Nobis

A trendy hotel situated on a square in the heart of everything.

• The large, indoor Atrium lounge for a drink
• Ideal location for exploring Stockholm
• Onsite cuisine with influences from across Europe

Despite being a trendy hotel, Nobis appeals to more than just the party set. For one thing, the location is fabulous. It stands on Norrmalmstorg, a square in the heart of everything, so you are just steps from Birger Jarlsgatan and Biblioteksgatan, two of the liveliest shopping streets in town. It’s just a walk of a minute or so to NK, the city’s great department store, or to Svenskt Tenn, the famous interior design store. Many of the best bars and restaurants are a stone’s throw away, but it’s also easy to stroll over to the Old Town from here.

Residents regularly drop into the hotel to drink cocktails in the Gold Bar or grab international cuisine at Noi Restaurant. Then there is the lounge, which is well worth a visit: a soaring atrium with a stunning seven-meter crystal light fixture that goes by the name of Octopussy. Be sure when checking in that your room is not above the lounge or else a peaceful night’s sleep will be unlikely. Request a room in one of the other wings and all will be well.

The 201 rooms are done in a somber color palate that is inspired by the Swedish winter—don’t worry, it’s far more inviting than it sounds—and are designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune, one of the hottest design firms in town. The only quibble is that sometimes style trumps practicality—when will designers learn that having sufficient shelf space in a bathroom is a true luxury?

What is faultless is the service. For a hotel that is so fashionable, there’s not a trace of snooty attitude from the front desk staff; they are always eager to help. Additionally, the hotel features a small gym.

People who enjoy a hotel with ready access to downtown shops and nightlife and don’t mind that it has a hopping bar scene at the weekend.