Image courtesy of Ett Hem
The best hotels in Stockholm reflect the city’s history and minimalist Scandinavian design while treating guests to warm Swedish hospitality. Below, Fora traveler advisors detail some of our community’s favorite Stockholm hotels, from stylish urban retreats in the heart of the city to tranquil, suburban escapes.
To get the most out of your stay in Stockholm, connect with a Fora Advisor. They’ll matchmake you to a property that fits your budget and preferences, and unlock complimentary hotel perks at properties owned by Fora’s travel partners. Plus, if you're looking for insider tips on what to do in the city, a Fora Advisor can offer expert recommendations for the best experiences.
12 of the best hotels in Stockholm, Sweden
A team of Fora Advisors visited Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki in September 2024 to familiarize themselves with the region’s top hotels. Below, you’ll find a few of their Stockholm stops, plus a handful of additional properties other Fora Advisors have previously visited in the Swedish capital.
Related article: Definitive Guide: Nordic Region
Grand Hôtel Stockholm
Image courtesy of Grand Hôtel Stockholm
Grand Hôtel Stockholm is one of the city’s most prestigious and luxurious hotels. The property opened in 1874, and has since hosted celebrities, royalty and Nobel Prize laureates. Spacious rooms and suites feature a mix of classic and contemporary design, with options for connecting rooms for family or group travel. It’s no surprise Grand Hôtel Stockholm is one of Fora’s top-booked hotels in the city.
“Grand Hôtel is a great place to use as a base to enjoy all there is in beautiful Stockholm,” Fora Advisor Kristen Kolek said. “The staff is friendly and helpful. The bars and restaurants are inviting. And the food is delicious (the seafood buffet was a big hit).” Kristen also liked the hotel’s location; it’s right across the water from Stockholm’s Royal Palace, in Gamla Stan (the city’s historic Old Town).
Fora Advisor Kathleen O’Neill, who described the hotel as a “stunner,” noted that the hotel is a favorite among Swedes. And she mentioned that the Nordic Spa, which features traditional Nordic saunas and cold-plunge and heated pools, is not to be missed.
Fora Perks at Grand Hôtel Stockholm:
$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Ett Hem
Image courtesy of Ett Hem
Ett Hem was a standout choice on our advisors’ Nordics scouting trip. This boutique hotel is outside the busiest parts of the city — about 40 minutes away from Gamla Stan on foot, 10 minutes by car — in a more residential area. It’s housed in a former private residence built in the 1910s, and exudes upscale charm. The design melds Scandinavian minimalism with cozy, vintage touches, and limited capacity ensures privacy and personalized service.
“Ett Hem was hands down my favorite property,” Kathleen said. “The hotel is warm, inviting and the perfect mix of understated luxury.”
Ett Hem encourages you to treat it as your own home — whether that means enjoying a book by the fireplace, having dinner in the communal kitchen or relaxing in the garden. There are also two restaurants on site. One operates as a fine-dining experience, while the other serves up a homey, à la carte menu where you can watch the chefs prepare your meal.
“Each course was beautifully presented, full of flavor and using local ingredients,” Fora Advisor Christie Sweaney said.
Fora Perks at Ett Hem:
$50 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Smådalarö Gård Hotel & Spa
Smådalarö Gård Hotel & Spa is a quiet retreat in the Stockholm Archipelago, about 45 minutes from the city center. This waterfront property combines Swedish country charm with wellness amenities, including a luxe spa and a variety of outdoor activities like golf, tennis and kayaking. The hotel’s design is light and airy, with a focus on natural materials and soothing colors. It’s the ideal destination if you’re seeking relaxation, wellness treatments and a tranquil environment while still being relatively close to Stockholm’s urban attractions.
Nobis Hotel Stockholm
Image courtesy of Nobis Hotel Stockholm
The Nobis Hotel — another one of Fora’s top-booked hotels in Stockholm — is a stylish, contemporary choice in the heart of the city, on Norrmalmstorg Square. Housed in two historic buildings, the hotel blends modern design with classic architecture, creating an elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere. Rooms feature sleek interiors with warm colors and high-end amenities. The hotel’s Gold Bar, known for its chic design and creative cocktails, is a popular spot for both locals and travelers.
