Europe » Sweden » REVIEW: Hotel Kungsträdgården, Stockholm, Sweden

REVIEW: Hotel Kungsträdgården, Stockholm, Sweden

Elegant, luxurious and historic with tip-top service, Hotel Kungsträdgården is a great choice for a visit to Stockholm on business or pleasure. 

Stockholm. One of the most expensive cities on the planet. Unfortunately for my bank balance, it’s also one of my favourites! Food is pricey and accommodation even more so. Unless you’re feeling terribly flush, you may find your budget restricts your enjoyment.

View of Stockholm Sweden
View of Stockholm, Sweden

Opened last January, Hotel Kungsträdgården offers comfortable rooms in a spectacularly restored 18th century residence, bang in the centre of the city. As I chatted to Adam, the hotel’s immaculately dressed concierge (think English gent meets Swedish aristocrat), he explained that while the hotel’s rooms are on the small side. Basically – the hotel doesn’t scrimp in any other areas, something that makes it top value for money in the city. When it comes to repeat business, this hotel has it nailed.

Hotel Kungsträdgården Exterior
Hotel Kungsträdgården Exterior

Overlooking Kungsträdgården (a central park with lovely cafés and the location for many festivals and events), moments away from the Metro, several key sights (check out these  top things to do in Stockholmand a five-minute walk from Stockholm’s adorable old town, it would be hard to find a better location for a short break in the city.

Looking out to Kungsträdgården, Stockholm
Looking out to Kungsträdgården, Stockholm

Historically, it’s an interesting building. Built in 1769 as a private residence for a wealthy family, it was later bought by a bank. They modified the building, retaining as much character as they could (and adhering to strict rules regarding listed buildings). The bank turned the old coal cellars into bank vaults and adapted the historic courtyard area in the centre. Then, once sold to the hotel owners a few years ago, the coal-vaults-come-bank-vaults were transformed into wine cellars – complete with the impressive 1.5 tonne bank vault door embedded in the floor.

Bank vault door in the cellar at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Bank vault door in the cellar at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Cellar at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Cellar at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm

Next to the cellars in the basement is the gym – with its cave-like roof, and two saunas (a must for any Swedish hotel)!

Gym at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Gym at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm

Each of the 98 rooms is uniquely decorated, while still fitting with the hotel’s classical Gustavian décor. I checked into a Classic Double Room on the third floor, which, while being ‘small’ had spectacularly high ceilings and an elegant chandelier. Looking out onto my new favourite street ‘Kocksgränd’ (oh so childish…!) the room had everything I needed for a relaxing stay.

Hotel Kungsträdgården on Kocksgränd, Stockholm
Hotel Kungsträdgården on Kocksgränd, Stockholm

There was a large TV on the wall, plenty of plug sockets (the most I’ve seen in a hotel in a while), a built in wardrobe containing minibar, kettle, iron and ironing board, a small desk with information about the local area, and a sparkling bathroom with comfortable robes, fluffy towels and a powerful shower.

Classic double room at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Classic double room at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Classic double room at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Classic double room at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Classic double room at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Classic double room at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm

What it lacked in size, it made up for in cosiness. In fact, the bed was one of the most comfortable I’d slept on in a while. I loved the linen and classic combinations of colours. It felt luxurious and I soon forgot I was in a room no larger than 16 square metres!

Bathroom at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Bathroom at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm

The free wifi was speedy, which no doubt appeals to the business clientele who frequent the hotel – enjoying its proximity to Stockholm’s financial district and the value single rooms in the fifth floor ‘loft’ space. Realising the potential with this market, the hotel has been savvy and created a workspace area – something very appealing to a digital nomad like me!

Single room in the 'loft' Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Single room in the ‘loft’ Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm

In contrast, the King rooms were luxury on a whole other scale! Beautiful rich fabrics, luxurious golds and epic chandeliers awaited…

King Suite at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
King Suite at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm

My favourite part of the hotel was the Parisian style brasserie – a stunning open space, with three elegant balconies, located in the former courtyard of the residence. No longer open to the elements, the windows to the sky let in a lovely amount of sunshine and daylight. It was so airy, I forgot there was a roof at all. It’s not just Parisian in style – the chef, half of the staff and the menu are also French. I particularly enjoyed the circular seating area on the third floor overlooking the restaurant. Despite being in the main room, it felt lovely and secluded.

Brasserie Makalos at Hotel Kungsträdgården, Stockholm
Brasserie Makalos at Hotel Kungsträdgården, Stockholm
Bar at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Bar at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Brasserie Makalos at Hotel Kungsträdgården, Stockholm
Brasserie Makalos at Hotel Kungsträdgården, Stockholm

The buffet breakfast was served in the main brasserie area. With everything from pastries and cereal to eggs and salmon on offer, it turned out to be quite a feast! I got stuck into some traditional Swedish gravadlax on sourdough.

Breakfast at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Breakfast at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Breakfast at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Breakfast at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Breakfast at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Breakfast at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm

I loved the presentation of the yoghurt pots and smoothies – lined up in jam jars on a platter! The berry smoothie was thick with an undeniably blackcurranty flavour. The green juice was packed full of avocado and spinach, and after drinking it, I felt ready to face the world!

Before I left, I had to ask about the chandeliers. From the huge crystal one hanging over the brasserie, to its smaller less ornate cousin in my room, there was barely a part of the hotel without one lighting the way. ‘Krebs’ Adam told me. The Krebs family have been making chandeliers for over 60 years, and in Hotel Kungsträdgården you’ll find over 120 of them, all different shapes and sizes.

Krebs Chandelier at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Krebs Chandelier at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Krebs Chandelier at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm
Krebs Chandelier at Hotel Kungsträdgården Stockholm

Elegant, luxurious and historic with tip-top service, Hotel Kungsträdgården is in a great location whether you’re visiting on business or exploring the city. Perhaps I’m about to be one of the loyal customers who return time and time again?

Thanks to Adam, Titti and the team Hotel Kungsträdgården for inviting me to visit. Find out more and book your stay here.

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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