Where to Stay

If you come to Sweden by air, you will most probably land at Arlanda (ARN) International Airport http://www.arlanda.se/en/. Here you will find very practical and elegant accommodation. The Radisson SAS Arlandia Hotel and Radisson SAS SkyCity Hotel are located nearby.


From Arlanda you will surely journey to Central Station. This is the crossroads for most forms of transport in Stockholm. This city can be proud of its transport system: it is one of the finest in the world. There are subways, railways, buses and boats to take you wherever you want to go. You can travel on the Arlanda Express to the international airport, or take the super fast X2000 passenger railway to most major cities in Sweden. Boats are available to islands and countries surrounding Sweden. From Stockholm you can travel by boat throughout the archipelago, a magnificent journey to thousands of islands. Tour buses often leave from City Terminal in the same block.


In the Central Station area, there are hotels, restaurants and a wide variety of shops within a couple blocks. Some of Stockholm's finest and most expensive places of accommodation are within two blocks of Central Station. Next to the station is the Radisson SAS Royal Viking Hotel Stockholm one of Stockholm's finest hotels. Across the street are the Scandic Continental and the Sheraton. These hotels are expensive, but worth it. Most include breakfast in the price. Shopping in this area is very interesting; you can shop for tour guides, maps, and pictures of Stockholm, as well as for gifts such as crystal glass. There are tax free stores available and the selection is excellent. Many restaurants and cafes with lots of outdoor dining are available, or if you crave a fast-food hamburger you can buy one here also.


North, on Vasagatan, you will find many places to stay. These are all within walking distance of the Central Station. Freys Hotel, Hotel Terminus, Adlon Hotel and Central Hotel are close by. In this area you can go to a concert at the Vasa Teatern or buy a tour guide map from Kart Butiken. Scandic Sergel Plaza Hotel and Rica Hotel are nearby as well. These are mid-priced hotels with quality, clean rooms and service. From Vasagatan it is a short walk to Drottinggatan and hundreds of fine, specialized shops for all ages and preferences. Near Central Station there are also some lower-priced but first class hotels. Comfort Hotel located on Kungsbron (the King's Bridge) as well as Wallin Hotel on Wallingatan all offer moderately priced, but good accommodation. One of the lower priced options is the City BackPackers Hostel on Upplandsgatan.


South of Vasagatan is the famous Gamla Stan or Old Town. To visit the district of Gamla Stan is like travelling back in time. There is a good choice of hotels in this area, something for every pocket. If you want first class luxury, Grand Hotel is the best alternative. This hotel offers excellent service and is located opposite the Royal Castle and Old Town. Within walking distance of Grand Hotel are many museums, for instance Modern Museum and the Architecture Museum. A walk over the bridge Strömbron to the Old Town is special. There is always someone fishing for salmon in the clean water of Strömmen. An evening walk through the Old Town alleys is a wonderful way to finish your day.

If you want to stay on the Old Town island, there are alternatives such as First Hotel Reisen on Skeppsbron, which offers wonderful view from many of its rooms. This accounts for the high prices. Victory Hotel is somewhat cheaper and offers a nice atmosphere and modern comfort. For those needing only a room without a restaurant, Lord Nelson Hotel or Rica Hotel Gamla Stan are economical and a wise choice. In the Old Town there are many wonderful restaurants and pizzerias to choose from.


For the newlyweds, there are dreamy and romantic rooms at the Lady Hamilton Hotel. Opposite Hotel Reisen across the water, you can see a white ship; this ship is anchored permanently and serves as a hostel. It is called Af Chapman and Skeppsholmen. This accommodation is offered at low prices and is a unique opportunity for accommodation near the Old Town. Breakfast is served on deck in the summer; that alone is worth the price.


South of Gamla Stan is the district of Södermalm. You will find many good alternatives for accommodation in different price groups. You go "up" to Södermalm, literally, because you can get here by two lifts on both sides of Slussen, although you can also walk there. On Södermalm there are many picturesque streets and old houses with gardens. Scandic Hotel has two hotels in the area and all are high in both quality and price. Scandic Hotel Sjöfartshotellet is close to Slussen. The view of Stockholm from here is lovely. From Slussen you can take a ferry to the large amusement park Gröna Lund and the wonderful outdoor museum and zoo, Skansen. Scandic Hotel Malmen is located at Medborgarplatsen. All these hotels are modern and clean, providing all the high standards of service you expect. The walk between these hotels is a memorable experience. On Götgatan you will find many music stores and cafes.


More economical accommodation near Söderhallarna is offered by the Columbus Hotel & Hostel. Rival Hotel is splendid for families. There is no shortage of cafes and dining places in this area. An historical building is Hotell Anno 1647, which is decorated in a 16th century style. A cafe and a dining room are available for guests. On the south end of Södermalm is a very good business hotel called Alexandra Hotell. It is not expensive and not far from Stockholm's Globe City.


Within a few minutes' travel from Stockholm Central there are many more alternatives. The district of Östermalm offers hostels and splendid hotels. Near Östermalmstorg are rather expensive, British-style hotels—Mornington Hotel and Comfort Hotel Wellington. A large food market is nearby where many fresh products from different countries are sold. Delicacies from every nation can be found here, such as caviar, canned ants, and rooster combs. Behind the Dramaten is Hotel Örnsköld. It is moderate in price and close to the harbour, from where you can take a boat to the archipelago.


Östermalm has many boutiques and shops with a very personal style, as well as the Comfort Home Hotel Tapto, which offers a very personal service. On one of Stockholm's most luxurious streets, Strandvägen is Hotel Esplanade. All comforts and services are offered at a high price.


The district of Vasastaden has many very good, expensive hotels as well as less expensive alternatives. All hotels in this part of town have many shops and a good variety of entertainment and restaurants around them. By the park Humlegården are Hotel Kung Carl, Scandic Hotel Anglais and Elite Hotel Stockholm Plaza. Take a little walk to Stureplan where you find an old swimming hall, Sturebadet, with its wonderful interior decor.


If you come on the Arlanda bus from the airport, you can stop at Elite Palace Hotel near Wennergren Center and the beautiful Hagapark with the butterfly and birdhouse. Cheaper alternatives in a quieter area are Hotel Tegnerlunden and Hotell August Strindberg which is located near a little park.


For the businessman, Hotel Birger Jarl on Tulegatan is perfect. They have fast ISDN computer connections and other facilities available. Hotell Lilla Rådmannen and Kom Hotel are other cheaper alternatives in this area. If you want something a little cheaper you will find Wasa Park Hotel,a very good alternative in calm and peaceful surroundings.


The district of Kungsholmen has some good hotels for families, Hotel Aldoria is less expensive, and First Hotel Amaranten is an exclusive alternative. Both are located near Kronobergs Park.


Another suggestion while visiting the district of Djurgården is Villa Källhagen. The old house is quite charming, and there is plenty to do in the area to justify a stay here. It is like the countryside down at the water, and the hotel has a very good restaurant. Within walking distance are the Vasa Ship museum, Gröna Lund and Skansen. There are many more to choose from. One last one to mention here is an exclusive hotel called Grand Hotel Saltsjöbaden. It is beautifully located just east of the city.