As unique and original heritage hotels go, the Hotel Skeppsholmen in Stockholm is pretty special. It’s a romantic, escapist property, in an unequalled setting on a spellbinding island, right in the middle of the city. We guarantee you’ll absolutely adore it. It’s hard not to.
The Hotel Skeppsholmen is pretty unique. Set in a couple of 17th-Century Swedish Navy barracks, a heritage site deemed among the most valuable in Sweden, this property is the epitome of Swedish minimalism, in the heart of the city.
We experienced far more luxury than the sailors who slept here before us, but each room that used to sleep nine is now a contemporary urban oasis. Beyond the Scandi-chic aesthetic, we had to appreciate the work that went into refurbishing this property. It’s not easy to create a modern hotel when there are some super-strict preservation orders in place (where even putting a light-switch on the wall caused issues with the powers that be).
Yet they have managed to transform it into an effortlessly comfortable, somewhat quirky (you’ll know what we mean when you try to use the ‘pebble-sink’), escapist property that is a masterclass in Swedish design.
The friendly team at the Hotel Skeppsholmen are all amazing hosts, which made our stay extra special. Whether catering to our every whim at the front desk; or serving us up delicious meals throughout the day in its designer Swedish restaurant (the menu matches the theme, in case you’re wondering); or giving us a little tour of what lies in wait to be discovered on the island that the hotel is on … they did so with such poise and flair. One stunning summer evening, the GM even treated us to champagne at one of his legendary summer parties on the hotel lawn.
Despite being the geographical center of the city, there is actually somewhat of a holiday vibe to the island; as you’re completely surrounded by water, pleasure-crafts and museums, not to mention the screams of teenage thrill-seekers visiting the Tivoli on Gröna Lund across the water. If you’re looking for a hotel with a real sense of place in Stockholm, you won’t find much better than the Hotel Skeppsholmen.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Insider | ARN | GMT +1 |
| While you’re Out There |
| The island of Skeppsholmen that gives the hotel its name is a little oasis in the middle of Stockholm. On it, there are a number of sights and attractions. Right outside the hotel, in one of the old armouries, is one of the most sophisticated recording studios in the world, owned by Benny from ABBA. You’ll often see him there, or any number of Eurovision superstars and international recording artists that happen to be in town cutting an album. Up the hill from the hotel is the stunning Moderna Museet, Stockholm’s answer to the MoMA. Its cafe has a stunning view over the water and it is a great place for the Swedish coffee-break that is fika. |
Photography courtesy of Hotel Skeppsholmen
