Stockholm is a city that seems to exist at the intersection of minimalism and indulgence. From the smooth curves of Scandinavian design to the crisp edges of its winter skyline, it radiates a quiet confidence — understated yet deeply elegant. When I planned my stay here, I knew I wanted to do more than just scratch the surface. I wanted to immerse myself in the luxurious side of Stockholm, and what better way to begin than with its finest hotels?
My Stay at Ett Hem – “A Home” Reimagined
Tucked away on a tranquil street in the upscale Östermalm district, Ett Hem was the first hotel I checked into. The name means “A Home” in Swedish, and from the moment I stepped inside, I understood why. The building, a 1910 townhouse, had been lovingly transformed into a 12-room boutique hotel that felt like stepping into a friend’s meticulously curated home — assuming that friend had an impeccable eye for design, a love for antique ceramics, and access to a private chef.
Location & Ambience
Ett Hem is set just a short walk from the bustle of central Stockholm but remains blissfully quiet. It’s close enough to walk to the city’s cultural gems like the Nationalmuseum and the Royal Palace, yet far enough to hear the birds in the morning and the rustle of leaves in the courtyard.
The lobby isn’t really a lobby at all. It’s a series of open, cozy living rooms, each with crackling fireplaces, velvet armchairs, and shelves stacked with art books and Scandinavian literature. There’s no reception desk. You’re greeted with a glass of homemade elderflower cordial and invited to sit by the fire while they check you in on a tablet.
The Room
My suite was a perfect harmony of comfort and sophistication. A king-sized Hästens bed dressed in soft linen sheets, a freestanding marble bathtub positioned under a window with views over a snowy garden, and a curated minibar filled with artisanal Swedish chocolates and natural wines. There was even a vintage turntable in the corner with a small collection of jazz records.
The details here matter. Everything from the wooden flooring to the warm ambient lighting exudes thoughtful design. There’s a tactile richness to the fabrics, the ceramics, even the door handles.
Dining
The dining experience at Ett Hem is unlike anything I’ve had in a hotel. There’s no fixed menu — instead, the chef creates seasonal dishes based on what’s fresh and local that day. Dinner felt more like an intimate dinner party than a restaurant visit. I had a dish of slow-roasted venison with parsnip purée, followed by cloudberry tart with whipped crème fraîche.
Breakfasts are another highlight: house-made sourdough, organic scrambled eggs, and fresh Nordic berries, all served at a communal farmhouse table. Guests chat freely — I met a couple from New York and a solo traveler from Tokyo. There’s a sense of community here that’s rare in luxury hotels.
Price & Booking
My suite at Ett Hem cost approximately €800 per night, which included breakfast, snacks, and evening canapés. I booked it through Mr & Mrs Smith, a boutique hotel platform that often offers perks like free upgrades or a welcome drink. The price might seem steep, but the experience felt utterly bespoke.
Grand Hôtel Stockholm – Regal Luxury by the Waterfront
For a more traditional luxury experience, I spent the next two nights at the Grand Hôtel Stockholm, an institution that’s been welcoming royalty, celebrities, and heads of state for over 140 years. Located right across from the Royal Palace and the Gamla Stan (Old Town), the Grand Hôtel is the epitome of old-world grandeur blended with Scandinavian refinement.
Location & First Impressions
The hotel sits proudly on the waterfront of the Strömkajen, offering panoramic views of the harbor and the city’s historic heart. The exterior is stately and elegant, and stepping inside feels like entering a 19th-century palace. Chandeliers, marble columns, and gilded details abound — yet it doesn’t feel dated or fussy.
Check-in was swift and professional, with attentive concierge staff who offered to make dinner reservations and even arranged a private guide for the Vasa Museum.
My Room: A Blend of Classic and Contemporary
I stayed in a Deluxe Seaview Room that overlooked the shimmering waters of the Nybroviken bay. The design was a mix of Gustavian elegance and modern comfort — light gray walls, crisp white drapery, and a marble bathroom stocked with Byredo products. The bed was plush, the bedding cloudlike, and the nightly turndown service included hand-written weather notes for the next day.
Dining at Its Finest
The Grand Hôtel is home to Frantzén’s Kitchen and Matbaren, both helmed by Michelin-starred chefs. I had dinner at The Veranda, which offers traditional Swedish cuisine with a modern twist. The herring selection was surprisingly delightful — nine varieties, each marinated differently. The reindeer tenderloin with juniper sauce was another standout.
