We love storied and old properties, which is why we loved Miss Clara, Stockholm. Set in an old girls school, this hotel is named after its legendary once-headmistress. It’s part of a gorgeous heritage building, brought completely up to date with stunning design touches which make it a brilliant hotel option for OutThere travellers looking to imbibe the charm of the Swedish capital.
Stockholm Stockholm isn’t short of beautiful architecture, but the early 20th-century Art Nouveau building on Sveavägen that houses Miss Clara Stockholm is truly special. Despite its central location on one of Stockholm’s main thoroughfares, Miss Clara offers a quiet, almost residential, sanctuary from the city’s buzz. The hotel is named after the school’s once-formidable headmistress Clara Strömberg, whose legacy is palpable in the building’s dignified architecture and flourishes. Originally constructed in 1910, the building’s elegant curves and striking symmetry made it impossible for us not to fall in love with it.
Today, the property has been reimagined into a contemporary hotel that celebrates its original period features with great care and respect. Inside, renowned Swedish architect Gert Wingårdh has orchestrated a symphony of heritage and modernity. The interiors retain subtle nods to the property’s scholastic origins — sturdy staircases and arched doorways hint at its past life — while contemporary touches, such as custom furniture, curated artworks and high-design lighting fixtures, elevate the space into a work of art. Minimalism reigns throughout, but where there is furnishing, it is of the highest quality, with curated, choice pieces like Kaare Klint chairs. The Le Broom crystal lamps at reception particularly caught our eye, adding a touch of understated glamour.
Miss Clara is a larger boutique property, with 92 rooms and suites, yet it managed to retain an intimate and cosy atmosphere. The hotel’s unique brand of minimalism continues in its rooms, with an earthy colour palette featuring muted tones of greys, taupes and browns. We were taken with the pared-back design of our room, which was beautifully appointed with huge, church-like windows that let in an abundance of natural light, creating mesmerising shadow play on the herringbone parquet floors. This interplay of light and space felt almost like an art form in itself.
Our room was impeccably designed, with thoughtful details that spoke of quiet luxury. The sense of space and airiness was particularly indulgent for a city-centre property, not to mention one in a heritage building. The marble-clad bathroom was a highlight, featuring an oversized rain shower and bespoke amenities that added to the overall feeling of understated sophistication. For a touch of Scandi-wellness, guests can also enjoy the intimate, 24-hour Swedish sauna in the hotel’s basement, which can be privately booked — an ideal way to unwind after a day of exploring the city.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Culturalist | ARN | GMT +1 |
| While you’re Out There |
| With its educational background, Miss Clara likes to import some of the best of the creative city that is Stockholm. From touring art exhibitions to on-the-brink-of-signing DJs and performers, there’s always something in the programming at Miss Clara to connect guests to the arts. If you’re looking for something a little grander, then the Stockholm Konserthus (Concert Hall) is just a short walk away. |
The service at Miss Clara is another standout feature. The staff exude a friendly warmth that immediately puts you at ease, leaning younger, more informal and stylish than those at other luxury properties in the city. The personal touch they bring extends to the LGBTQ+ community, as Miss Clara is a proud member of Stockholm LGBT, committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests. In our humble opinion, the hotel’s involvement in this network further underscores its sense of intimacy and genuine care, creating a space where all are truly welcome.
Dining at Miss Clara is a delight, with the property taking great pride in its food and beverage offerings. The menu is contemporary and eclectic, blending Asian, American, and Mediterranean influences, often within the same dish. We started our evening with cocktails and dinner in the popular bar and restaurant, a buzzing space where we rubbed shoulders with Stockholm’s beautiful people. The atmosphere was lively yet refined, with a convivial energy that made us feel part of the scene.
The small plates were a particular highlight — a perfectly spiced tuna tartare, a zesty fennel and orange salad, and crispy, golden arancini were all faultless. For our mains, the roasted cod, served with saffron-infused risotto, and the tender grilled lamb accompanied by a smoky aubergine purée, were standout dishes. The bartenders at Miss Clara are masters of their craft, creating cocktails that are as visually striking as they are delicious. The signature “Miss Clara” cocktail, a refreshing blend of elderflower, citrus, and gin, quickly became a favourite. The bar’s convivial atmosphere also makes it an excellent spot for people-watching. On the weekend evening we visited, the crowd was a stylish mix of Stockholm’s creative elite and international travellers.
While Miss Clara is undeniably luxurious, it felt that it was the storytelling and character of the property that truly set it apart. Many hotels boast about their heritage, but few succeed in weaving it so seamlessly into the guest experience. In many ways, Miss Clara feels like Stockholm distilled: a blend of old and new, tradition and innovation, simplicity and sophistication. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, a business trip, or simply to indulge in Stockholm’s vibrant culture, Miss Clara offers an experience that feels intimate, thoughtful and quintessentially Swedish. It’s a place where stories are told, memories are made and guests — much like the building itself — are transformed.
School, we thought to ourselves, has never been this fabulous.
Photography courtesy of the Miss Clara
