Stockholm

Surrounded by the 24,000-or-so islands in its sparkling archipelago and painted in warm shades of yellow and orange, Stockholm has to be one of the world's most beautiful capitals. If you know this Scandi beauty is the one for you then scroll down to our guru's list of the best places to stay in Stockholm. If you're not sure, here are some good reasons to visit.

Stockholm is so small that you can readily walk to most central addresses, avoiding hideously expensive taxis. Small ships and ferries dart in and out of the islands and docks ready to transport you to other parts of the city, or out into the archipelago.

The hotels fit in nicely to this pattern. There are a couple of very conservative properties, but most celebrate Sweden’s love affair with modern design. Long before Ikea, Swedish designers excelled at furniture - particularly chairs. Almost all the best places to stay have turned to this tradition and you can expect to find in them examples of the best modern furniture. It is usually comfortable, colourful and beautifully made.

What not to Miss

• Stockholm is glacially cool. The setting is spectacular; the cafe culture is thriving; the nightlife is world class; the food original. Gamla Stan, the old town is the maze of cobbled streets you'd hope it would be, the museums and Royal Palace are packed with treasures. Yet there are still plenty of wonderful little design boutiques and foodie treasures to discover for yourself.
• Gamla Stan is where a lot of the historic action is packed, as this is where Stockholm started in the 13th Century. The houses are tall and narrow and there are lots of matching windows. As well as the Royal Palace, this is where you'll find the cathedral, the Nobel Museum and the Riddarholm Church. South of Gamla Stan is another island worth visiting: Södermalm. This is where you can see some of the most wonderful of the old houses.
• In summer you can swim in the sea off the city, sail, walk, hike and take full advantage of the extra long days. Stockholm in winter is as romantic a destination as you could imagine.
• Stockholm is an easy city to explore with kids. All the stations have lifts and buses and trams have spaces for several pushchairs. Plus travel is free for under sevens. There's also a lot of colour to this city and plenty of variety to keep little ones going. Many people speak English and the vibe is friendly.

Stockholm is not cheap, but our list of the best places to stay in Stockholm will offer you value for money. None of them is extreme, all are honest, clean, well run and eager to please you - like Stockholm itself.

For a Stockholm City Break

• Birger Jarl is perfect for a city break and if you love design. Leading interior designers have been given free rein here and much of the furniture you'll only have seen in style magazines. A very central location and lavish breakfast included make this ideal if you're only here for a few days.
• The Hotel Rival has been converted from a cinema built in the 30s. The rooms are chic and bright, with lots of light and modern artworks There’s a cinema, bakery and a bistro.
• The First Hotel Reisen is a grand hotel with classical proportions in Stockholm’s old town. There are 144 smart, tastefully decorated rooms and a Franco-Swedish restaurant. It might surprise you to know that the bar hosts DJs.
• Right in the centre of town, the Story Hotel is the epitome of Swedish chic - minimalist, but with plenty of style. There are 87 large rooms and suites with plenty of natural light and boutique furnishings, plus a fantastic restaurant and bar.

For culture

• Overlooking the harbour, the Grand Hotel is full of historic elegance. The public areas are grand affairs worthy of the Nobel Prize winners who stay here. They have several restaurants, a 1* and a 2** Michelin recommended so it's also a top spot for foodies.
• The Esplanade is an old fashioned pension in an excellent city central location on the water. There are 34 large Art Nouveau style rooms with period furnishings and great views. There’s a small sauna and breakfast room.
• The Victory is a cheerful and eccentric family-owned boutique hotel on Gamla Stan. The 45 rooms are decorated with some great naval antiques and memorabilia, plus there are two fantastic restaurants.
• The Pop House Hotel is a cool, four-star hotel on leafy Djurgården Island. Close to many museums and parks, this is a quieter spot. The 49 rooms are simple and stylish and there’s a French/ American restaurant.

For Couples

• The Nobis Hotel is a modern luxury hotel with 201 sophisticated rooms, a beautiful bar and restaurant and a perfect location. It sounds simple but it’s definitely worth a look.
• The Lydmar Hotel has the best location of any of Stockholm’s design hotels. With 46 rooms it’s also not too large. The decor marries old and new to great effect and there are four-poster beds and sleek modern pieces side by side. There’s also a lively terrace bar.
• For something even more intimate try Ett Hem, a 12 room home-from-home with welcoming communal spaces in which to have a drink, an enviable art collection and contemporary furniture.

For Families

• The Hotel J is a large, waterfront hotel just a short boat ride from the centre of town. There are 158 nautical themed rooms - some with private balconies overlooking the water and a large open-plan living area, plus two excellent restaurants and sprawling gardens.
• Just three stops from the centre of town on the metro, the Hotel Rival is one of the best places to stay in Stockholm if you want to be where the action is - both historic and modern. The hotel itself has perfected this hybrid. It's classical but fresh. Built in 1937, but packed with modern art and with a cinema and bakery as well as bars and bistro. Rival is also a good choice if you love a boutique hotel but you're on a budget.
• Stallmastaregarden is a farmhouse style hotel in a winning location between a beautiful lake and a natural park - but still just minutes travel from the city. The decor is Swedish simplicity with large, comfortable rooms. There’s an excellent restaurant and stunning grounds.
• The Melody Hotel is a good, four-star boutique style hotel close to many of the museums and attractions. The 50 rooms and suites have floor to ceiling windows and contemporary furnishings. Lively and cool. But still family-friendly.

For City Buzz

• The Berns Hotel is a nightclub, concert venue and popular restaurant, as well as being a centrally located boutique hotel. Scandi design through and a lively atmosphere.
• Hotel with Urban Deli is what it says, a hotel, deli, convenience store, rooftop bar and lounge. It’s also trendy, with industrial inspired design and fusion cuisine.
• The Nordic Light Hotel is a 1960s era building with minimalist interiors and some super cool lighting effects. The 175 rooms are all-white and contemporary and there’s a Californian themed restaurant.
• The Clarion Sign is a big hotel - it’s got 558 rooms - in a stunning modern building. The design is very Scandi, with lots of glass, wood floors, curvaceous chairs and white walls. There’s also a fantastic rooftop pool and spa.

Stockholm in Summer

• Take advantage of all the light at Skeppsholmen, one of the best places to stay in summer. Once Royal marines barracks, these lofty rooms have been decorated in very Scandi white on white. The island the hotel is on is central, but still quiet.

Stockholm in Winter

• The open fires, rough boarded floors and candlelit rooms of Browallshof will have you cosying up in no time. Making it wonderful for romance. On weekends you'll find many locals visiting this home, built in 1731, experiencing how their wealthy forebears lived.

Great Value

• Miss Clara by Nobis is a continental style hotel with Swedish design. Brand new, in a great location two minutes walk from central Stockholm. With 92 rooms, a restaurant, bar and sauna, this is a quiet, comfortable place to stay if you want to spend about £100 per night.

For an Apartment

• If you’d prefer to stay in a private apartment we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Stockholm Arlanda Airport is served by BA, SAS and Norwegian, which is convenient if you’re travelling from the UK. There’s a bus called the Arlanda Express which takes you from the airport into the centre of town in 20minutes. Skavsta Airport is also close by and is popular with the low-cast carriers.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partnerRentalcars
• Stockholm is beautiful in winter, but it’s also cold and very dark, so if you’ve not been to the city before you’re better off visiting between May and September when the days are longer. Summer is a popular time to visit, with temperatures in the mid-20s and daylight lasting until 11 or 12pm. Spring and autumn are quieter, which might appeal to you.

Still not sure?

• Consider the best places to stay in Jarfalla?
• Or expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Sweden?
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.