HotelChatter

When Does Style Become Kitsch?
The Rival's right in Södermalm, Stockholm's young, edgy area, overlooking Mariatorget square. The hotel's restaurant and cocktail bar are filled with suited Swedes who flock there after work to spend their hard-earned kroner.

Billed as Sweden's first boutique hotel when it opened its doors to great hype in September 2003, it could easily have turned out to be seventies kitsch tat-fest of Abba memorabilia and faded tartan memories. Thankfully, the only slightly kitsch part is that each room's decorated with images from Swedish cinema - Greta Garbo and the like.

When Does Technology Become Geeky?
It's starred in the HotelChatter series of Geek Hotels for its techno-wiring, plasma TVs and speakers in the shower. The old cinema it's built around has been restored to - beyond even - its former glory as a 700-seater Rival Theatre. And the website's pretty nifty - you can download a see-through image of the hotel. On a homelier note, in case you can't find anywhere else to buy your rye bread, the hotel has its own bakery.

Pop-Trivia
Some pop-trivia for the pub quiz: Benny Andersson's new band BAO! (Benny Anderssons Orkester) has just achieved a new record in Sweden with their song 'You Are My Man'. It's been on the music chart for 184 weeks and stayed at no.1 for 38 weeks in 2004-5. This man's got style.

Money, Money, Money
It's quite a bit more expensive to stay during the week, and for some reason breakfast isn't included on weekdays. So go at the weekend for a 'budget' double at $250 a night or rob a bank and stay in the lush Suite 704 for a mere $900 a night.

Whoever thinks up the best Abba-related pun about the hotel gets a free night's stay....answers on an e-postcard.

[Photo: Decor8]

Learn more about the Stockholm Hotel Scene here.