The capital of Scandinavia might have lagged behind some of our favourite cities when it comes to hospitality, but in today’s post we discover three locations that have raised the bar for hotels in Stockholm – giving “Stockholm Syndrome” a whole new meaning.

A Rough Part of Stockholm Sees Two New Additions to The City’s Hotel Scene…

Five years ago most people would have taken a proper detour to avoid walking through Brunkebergstorg, an unattractive square flanked by monstrous looking grey-and-black buildings and some of the worst streets of central Stockholm. However, this spring marked a much-needed change with the opening of two superb new hotels: At Six and Hobo.The latter is a lighthearted and colourful affair kitted out by Berlin-based designer Werner Aisslinger, whose sofas for Cappellini sit next to curios, books, plastic flamingoes and potted plants. The ground and first floor bistro and bar are comfortable places to linger for work or a drink, regardless if you’re a guest or not. And if they’re not enough, there’s a smashing rooftop bar and restaurant (one of few in Stockholm) called Tak.Next door, the more luxurious At Six is a larger affair decked out by London-based Universal Design Studio. Here, you get the basalt, granite and Carrara marble finishes throughout, as well as the odd leather accent to soften things up. A dramatic staircase leads to a dining and drinking level, which is split into several zones, including a “listening lounge” with its own dedicated music director. There’s also a sprawling bar and open-kitchen restaurant, where a Swedish breakfast buffet is served overlooking the square below.Both openings come courtesy of Norwegian developer Petter Stordalen, whose new premises are applying some much-needed pressure to the city’s staid but fast-improving hotel scene.

The Home Away from Home…

Our favourite “home away from home” is quite aptly named Ett Hem, translating into “a home”. Having opened as recently as 2012, Ett Hem feels like it’s been lived in (in a good way – this place has soul) for decades, situated in a beautiful 12-bedroom townhouse and decorated with an abundance of modern art and a lovely garden – all surrounded by Lärkstaden, one of the nicest little areas of Stockholm.As the name implies, the atmosphere isn’t very hotel-like, instead making you feel like you’re a guest staying at a (really well-off) friends place. During colder times you can curl up in front of an open fire in the sitting room, retreat into the library for a quiet read or simply sip a cocktail by the piano. There’s a small but modern gym if you feel like being active (but also great running trails around the corner) and a quiet marble hammam for the post-workout steam.

As for the rooms, there are only twelve of them, and they’re all unique. Some come more spacious, others more compact, but they all share that warm domestic feeling made up of Swedish sensibility using tactile materials such as oak, stone, sheepskins. The bathrooms are lovely, featuring walk in rain showers and brass details. Oh, and many of the rooms have  fully working fireplaces and tile stoves.When it comes to food, there isn’t a fancy a la carte option, but the home-style meal service only helps in adding to the family feel. We loved eating in the kitchen, watching the chef prepare us treat after treat – but you can also choose to dine more formally in the library or enjoy the more casual garden glasshouse.

Ett Hem is without doubt one of the most beautiful, stylish, and comfortable places to stay when in Stockholm – if not the world. The friendly staff and the extremely thought-through surroundings make you feel, well, at home.