Lydmar Hotel
Once upon a time (that time being the 90's) the Lydmar Hotel was achingly hip and trendy; so hip and trendy in fact, that it was destined to go the way of most of that decade's fashions. However the Lydmar is back once again, and is an altogether more elegant affair this time round.
The hotel's 46 bedrooms are individually designed and prove that there's so much more to Swedish interiors than flat packs and fish hooks - dark slate bathrooms, oak floors and deep leather armchairs. The charismatic designers Pelle Lydmar and Stylt Trampoli have adorned the walls of the hotel with artwork and photographs, whilst the lobby serves as an gallery space, for visiting exhibitions.
The hotel's restaurant is relaxed, fun and knowledgeable, and its menus are international and unfussy, with light bites for lunch and an a la carte dinner choice.
The Lydmar's relaxed, but ruthlessly efficient staff give the hotel a contemporary feel and adhere to Pelle's requests that guests are treated as though they were staying in his own home. Even better is its location: on the waterfront and with views across the water to Stockholm's Old Town. All the main sites of the city are just a short wander away, making the Lydmar the perfect base for a first trip to Sweden.
Why We Love It
Guests can use the spa, gym and pool at the Grand Hotel next door.
Nobis Hotel
Despite being housed in two historic 19th Century buildings in Norrmalmstorg, Nobis Hotel remains thoroughly modern.
World renowned architect and design trio Claesson Koivisto Rune have transformed the Nobis into a modern yet luxurious hotel. The 201 rooms are designed to be warm and calming yet functional, with muted colours and minimalist furniture. They are decked out with the latest technologies such as wi-fi and plasma screen televisions.
Caina is the hotel's primary restaurant, serving rustic Italian food with a modern flair. Bars include the 24/7 Bistro - which as the name suggests is open 24 hours, seven days a week - and The Gold Bar, which has walls covered in golden mirrors.
The location of Nobis is unbeatable. In the heart of the city, Norrmalmstorg is the most central and prestigious square in downtown Stockholm, and a mere five minute walk from many of the city's famed attractions and shopping districts. The concierge at Nobis is always on hand to help with any arrangements, whether it be a boat ride or a table at a trendy new nightclub. There is also a sauna and fitness centre at the hotel.
Why We Love It
The exterior may look old-fashioned, but Nobis Hotel is up to speed with the mod-est of cons, including the ability for guests to check in on their mobile phones.
Hotel J
Standing on the edge of Nacka Strand Marina and with a recurrent nautical theme throughout, Hotel J is Stockholm's answer to Newport, Rhode Island.
Located on the Nacka Strand Marina, the position offers the best of both worlds. It is just a 10 minute taxi ride or 15 minute boat ride to the centre of Stockholm, yet surrounded by marinas giving it the air of a New England summer house.
Each of the 158 rooms is decorated with pale natural woods and cool whites and blues, paying homage to the American New England nautical theme of the hotel. The signal flags and model boats complete the look.
The Club House serves food inspired by the coast of New England, with crab cakes, lobster and red snapper saltimbocca being high up on the menu. Restaurant J has an unrivalled position on the waterfront, and takes the nautical theme up a notch. The building itself resembles a boat, with a hull on one side and a promenade deck on the other (complete with deck chairs looking out to sea). Although this may sound a tad OTT, the smart interior and delectable seafood make up for any premonitions we may have had.
There is a spa nearby to the hotel, and catamarans and kayaks are available to hire.
Why We Love It
The more daring amongst you can swim in the water directly outside the hotel. Chilly, yet extremely revitalising.
Hotel Skeppsholmen
The Hotel Skeppsholmen expertly combines a stylish modern design interior with a historic and beautiful 18th Century exterior.
HOTEL SKEPPSHOLMEN
The Hotel Skeppsholmen expertly combines a stylish modern design interior with a historic and beautiful 18th Century exterior.
The building is made up of castle ruins and a former barracks with beautiful old wooden floors and large windows. The modern décor of the 81 rooms provides a remarkable contrast.
Located in the centre of vibrant Stockholm, the many cultural attractions, restaurants and shops are all close by, yet the hotel itself offers a sanctuary away from the bustle of the outside world.
The restaurant offers Swedish cuisine with a modern twist, and one of the highlights of any stay is enjoying a Swedish "fika", the alternative to British afternoon tea.
The Raison D'Etre spa at the Grand Hotel, just a few minutes walk from Hotel Skeppsholmen, is a welcome treat after a day of exploration in the city or the Archipelago.
Why We Love It
The building is beautiful and was originally built to house the Royal Marines for King Karl XII.
