Last Updated: 12/27/23 | December 27th, 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.

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. Scandic 53 is an affordable midrange hotel in the area with a clean Scandinavian design throughout. The rooms are pretty minimalist but have a lot of natural light and the comforters are pretty plush. 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, plus guests get free access to a nearby fitness center (which I think is an awesome perk).

3. Unique Hotel

This cozy hotel has kept much of its original early 1900s design. There’s even a small library to relax and read a book in. The breakfast buffet is decent and the Wi-Fi is super fast. While I think the rooms could use more natural light, they come with a desk and the water pressure is great and the beds comfy. 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. You get a really solid stay at an affordable price with this hotel.

4. Aiden by Best Western Stockholm City

Aiden is in the Kungsholmen neighborhood, which offers plenty of restaurants, cozy cafés, and green space. 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. This chain is one of my favorites for cheap hotel stays. The rooms are real simple but the beds are comfy, the showers are awesome, there’s lots of outlets, and good amenities. you get a really solid stay here.

5. 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. It’s super cozy with antique furniture. The beds are also great, though I wish the rooms had a little bit more natural light. But the hotel is a vibe and the staff is really nice. 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.

6. 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. The rooms have a minimalist decor to them, lots of natural light, a desk, and plush beddings. 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. If you want an upscale stay without the upscale price, I’d suggest this hotel!

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.