Last Updated: 12/24/23 | December 24th, 2023
Stockholm is a gorgeous city spread out over fourteen islands. I’ve ended up spending a lot of time here over the years (I even almost moved here once). I keep coming back to stroll through the parks, hang out on squares lined with brightly colored historic houses, and enjoy the fantastic museums.
Since I’ve spent so much time here, I’ve stayed in a lot of places. And I know that where you stay can have a big impact on your experience. That means not only the neighborhood you choose but your choice of hotel as well.
So, to help you plan your trip to Sweden’s capital, I’ve complied a list of the best hotels in Stockholm based on my experience:
1. Castle House Inn
This hotel is 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 top tourist attractions here, such as the Nobel Museum and the Royal Palace, as well as all sorts of little shops tucked away down narrow alleys between medieval buildings. In keeping with the historic nature of the area, Castle House Inn has a cozy and rustic feel, with hardwood floors and classic wooden furniture. There’s also a private balcony in every room.
2. Scandic 53
This hotel is right near the central station in Norrmalm, the modern heart of Stockholm and where you’ll find everything from restaurants and shops to the Royal Opera to several lovely city parks. It’s a convenient base to explore the rest of the city from too, and you can reach the airport in as little as 20 minutes. Scandic 53 is an affordable midrange hotel in the area with a clean Scandinavian design throughout. The sprawling breakfast buffet is complimentary, which is a nice bonus in a city as pricey as Stockholm. There’s a lounge and outdoor courtyard to relax in outside of your room, plus guests get free access to a nearby fitness center.
3. Unique Hotel
This cozy hotel has kept much of its original early 1900s design, and there’s even a small library. The breakfast buffet is decent and the Wi-Fi is fast. Located in Vasastan, the neighborhood is more of a locals-only area that is generally quite quiet so it’s easy to get a good night’s sleep here. There’s a lot of green space in the area, including a small park nearby as well as lots of places to eat or grab a drink.
4. Pärlan Hotel
This family-owned three-star hotel has a classic feel with a modern twist. With wooden floors, fireplaces, and quaint balconies, it really does emulate the charm of Stockholm. Located in Östermalm, this area is one of the more upscale areas of town, known for its high-class shopping district and affluent residents. It’s also the place to party as well, with tons of cool bars and nightclubs. Plus, it’s just a couple metro stops from Gamla Stan. I personally think this is one of the nicest parts of town to stay in.
5. Aiden by Best Western Stockholm City
This hotel is sleek and new, with pops of bright color and high tech functionality throughout. There are lots of nice perks here, including a free sauna, game lounge, writing desks and armchairs in the rooms, and free breakfast. Aiden is in the Kungsholmen neighborhood, which offers plenty of restaurants, cozy cafés, and green space. It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for something a bit quieter away from the busy city center (yet still convenient enough to get anywhere with ease).
6. Hotel Söder
This hotel is named after the district in which it resides, Södermalm (usually just referred to as Söder). The artistic heart of Stockholm, you’ll find all sorts of shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars here. I stay in this part of town a lot as it’s generally a bit more affordable and is a favorite district of locals. This hotel doesn’t look like much from the outside, but you’ll be surprised once you step inside. It’s modern and cozy, with comfortable beds and a delicious Swedish breakfast too.
7. Collectors Victory Hotel
This unique four-star hotel has a classic ambience inspired by its own antique maritime collection. Think antique shop meets bed-and-breakfast and you’ll get a sense of its atmosphere and design. Every 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 pool and sauna, the hotel restaurant sources 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 contemporary Swedish design at its best, boasting a gym, a sauna, a 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 anyone looking to indulge. The breakfast buffet is incredible, and the staff are very helpful and professional. It also prioritizes sustainable practices, holding several certifications for its eco-friendliness.
One of Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities, Stockholm is an incredibly picturesque place with a lot to see and do. That includes a ton of hotels to choose from no matter your travel style or budget. By choosing one of my recommended choices above, you’ll ensure you have a great stay in one of my favorite cities in the world.
Book Your Trip to Stockholm: Logistical 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 around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return 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 what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of Stockholm.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Stockholm?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Stockholm for even more planning tips!