The Nordics • Stay • The 15 best boutique and luxury hotels in Stockholm
Stockholm is a city of enchanting contrasts and diverse neighbourhoods, each offering a unique slice of the city’s soul. Here are our favourite Stockholm areas and what makes each unique and close to our hearts.
When we crave the thrill of being right where the action is, Norrmalm is our go-to. The bustling streets lined with shops, the aroma of fresh coffee from countless cafes and the promise of new culinary delights around every corner make it our perfect temporary doorstep. Norrmalm is where Stockholm’s heartbeat is loudest, offering endless entertainment and exploration opportunities.
There’s a seductive vibe in Södermalm that calls to us when we’re in a bohemian mood. It’s where the city’s artistic soul flourishes amidst quirky boutiques, graffiti-laden lanes and a vibrant alternative nightlife. Here, we immerse ourselves in a cultural setting that feels distinctly more laid-back and intimately seductive. Södermalm is where we go to experience the city’s edgier, more eclectic side.
Read the article on our top hotel picks in Södermalm.
For those moments when we seek an incognito escape without sparing any luxuries, Östermalm stands unparalleled. It’s the epitome of high-end living, with its polished facades, exclusive boutiques and discreet charm. Staying here means enjoying the finer things in Stockholm with a level of privacy and elegance that is second to none. It’s our hideaway for a top-tier, understated experience.
Vasastaden, with its beautiful architecture and friendly atmosphere, offers us that relaxed, at-home feeling every time. It’s where we become locals for a while, blending into the daily rhythm of cafe life and neighbourhood strolls. Vasastan’s blend of cultural richness and residential calm provides a genuinely authentic Stockholm experience, inviting us to slow down and savour life.
When the urge to withdraw from the city’s pulse grows strong, residential Kungsholmen becomes our sanctuary. Surrounded by water and adorned with lush parks, it’s a place where leisurely walks and picnics by the waterfront are part of daily life. Here, we find our peace and quiet, enjoying Stockholm at a more reflective pace, with the city’s skyline across the water reminding us of the bustling world just a short distance away.
There’s nothing quite like summers in Stockholm and Djurgården is where we go to make the most of them. This green haven, rich in both culture and nature, offers the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and lazy afternoons. The ability to take a dip in the cool waters just steps away from our door makes it an idyllic retreat. Djurgården encapsulates the essence of a Swedish summer in the city, blending relaxation with a sense of discovery.
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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, a well-stocked library, a grand sitting room, a gym and a Hamam. The winter of 2022 and 2023 will see 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
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Photography courtesy of Johan Nilson and Lydmar Hotel
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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
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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
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Photography courtesy of Hotel Skeppsholmen
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Photography courtesy of Stallmästaregården
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A listed Brutalist building, designed by Swedish architects Boijsen & Efervgren in the 1970s for Swedish bank Swedbank, now houses a hotel as aesthetically uncompromising as its severe monolithic facade. The atmosphere At Six is sombre and highly refined, and all fifteen floors are jam-packed with art and design by some of the world’s best contemporary artists and designers. This chic urban playground offers guests a restaurant, a bistro, two bars and a rooftop park within its four robust walls.
Read the full article on At Six.
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Photography courtesy of At Six
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Inspired by strong women – Karin Larsson, Peggy Guggenheim and Kiki De Montparnasse – that were true intellectuals and visionaries of their time, Stockholm hotel Villa Dagmar is a bolthole for the curious traveller in search of both substance and style. Co-owner Anna Cappelen has worked together with architect studio Tengbom and interior designers Per Öberg and Helena Belfrage to create a property that is an ode to life, and to beauty.
Read the full article on Villa Dagmar.
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Photography courtesy of Villa Dagmar
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Photography courtesy of Miss Clara
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Housed in a red-brick townhouse – one of Stockholm’s oldest buildings – is Hotel Frantz, named after Frantz Bock, the master tailor that commissioned the structure in 1647. This quaint and stylish hotel is run by the Pettersson family, whose four family members you’re likely to get personally acquainted with during your stay, and gives guests a remarkably intimate and affordable hospitality experience in the very heart of town.
Read the full article on Hotel Frantz.
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Photography courtesy of Hotel Frantz
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Photography courtesy of Haymarket by Scandic
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Standing proud in the heart of Stockholm, Grand Hôtel boasts an architectural marvel dating back to 1874. Located opposite the Royal Palace and Strömkajen harbour, the hotel offers 273 elegantly appointed rooms, including 70 luxurious suites. Each room features modern amenities blended with classic charm, with distinct design themes curated by renowned interior architects. Dining at Grand Hôtel is an exquisite experience, featuring chef Mathias Dahlgren’s Michelin-starred Matbaren and the superb Seafood Gastro. The Veranda offers seasonal dishes, and we particularly love grabbing a dry martini at Cadierbaren, which provides a stylish setting for an evening drink. For relaxation, the Nordic Spa & Fitness centre offers a serene retreat, with treatments inspired by the Stockholm archipelago. This iconic hotel encapsulates sophistication and elegance in every detail.
Read the full article on Grand Hôtel.
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Photography courtesy of Hotel Ruth
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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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