses The Wood Hotel, designed as a tribute to the city’s history of forestry and timber construction.
Read the full article on The Wood Hotel
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Photography courtesy of The Wood Hotel
15
Located in the serene Halland County in Sweden, Sjöparken is a modern, romantic spa hotel that offers a unique experience blending natural beauty and luxury. Set amidst lush landscapes, including rolling hills, forests and lakes, Ästad Vingård provides a tranquil oasis just a short drive from major cities like Copenhagen and Gothenburg. Designed by Norm Architects, Sjöparken is a testament to Nordic simplicity and Japanese design aesthetics which makes it an extraordinary retreat for those seeking harmony with nature.
Read the full artcle on Sjöparken at Ästad Vingård.
Photography courtesy of Sjöparken at Ästad Vingård
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