Posted: 15/12/23 | December 15, 2023
Stockholm is a beautiful city, spread over fourteen islands. I love the city so much that I keep coming back to stroll through the parks, hang out in squares with brightly colored historic houses and enjoy the fantastic museums. There are so many great things to do and see, and it’s just a fun place to spend time. I’ve spent a lot of time here over the years (I almost moved here once).
Spending so much time here, I’ve gotten to know the city quite well. And I know where you stay can have a big impact on your experience. This not only means the neighborhood you choose, but also your choice of hotel.
To help you plan your trip to the Swedish capital, I’ve put together a list of the best hotels in Stockholm so you can have a fantastic stay in one of my favorite cities.
1.Castle House Inn
This hotel is located in the heart of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town. This area dates back to the 13th century and is the center of the city. You’ll find many of the main tourist attractions here, such as the Nobel Museum and the Royal Palace, as well as all kinds of small shops, hidden in narrow alleys between medieval buildings. In keeping with the historic character of the area, Castle House Inn has a cozy and rustic feel, with hardwood floors and classic wooden furnishings. There is also a private balcony in each room.
2. Scandic 53
This hotel is located near the central station in Norrmalm, the modern heart of Stockholm and where you can find everything from restaurants and shops to the Royal Opera and several beautiful city parks. It’s also a convenient base from which to explore the rest of the city, reaching the airport in just 20 minutes. Scandic 53 is an affordable mid-range hotel in the area with a sleek Scandinavian design. The extensive breakfast buffet is free, which is a nice bonus in a city as pricey as Stockholm. There is a lounge and courtyard where you can relax outside your room, and guests receive free access to a nearby fitness center.
3. Unique hotel
This cozy hotel retains much of its original early 20th century design and even has a small library. The breakfast buffet is reasonable and the WiFi is fast. Located in Vasastan, the neighborhood is more of a locals-only area and is generally quite quiet, so it’s easy to get a good night’s sleep here. There is a lot of greenery in the area, including a small park nearby and many places to eat or have a drink.
4. Parlan Hotel
This family-run, 3-star hotel has a classic look with a modern twist. With wooden floors, fireplaces and scenic balconies, it really recreates the charm of Stockholm. Located in Östermalm, this area is one of the more upscale parts of the city and is known for its prime shopping district and affluent residents. It’s also the place to party, with tons of cool bars and nightclubs. Moreover, it is just a few metro stops away from Gamla Stan. Personally, I think this is one of the nicest parts of the city to stay in.
5. Aiden from Best Western Stockholm City
This hotel is sleek and new, with bright colors and high-tech functionality. There are lots of nice perks here, including a free sauna, a gaming lounge, desks and armchairs in the rooms, and free breakfast. Aiden is located in the Kungsholmen district, which offers numerous restaurants, cozy cafes and green space. It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for something quieter, away from the busy city center (yet convenient enough to get everywhere with ease).
6. Hotel Soder
This hotel is named after the district in which it is located, Södermalm (usually just called Söder). The artistic heart of Stockholm, here you will find all kinds of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. I stay in this part of the city a lot as it is generally a little more affordable and a favorite area of locals. This hotel doesn’t look that great from the outside, but once you step inside you will be surprised. It is modern and cozy, with comfortable beds and also a delicious Swedish breakfast.
7. Collectors Victory Hotel
This unique four-star hotel has a classic atmosphere inspired by its own antique maritime collection. Think of an antique shop and bed-and-breakfast and you will sense the atmosphere and design. Each room is almost a mini museum, named after a specific ship captain, with photos, memorabilia and even a model of his ship in the room. There’s a swimming pool and sauna, the hotel restaurant uses local and organic ingredients and there’s a stately bar on site that makes you feel like you’re on a ship.
8. Elite Eden Park Hotel
This four-star hotel is modern Swedish design at its best and features a gym, sauna, gastropub and an Asian-inspired restaurant run by Swedish chef Melker Andersson, one of the country’s most renowned chefs. In short, this hotel is a perfect option for everyone who wants to enjoy themselves. The breakfast buffet is incredible, and the staff is very helpful and professional. It also prioritizes sustainable practices and has several certifications for its environmental friendliness.
One of Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities, Stockholm is an incredibly picturesque place with lots to see and do. That includes a lot of hotels to choose from, regardless of your travel style or budget. By choosing one of my recommended choices above, you will ensure you have a great stay in one of my favorite cities in the world.
Book your trip to Stockholm: logistics tips and tricks
Book your flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world so you always know there is nothing going on.
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory and the best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently offer the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re looking for more budget places to stay, here are my favorite hostels in Stockholm. If you’re wondering which part of the city to stay in, here’s my Stockholm neighborhood overview.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. It is comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I never travel without it as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the apps I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will also save you money when you travel.
Would you like more information about Stockholm?
Be sure to visit our robust Stockholm destination guide for even more planning tips!