Fora Perks at Nobis Hotel Stockholm:
€50 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Miss Clara by Nobis
Image courtesy of Miss Clara by Nobis
Miss Clara by Nobis is a design-forward boutique hotel in a former girls’ school. The hotel blends Art Nouveau architecture with contemporary Scandinavian interiors: A sleek, minimalist design emphasizes natural light and refined details. The on-site restaurant serves contemporary Swedish cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Plus, it’s located near many of Stockholm’s shopping and cultural hotspots.
Story Hotel Riddargatan - JDV by Hyatt
Image courtesy of Story Hotel Riddargatan - JDV by Hyatt
Story Hotel Riddargatan has an eclectic, urban vibe, and presents a mix of industrial-chic design and artistic flair. The hotel’s interiors are bold and vibrant, with exposed brick, graffiti-style artwork and vintage furnishings. The hotel’s casual yet stylish atmosphere attracts creative types and young professionals looking for a lively, trendy stay.
“My clients love Story for its fantastic, central and convenient location,” Fora Advisor Chloe Kletsa said. “It has a lively atmosphere and is a hit with the young and hip crowd.”
Chloe also mentioned the hotel is close to Stockholm’s waterfront, which hosts some of the city’s best shopping, restaurants and museums.
Hotel at Six
Image courtesy of Hotel at Six
Hotel at Six is an artful and luxurious hotel at the center of the city; it’s also Fora’s top-booked hotel in Stockholm. The rooms are sleek and minimalist, with dark tones and plush furnishings which — combined with an impressive international art collection — create a sophisticated, calming environment. The hotel also boasts a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city. (Fora Advisor Sam Growdon described it as the perfect place to share pre-dinner drinks.)
Fora Advisor Lisa Gold added that Hotel at Six has an excellent breakfast and an incredibly helpful, friendly staff. Lisa also loved the hotel’s location, within a contemporary mall, but also within walking distance of Gamla Stan.
Fora Perks at Hotel at Six:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily and upgrade whenever possible.
Hotel Skeppsholmen
Image courtesy of Hotel Skeppsholmen
Hotel Skeppsholmen is a laid-back hotel on the Stockholm Archipelago. It’s located within a pair of 17th-century buildings, which used to be naval barracks. The interiors have been renovated to offer a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic. Many of the rooms feature waterfront views — some of Djurgården Island and attractions like Gröna Lund — and the Skeppsholmen ferry terminal is barely a block away, putting much of Stockholm within reach from the water.
“Hotel Skeppsholmen is the perfect hotel for a peaceful retreat right in Stockholm; it truly lets the waterfront and the surrounding landscape do the talking,” Fora Advisor Jennifer Schwartz said.
Hotel Diplomat
Image courtesy of Hotel Diplomat
Hotel Diplomat boasts the same sophistication its location in the upscale Östermalm is known for. The Strandvägen Street hotel is a short walk from major attractions like the Royal Palace and the city’s best shopping districts. Hotel Diplomat is housed in a striking Art Nouveau building, with the best rooms providing waterfront views. Each unit is tastefully decorated with a mix of modern Scandinavian style and traditional elements. The hotel features a renowned dining scene, offering elevated Swedish and international cuisine, plus an interesting bar inspired by the work of Andy Warhol.
“Hotel Diplomat is in the perfect location to explore Stockholm,” Fora Advisor Alyssa Gordan said. “The team is amazing, and takes great care of my guests that stay there.”
Bank Hotel
Bank Hotel is on the border between Stockholm’s city center and Östermalm, and has more of a luxe boutique vibe. The building, once an actual bank, retains its original architectural grandeur while offering sleek, contemporary interiors. Stylish rooms blend comfort and contemporary Nordic design, featuring plush beds and marble bathrooms. Take in panoramic city views from the rooftop bar, Le Hibou, which doubles as a chic local hang-out.
Lydmar Hotel
Image courtesy of Lydmar Hotel
Lydmar Hotel is a stylistic departure from many Stockholm hotels, opting for an updated classical style over historic homages or contemporary Scandinavian design. The décor is eclectic, with a curated selection of modern art, vintage furniture and bold design elements, giving each room a distinct character. The rooms are spacious and have an upscale yet homey feel. This aesthetic extends to Lydmar Hotel’s restaurant, the appropriately named Dining Room, which has a laid-back vibe despite its elevated French-Swedish menu. The hotel is also located in Stockholm’s city center, putting it within convenient walking distance of most major sites in the city.
