Stockholm, known for its blend of historic charm and contemporary Scandinavian design, is a top destination for art, architecture, and culture lovers. From budget-friendly gems to high-end boutique stays, the city’s best design hotels in Stockholm offer immersive experiences that reflect its creative spirit. Discover five unique hotels—each combining thoughtful design, rich cultural stories, and inspiring architecture for every style and budget.

Ett Hem

Ett Hem, meaning ‘A Home’ in Swedish, embodies the essence of intimate luxury within Stockholm’s serene Lärkstaden neighborhood. This boutique hotel is housed in a meticulously restored 1910 Arts and Crafts townhouse, originally designed by architect Fredrik Dahlberg. Under the creative direction of British designer Ilse Crawford, the residence has been transformed into a stylish retreat that harmoniously blends contemporary Scandinavian aesthetics with curated vintage elements. The interiors feature natural materials, soft lighting, and bespoke furnishings.

Guests can enjoy the library, the tranquil garden, and the open Kitchen—each serving as a welcoming communal space. The Kitchen offers meals prepared with local and seasonal produce. The hotel also features a bar/lounge, a 24-hour health club, and a sauna.

Located in Lärkstaden, an area often referred to as the embassy district in Östermalm, Ett Hem offers a peaceful retreat within one of Stockholm’s most exclusive addresses. The hotel is just a short walk from the city center’s high-end shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums, providing guests with convenient access to Stockholm’s rich cultural offerings.

Nobis Hotel Stockholm

Nobis Hotel Stockholm seamlessly blends historic grandeur with contemporary Scandinavian design. Situated on Norrmalmstorg Square, the hotel occupies two 19th-century buildings, famously linked to the 1973 bank robbery that introduced the term “Stockholm syndrome.” The interiors, designed by the acclaimed design studio Claesson Koivisto Rune, embody a minimalist aesthetic inspired by Stockholm’s subdued winter light. The 201 guest rooms feature carefully selected natural materials—such as wool, wood, stone, leather, and glass.

Restaurant NOI offers a menu inspired by European flavors and seasonal ingredients. For a more casual experience, Bistro Bino serves globally inspired dishes in a modern bistro setting. The hotel’s social centerpiece, The Gold Bar, lives up to its name with walls and ceilings adorned in golden mirrors. Additional amenities include a lounge, a 24-hour fitness center, a sauna, and a steam room.​

Positioned in the vibrant Norrmalmstorg Square, Nobis Hotel places guests within walking distance of Stockholm’s premier attractions, including the Royal Palace, the Vasa Museum, and the renowned shopping district of Bibliotekstan. 

Downtown Camper by Scandic

Downtown Camper by Scandic offers is located in central Stockholm. The hotel’s interiors were designed by the renowned design firm Stylt Trampoli to evoke a modern-day campsite, featuring natural materials, communal lounges, and creative room layouts that foster a sense of community among guests. Each of the 494 rooms ranges from compact accommodations to spacious suites, some with connecting options ideal for groups or families.

Guests can enjoy dining at Campfire Grill & Bar, which serves meals in a warm, communal setting. The Nest Cocktail Lounge on the rooftop provides panoramic city views and signature cocktails. The hotel also offers a wellness area, The Nest Wellness, featuring an outdoor pool, and sauna. Daily activities such as yoga sessions, movie nights, and guided city tours enhance the social and exploratory experience.

Strategically situated just steps from Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, Downtown Camper places guests within easy reach of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. The hotel’s central location also provides convenient access to major landmarks, shopping districts, and public transportation.

Hotel Skeppsholmen

Hotel Skeppsholmen is a boutique hotel located on the peaceful island of Skeppsholmen in central Stockholm. It is housed in two historic long, low buildings known as “Långa raden” (“The Long Row”), originally constructed between 1699 and 1702 to serve as barracks for King Charles XII’s Royal Marines. The buildings were designed under the supervision of architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger and were built using recycled bricks from royal projects. In 2009, the property was transformed into a 79-room hotel by Swedish architects Claesson Koivisto Rune, who preserved key historical elements while introducing serene contemporary interiors with soft tones and minimalist Scandinavian design.

Guests at Hotel Skeppsholmen can enjoy dining at Långa Raden, the hotel’s restaurant, which serves modern interpretations of traditional Swedish dishes. Meals can be enjoyed in the garden-facing dining room or, during warmer months, on the waterfront terrace. Additional amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, a historic outdoor tennis court dating back to 1882, and meeting spaces.

Located on the lush and tranquil island of Skeppsholmen, the hotel offers a rare combination of seclusion and easy accessibility. Guests can walk across the Skeppsholmsbron bridge, reaching central Stockholm—Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace, and the vibrant shopping streets of Norrmalm—in about 10 to 15 minutes. The immediate surroundings also offer cultural highlights such as the Moderna Museet, the Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design, and the East-Asian Museum, making Hotel Skeppsholmen an ideal base for travelers seeking both calm and culture.

Hotel Rival

Hotel Rival seamlessly blends its cinematic heritage with contemporary luxury in Stockholm’s Södermalm district. Owned by Benny Andersson of ABBA, this boutique hotel occupies a beautifully converted 1930s cinema overlooking the charming Mariatorget Square. The interior design, orchestrated by Karin Ahlgren of Ahlgren Edblom Arkitekter, pays homage to its theatrical roots, featuring art deco elements and cinematic motifs. Each of the 99 rooms is uniquely decorated, showcasing tributes to Swedish film classics, with murals of iconic figures like Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman adorning the walls.

Guests can indulge in an exceptional breakfast buffet—considered one of Stockholm’s finest—in the popular bistro, which offers a menu of local flavors throughout the day. For evening relaxation, Watson’s Bar provides creative cocktails in a stylish setting. The hotel also features a theatre with 735 seats, hosting various performances and events, adding to its cultural allure.

Located in the heart of Södermalm, Hotel Rival is surrounded by eclectic galleries, designer boutiques, and vibrant cafés, making it the perfect gateway into Stockholm’s thriving arts scene. 

These recommendations have been carefully curated for you. Some include affiliate links, which allow the magazine to earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—in support of our ongoing cultural work.

For our comprehensive cultural guide to Stockholm, please refer to the designated link provided.