HotelChatter

The hotel was built in 1874, obviously before the advent of pop. Today it's one of the Leading Hotels of the World. Described as a landmark in the city, the hotel has 300 rooms that combine the best of the Old World with modern technology. The hotel has views of the harbor and the Royal Palace and is central to all there is to do in Stockholm.

As for the rooms, you have a choice of single, double or suites and the choice of harbor or garden views (harbor is more money of course.) Downstairs there are two restaurants, one of which is the Grand Veranda. The second restaurant has closed and will open during later this Summer.

In fact, all of the hotel is undergoing some expansion. The hotel expects to open 77 new rooms by the first of July, including a huge private suite with its own sauna and a private cinema. The Cadier bar is also going under some renovation but remains open.

Finally, the hotel's services are rounded out with a business center and a fitness center. We particularly love how the fitness center occupies the same room as a cafe serving pastries. Donuts while weightlifting is a sure way to bulk up.

And since the hotel has been catering to important people like Max, royal families, ABBA (photographed outside the hotel, below) and heads of state, they have excellent security.

Naturally, in this five-star hotel, the staff is known for its dedicated service. Maybe the hotel staff should sing "I never want to hear you say, I want it that way" when guests first arrive.

The reviews seem to back this up and are pretty entertaining to read, since many reviewers are trying their hand at writing English.

For those not able to live the Martin high life of about $450 a night, our friend in Sweden recommends the Af Chapman hostel. It was originally an old sailing yacht that was converted into a youth hostel, with some army barracks thrown in. It's clean, family-oriented, and informative as the boat structure is still standing, a five minute walk from everything and only about 18 bucks a night to sleep like a pirate.

[ABBA image via Rafaels and Stefans]

Related Stories:
· Grand Hotel Stockholm reviews [TripAdvisor]
· Escape from LA: Bora Bora [HotelChatter]

Tags: Hotels

by juliana