Stockholm hotels

The Bank Hotel was established in 1910 as the headquarters of a banking company. Even if the hotel had a different name, it would be hard to miss the building's banking heritage. The majestic double bronze entrance doors speak volumes. Today, it's one of the top 10 hotels in Stockholm and one of my favourite places to stay in the Swedish capital.

Inside, a completely different tune is played. It's an audacious interpretation of a Renaissance palace, envisioned by architect Thor Thorén. Here, elements of art-deco extravagance are skilfully combined with softer, subtler design touches. The highlight remains the 6-metre-high glass ceiling of the main banking hall, now the Bonnie’s restaurant. My favourite spot is Le Hibou, a Parisian-style bar perched on the roof, with a breathtaking view.

For over 150 years, the Grand Hotel Stockholm has been a benchmark of luxury hospitality in the Swedish capital, and throughout Scandinavia. Oozing timeless luxury with contemporary touches, this historic palace has not aged a day and shines among the top 10 hotels in Stockholm. The biggest stars have stayed within its walls. And it's no coincidence: the Grand Hotel Stockholm cultivates the exceptional.

A sumptuous spa, a perfect location, cosy and spacious rooms and suites, Michelin-starred cuisine, 5-star service: the establishment ticks all the boxes. While The Cadier bar invites you to mingle with Stockholm's high society, it's in The Veranda restaurant where I especially enjoy dining. In the morning, I indulge in a gargantuan buffet with a magnificent view of the waterfront and the Royal Palace.

Tucked away in the heart of the embassy district, Ett Hem hotel is breathing new life into the the luxury hotel category. Inside this 1910 building is one of the top 10 hotels in Stockholm, offering just twelve rooms. It's the ideal format to make you feel at home. Its name sets the tone for a home-from-home stay since Ett Hem means 'a home' in Swedish.

As for the decor, the trend leans towards noble materials: wood, marble, leather, velvet, but also beautiful stucco ceilings. Luxury here lies in the details, as evidenced by the hand-blown water glasses. I particularly enjoy hanging out near the well-stocked library or in the kitchen, the centrepiece of this boutique hotel. In a country house spirit, you can enjoy homemade cookies at a large rustic wooden table.

Forget the minimalism of Scandinavian design: here, the atmosphere is all about Italian dolce vita. Inspired by the stunning Villa San Michele in Capri, Villa Dagmar offers an unexpected Mediterranean escape. The hotel's name pays tribute to a member of this family: a great traveller with insatiable curiosity.

Just steps from the Östermalm covered market, the hotel stands out among the top 10 hotels in Stockholm. In terms of size alone: the boutique hotel occupies three different buildings, connected by a green courtyard covered with a glass ceiling.

Mustard-yellow walls, spacious bright rooms, wall hangings... Exoticism is guaranteed. To continue the journey, I always dine at the high-end Salon restaurant, where you can savour finely crafted dishes. I also recommend the Dagges wine bar and the hearty breakfasts at Butiken.

If you're a wine lover like me, a stop at the Winery Hotel is a must. Just 30 minutes from the city centre, this establishment is among the top 10 hotels in Stockholm, an ideal stop for an extended stay in the capital. Behind its very Brooklyn brick facade, a whole universe opens up to us. It would be terribly simplistic to call it just another design hotel. Here, we're in a true urban wine cellar.

Just enter the reception: stylishly lined up under high ceilings are stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels. For connoisseurs, note that they ferment grapes harvested in Tuscany here. This is where I join other guests for wine tastings. On the rooftop terrace, I relax by the heated pool and enjoy the panoramic view.

On the upscale boulevard of Strandvägen, Hotel Diplomat is an invitation to celebrate Art Nouveau. The building looks impressive with its imposing facade and all its embellishments. Without being over the top, the interior features a different decoration, carefully restored and brought up to date. Here we find the signature of the famous Swedish architect Per Öberg, paying a beautiful tribute to Scandinavian design.

Among the top 10 hotels in Stockholm, Hotel Diplomat has all my favour. It is hard to find a more majestic setting than a room overlooking the Stockholm waterfront on Nybroviken Quay. At nightfall, the spectacle is fabulous. Its restaurant, one of the best in the city, is also worth a booking. For cocktail enthusiasts, head to the bar with its pleasantly cosy atmosphere. A favourite refuge.

Located a stone's throw from the central station, At Six stands out among the best hotels in Stockholm. Transformed into a super trendy hotel, this brutalist building from the 1970s turns the heads of design enthusiasts. Dominated by marble, granite, steel, and wood throughout, the venue is adorned with large mirrors and minimalist lighting. Its clever interplay of grey, blue, and brown tones immediately put you at ease.

Throughout the 10 floors, I enjoy strolling amidst contemporary artworks. I love their fusion of styles and their sharp selection, especially the 2.5 m marble statue by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa. To treat myself, I choose the Masterpiece suite with its private rooftop offering 360° views of Stockholm. There is also a café terrace, a wine bar, and a delicatessen.

Here's another hotel among the trendy addresses of Brunkebergstorg Square. A favourite haunt for urban millennials, the Downtown Camper by Scandic is the ideal place to explore the Scandinavian capital. In the reception, you can even borrow locally made kayaks, longboards, and bicycles.

Inside, the mood is playful with game rooms, a campfire, a giant hammock, and swinging chairs. Cultural references and a rustic yet bohemian atmosphere are present throughout. But for me, it's thanks to its rooftop that the Downtown Camper ranks among the top 10 hotels in Stockholm.

A heated outdoor pool, experiential showers, yoga classes... There's plenty to do, all with a breathtaking view of the city. Before leaving, I always take a stroll to the hotel's pop-up shop to find souvenirs from local designers.

This is a building constructed in the 18th century for Countess Eva Bielke. Even though the countess is no longer here, the building has retained its noble character in a magnificent Gustavian style. Surrounded by antique furniture and golden curtains, you'll feel wonderfully privileged. I always recommend staying in a King Superior room: the bathroom opens into a secret room with separate shower and bathtub.

Renowned among the top 10 hotels in Stockholm, this family-owned establishment is the perfect anchor for a peaceful night, just steps from the royal garden. In addition to a bar and restaurant, Hotel Kungsträdgården houses a private 16th-century wine cellar hidden beneath the building's floors. In the evening, you'll often find me at the bar, under one of Europe's largest crystal chandeliers, sipping a glass of champagne.

Stockholm is renowned for being a green capital, but Stallmästaregården takes the neo-rustic concept to the next level. In a chic pastoral spirit, this former farmhouse reinvents the countryside dream in the city. Nestled on the shores of Brunnsviken Bay, in the heart of Haga Royal Park, it is the city's oldest inn and now one of the top 10 hotels in Stockholm. Dating back to the 1600s, it was Queen Kristina's favourite retreat.

The rooms offer a cosy atmosphere: comfortable leather armchairs, a large fireplace, floral decor, wooden beams, antique chandeliers... It's the perfect setting for a timeless break and a retreat into nature. To continue the exotic experience, Stallmästaregården's restaurant delivers on all its promises. On the menu, you'll find locally sourced and organic seasonal dishes, with a twist of Nordic exoticism.