Stockholm Stadshotell (opening January 10, 2025)
This Relais & Châteaux property is expected to open in Södermalm in early 2025. It’s housed in a private residence from the 1800s — in fact, the property is featured on Sweden’s National Heritage register — but features a fresh and refined aesthetic. Stockholm Stadshotell will host a world-class spa inspired by Swedish wellness traditions, including a sauna, ice bath and sensory shower.
Book your stay a Stockholm hotel with a Fora Advisor
Stockholm’s top hotels include stylish boutique properties, former luxury residences and design-forward retreats — some in the middle of the action, and others offering a quieter setting on Stockholm’s calm waterways. To get the most out of your stay, connect with a Fora Advisor. They’ll matchmake you to a property that suits your travel style and budget, and unlock VIP hotel perks at the best hotels in Stockholm. If you also need help planning your stay, your Fora Advisor can share insider recommendations and arrange tours, ground transportation and more.
Stockholm hotel and related travel FAQs
Read on for answers to common questions about Stockholm hotels and other general travel information.
What is the best part of Stockholm to stay in?
Norrmalm is convenient and central, with easy access to Stockholm’s main shopping streets, top attractions and public transportation hubs. It’s home to landmarks like the Royal Opera House, Sergels Torg and a wide selection of eateries. Östermalm, just east of Norrmalm, is known for its upscale hotels, high-end boutiques, fine dining and proximity to museums like the National Museum and Djurgården Island (where many of the best things to do in Stockholm are found). And a third contender, Södermalm, has a bohemian vibe, with trendy cafés, indie shops and views of the city from spots like Monteliusvägen.
Related guide: First Timers Perfect Guide to Stockholm
How many nights is enough to experience Stockholm?
A stay of three to four nights is ideal if you want to experience all of Stockholm’s highlights. This length of stay gives you enough time to explore major attractions like the Vasa Museum and the Royal Palace, while also allowing for activities like a boat tour of the Stockholm Archipelago and a visit to Djurgården Island’s museums and parks. With three to four nights, you can also enjoy day trips to nearby cultural destinations like Uppsala, or more nature-oriented spots like Tyresta National Park.
Related guide: Fora Advisor Sara Graham-Baldi's Guide to a Weekend Getaway in Stockholm
What’s Stockholm’s weather like? When’s the best time to stay?
Image courtesy of Grand Hôtel Stockholm
Most Fora Advisors agree that Stockholm is a year-round destination, with each season offering a dramatically different experience. Summer is Stockholm’s most popular time to visit. Temperatures are mild, ranging from 59℉–77℉, and days are long (the sun sets after midnight).Spring and early autumn also offer pleasant weather, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. Winter brings frigid temperatures and short days — but the city transforms into a festive, snowy wonderland.
Related guide: Scandinavian Summer: Stockholm Smörgåsbord
Are hotels expensive in Stockholm?
Compared to hotels in Western Europe, Stockholm’s best hotels tend to offer a similar class of amenities, comforts and thoughtful design at more approachable rates. Otherwise, visiting Stockholm is largely comparable to other cities in Europe, pricewise.
How far in advance should you book a hotel in Stockholm?
Book three to six months in advance if you’re planning on visiting Stockholm in summer or around the holidays. You may be able to get away with booking closer to three months out during other periods, but most Fora Advisors still recommend booking as soon as you’re ready.
Is Stockholm a good family destination?
Stockholm is a fantastic family destination, with plenty of activities and attractions for all ages. For example, there’s the Vasa Museum, where kids can explore a 17th-century warship, and Skansen, an open-air museum and zoo that showcases Swedish history and wildlife. The island of Djurgården is particularly great for families, as it’s home to the popular amusement park Gröna Lund and the interactive ABBA Museum. Stockholm’s many parks and green spaces offer safe, open areas for children to play in. The city is also very walkable, with excellent public transportation; it’s easy for families to get around.
Related guide: Fora Advisor Caroline Weilert's Guide to Family Vacations in Stockholm, Sweden
More Europe travel inspiration
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