And then there’s the Cadier Bar, where I sipped on a cocktail called “Nordic Frost” — a blend of aquavit, spruce, and sea buckthorn — while listening to live jazz.
Spa and Amenities
One of the highlights of my stay was the Nordic Spa & Fitness. Designed with Swedish nature in mind, it features saunas, hot stone beds, and a saltwater pool. After a long day of exploring the city in the cold, this was the ultimate haven. I also had a 60-minute deep tissue massage (around €150) that was so good I booked another the next day.
Price & Booking
Rooms at the Grand Hôtel start at €500–€700 per night, depending on the season and room category. I booked via Tablet Hotels, which gave me a complimentary room upgrade and late checkout.
Lydmar Hotel – Chic, Artistic, and Effortlessly Cool
On my final night in Stockholm, I stayed at the Lydmar Hotel, located just beside the Grand Hôtel and sharing the same harbor views, but with a completely different vibe. If Ett Hem feels like a private home and Grand Hôtel like a royal residence, Lydmar is the cool artist’s loft — stylish, confident, and full of personality.
Artistic Ambience & Location
Every floor of Lydmar is designed like a gallery, with rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and photography. The atmosphere is both upscale and relaxed, with jazz playing softly in the lobby and staff dressed smart-casual — always friendly but never overbearing.
The location couldn’t be better: steps from the Royal Palace and walking distance to the Moderna Museet and Fotografiska.
The Room: Urban Elegance
My room here was surprisingly large, with high ceilings, tall windows, and a neutral color palette offset by eclectic furniture. A leather armchair, brass light fixtures, and a huge bed framed by linen drapery made the space both luxurious and cozy. There was no desk — instead, a vintage wooden writing table with a classic fountain pen set sat beside a stack of design books.
Food & Social Scene
Lydmar’s restaurant is a lively spot, popular with both guests and locals. I had lunch here — grilled arctic char with horseradish cream — and loved the casual yet gourmet vibe. There’s a definite “seen and be seen” energy in the evenings, with fashionable locals stopping by for drinks.
On warm days, the terrace is the place to be. Mine wasn’t, but wrapped in blankets and sipping mulled wine, I found myself loving the Scandinavian version of outdoor luxury.
Price & Booking
Rooms at Lydmar typically range from €400–€600 per night, and I booked mine through Design Hotels, which offered a complimentary breakfast and early check-in.
Luxury with a Nordic Soul
Stockholm doesn’t flaunt its luxury — it lives it. Here, indulgence is not measured by gold-plated excess or grandiose displays, but by a quiet elegance rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and a profound respect for personal space. In this city, high-end experiences are less about opulence and more about quality, character, and attention to detail — the kind of detail you feel rather than see.
Whether it was the understated intimacy of Ett Hem, the timeless grandeur of the Grand Hôtel, or the urban artistry and energy of the Lydmar Hotel, each place offered me a unique way of seeing and feeling Stockholm. Ett Hem felt like being welcomed into someone’s soulful, impeccably designed private home — where every candle was lit with intention, every plate served with a story. At the Grand Hôtel, I walked the same corridors that once echoed the footsteps of world leaders and Nobel laureates, yet never felt like I was lost in a museum. The warmth of the staff and the quiet opulence of the spa reminded me that this is luxury that endures — and evolves. And then there was Lydmar, bold and contemporary, a reflection of Stockholm’s artistic pulse — where modern Swedish design met harbor views and late-night conversations over aquavit.
What united them all was not just flawless service or beautiful interiors, but a deep sense of care — a philosophy that luxury should not overwhelm but support you, elevate you, and quietly inspire you. It was in the way the staff remembered my name, in the unhurried breakfast rituals, in the softness of the lighting and the curated playlist playing in the background. Every detail seemed intentional, never performative.
In Stockholm, luxury doesn’t end when you close your eyes at night. It’s about how you feel when you wake up — rested, seen, and subtly transformed. It’s the feeling of sitting by a window with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, watching the mist rise over the harbor, and realizing that simplicity can be the greatest luxury of all.
If you’re seeking true luxury in Stockholm, look not for extravagance, but for soul. Because in this Nordic capital, refinement lies not in excess, but in essence.
