Hotels
Best hotels in Stockholm: 9 places we would check into
Stockholm is built on 14 islands, and its hotels sit by the water, in old banking halls and in courtyards on Södermalm. These are the ones we would choose for a weekend in the Swedish capital.
Stockholm sits where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic, spread across 14 islands with bridges, quays and boats everywhere. The city is beautiful in every season, but December is something special, when the Christmas markets open in Gamla stan and at Skansen and every window glows.
Stockholm's hotels are as varied as its neighbourhoods, from classic waterfront luxury to personal little hotels in hidden courtyards. We have picked nine we would stay in.
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Where to stay in Stockholm
Norrmalm and Blasieholmen are the heart of the city for shopping, restaurants and views of the Royal Palace. Östermalm is elegant and calm, with Strandvägen and the Östermalm food hall. Södermalm is the creative side of town, with vintage shops, cafés and views from Monteliusvägen.
Norrmalm and Blasieholmen for easy access to everything
Östermalm for elegance and food
Södermalm for cafés, vintage and nightlife
Skeppsholmen and Djurgården for calm and museums
On the water and in the centre
Grand Hôtel Stockholm
The lobby at the Grand Hôtel.
Grand Hôtel: the classic on Blasieholmen
The Grand Hôtel stands on the quay opposite the Royal Palace and Gamla stan, and has been the city's most famous hotel since the 1870s. This is where the Nobel laureates stay when the prizes are awarded in December.
There are five restaurants and a spa, and guests praise the staff. Ask for a room facing the water.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Grand Hôtel Stockholm
Bank Hotel
Views over Stockholm from Bank Hotel.
Bank Hotel: luxury in an old bank
Bank Hotel occupies a former bank building a few minutes from Kungsträdgården. The old banking hall is now a restaurant, and from the roof you look out over the city and the water.
There are three bars and a restaurant, and guests praise the breakfast.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Bank Hotel
Lydmar Hotel
One of the lounges at Lydmar Hotel.
Lydmar Hotel: art and music by the water
Lydmar is on Blasieholmen, right next to the Nationalmuseum and looking towards the Royal Palace. The hotel is known for art on the walls and music in the bar.
Guests praise the breakfast, and there are two bars and a restaurant.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Lydmar Hotel
At Six
The bar at At Six.
At Six: an art hotel on Brunkebergstorg
At Six is on Brunkebergstorg in the city centre, with a large collection of contemporary art in the lobby and the rooms. The Royal Swedish Opera and Kungsträdgården are just a few minutes away.
There are two restaurants and two bars, and guests praise the breakfast.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at At Six
Downtown Camper by Scandic
The fireplace and the view at Downtown Camper.
Downtown Camper by Scandic: the outdoors in the city
Downtown Camper is right in the centre, but designed for people who would rather be out in nature. There is a rooftop pool and sauna with views over the rooftops.
Guests praise the breakfast, and there are two restaurants and two bars.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Downtown Camper by Scandic
Östermalm, Skeppsholmen and Södermalm
Hotel Diplomat
The facade of Hotel Diplomat on Strandvägen.
Hotel Diplomat: art nouveau on Strandvägen
Hotel Diplomat is in an art nouveau building on Strandvägen, looking out over the boats and the water towards Djurgården. The Östermalm food hall and the museums on Djurgården are close by.
Guests especially love the location, and there are two bars and a restaurant.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hotel Diplomat
Ett Hem
The garden at Ett Hem.
Ett Hem: like staying with a friend with great taste
Ett Hem is in an old villa in Lärkstaden, a quiet corner of Östermalm. There is no reception in the usual sense, just living rooms, a library and a garden where you feel like a guest in a private home.
There is a restaurant, a bar and an outdoor pool. One of the most personal hotels in Scandinavia.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Ett Hem
Hotel Skeppsholmen
Hotel Skeppsholmen on a winter's day.
Hotel Skeppsholmen: calm on the island
Hotel Skeppsholmen is in a late 1600s building on the small island of Skeppsholmen, a few minutes from Moderna Museet. You are in the middle of the city, yet surrounded by water and trees.
Breakfast and wifi are included, and guests praise the staff.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hotel Skeppsholmen
Hotel Rival
The bar at Hotel Rival.
Hotel Rival: Södermalm and ABBA
Hotel Rival is on Mariatorget on Södermalm and is owned by Benny Andersson of ABBA. The hotel has an old cinema, and the rooms have pictures of film stars on the walls.
Breakfast is included and guests love it. Stay here for the cafés and vintage shops of Södermalm on your doorstep.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hotel Rival
When to visit Stockholm
Summer is light and long, with swimming from the rocks and boat trips into the archipelago. In December the Christmas markets open in Gamla stan and at Skansen, and Lucia is celebrated on 13 December. Nobel week in early December fills the central hotels, so book early.
Book early for December and Nobel week
Buy an SL card for buses, the metro and ferries
Take the Arlanda Express from the airport, it takes around 20 minutes
See also European cities to visit at Christmas and our Christmas breaks.
FAQ: hotels in Stockholm
Where should I stay in Stockholm?
Norrmalm and Blasieholmen are the most practical for a weekend. Östermalm suits those who want elegance and good food, while Södermalm is best for cafés and nightlife.
Which Stockholm hotels have views of the Royal Palace?
The Grand Hôtel and Lydmar Hotel on Blasieholmen face the Royal Palace and Gamla stan. Ask for a room facing the water when you book.
When are the Christmas markets in Stockholm?
The Christmas markets in Gamla stan and at Skansen usually open in late November and run until Christmas. Check the dates before you travel.
How do I get from Arlanda to the city centre?
The Arlanda Express reaches Stockholm Central Station in around 20 minutes. The airport coach is cheaper but slower.
How long should I spend in Stockholm?
A long weekend of three days is enough for Gamla stan, Djurgården and Södermalm. With more time, a day trip into the archipelago is well worth it.