Discover why Hotel Kungsträdgården is one of the best places to stay in Stockholm: Complete Review

---

The Penguin Rating

---

The hotel is privately owned and run by Jörgen Björnstad and his dedicated team, which is built on the philosophy of genuine care and timeless charm. The hotel effortlessly combines Swedish heritage with modern-day comfort with 94 uniquely designed rooms, exceptional Concierge service, and a historic building dating back to 1764.

An interesting fact about Hotel Kungsträdgården is that it’s housed in a fully restored 18th-century building dating back to 1764, constructed for Countess Eva Bielke, and every detail of the renovation was done in collaboration with the Swedish National Heritage Board to preserve its original architecture and royal-era charm and remain a masterpiece of Gustavian architecture. Even more fascinating — during the restoration, the team uncovered original stone walls, timber beams, and historical details that are now beautifully integrated into the hotel’s elegant Gustavian design, offering guests a chance to sleep in a piece of Swedish history. You can feel the history seeping as you waddle around the hotel premises. 

After a meticulous four-year renovation, it reopened in 2015 — and at the center of its beautiful courtyard, you are greeted by a showstopping centerpiece: one of Europe’s largest chandeliers. This glittering feature adds a touch of drama and elegance, setting the tone for the unique experience that awaits inside. The courtyard was among the favorite parts of the hotel for us.

Location and Accessibility

One thing that we appreciated about the Hotel Kungsträdgården is its excellent location in the heart of Stockholm. It is one of its prime features, with the location right next to the beautiful Kungsträdgården Park and waddling distance to many of the city’s top attractions, including the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan (Old Town), the National Museum, and the bustling shopping streets of Drottninggatan and Biblioteksgatan.

The hotel is also quite well accessible. If you travel by public transport, it is just steps away from the Kungsträdgården metro station. If you are coming from the airport via the Arlanda Express, it is less than a 10-minute waddle from the Stockholm Central Station. Or if you are arriving by taxi, it will comfortably stop on the side of it. 

We also appreciated that, despite being in such a central location, the area around the hotel remains peaceful, with quiet streets and charming cafés nearby — ideal for both a first-time visitor and a returning traveler looking to explore Stockholm at your own pace.

Check-In Experience

As we waddled into Hotel Kungsträdgården, we were greeted by a warm and cozy atmosphere, almost making us feel like we were in a cory cabin in the Swedish wilderness. 

The check-in area is small and intimate, in keeping with the hotel’s boutique charm, but don’t let the size fool you — the staff are incredibly attentive, professional, and welcoming. Check-in was seamless and efficient; we received all the important information about our stay, including breakfast details, WiFi access, and helpful tips for getting around the city. The entire process was fast and smooth and left us feeling instantly taken care of. It’s clear that personalized service is a priority here, setting the tone for a truly comfortable and relaxed stay.

The check-in time is 3.00 pm, but they will do their best to accommodate you earlier and give you access to your room, depending on availability. Check-out is at 11.00 am, with the possibility of a late check-out if requested, subject to availability (additional charges may apply). Please get in touch with reception to inquire about any flexibility with your check-in or check-out times.

If you have a later flight, you can leave your luggage at the reception and explore the city a little before departing. The front desk is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Room and Amenities

We stayed on the 4th floor out of five, and one of the things that makes this hotel truly unique is that no two rooms are alike. Each is individually designed with its elegant character, adding to the boutique charm and making every stay feel special.

We stayed in one of the charming Small Double Rooms, and though our room was small — very small, measuring around 13 square meters, it somehow still felt majestic and cozy. Despite the compact size, the elegant décor, high-quality linens, and plush double bed (140 cm) created a luxurious ambiance. That said, space to move around was limited, and finding a convenient place to store a suitcase was a challenge.

Also, if you are here for business, do not make any plans to work from the room here. There was a table, but only a half table where we could not imagine opening the laptop and working. Plus, if you need more space to work or unwind, the hotel’s lounge areas offer cozy seating and quiet spots perfect for reading, planning your day, or catching up on emails.

The bathroom, however, was surprisingly spacious and well-equipped. It included fresh towels, a hairdryer, complimentary shower gel, conditioner, and shampoo — all nicely presented and replenished daily.

In-room amenities included a TV, ironing board and iron, a safe for valuables, and a coffee and tea station, which was a thoughtful touch and much appreciated in the mornings or after a long day of exploring. You can also find a minibaravailable at an additional cost.

While the room may not be ideal for travelers with lots of luggage, it was ideally suited for a short stay where comfort, charm, and a central location are key. Though they also have bigger rooms available, ensure you choose them when booking. 

---

Culinary Experience

---

Breakfast

Breakfast at the Hotel Kungsträdgården is served in the hotel’s stunning inner courtyard. It’s a great setting where you can ease into the day, surrounded by historic architecture and warm natural light.

It is a buffer style, and though it is modest in size, it offers everything you truly need: a fresh and colorful selection of fruits and vegetables, a range of quality cold cuts, cheeses, and meats, as well as creamy yogurts, granola, and warm baked bread. And, of course, the star of the spread for us was the freshly baked Swedish cardamom buns — fragrant, soft, and utterly irresistible. We will be honest: we ate too many of them, but they were irresistible.

Equally good were the beverage options. You can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, rich and aromatic, available in multiple styles — from classic black to creamy cappuccinos and lattes. There’s also a selection of teas, and the juice bar offers freshly pressed options, like orange, apple, and seasonal blends. 

Note that breakfast is included in your room rate and served daily. Everything is self-service, and the staff will put away the used plates once you finish. There is enough space for sitting, whether you travel alone or as a bigger group. 

After breakfast hours, the elegant courtyard transforms into Brasserie Makalös, a top-class French brasserie where locals and guests alike gather for lunch and dinner. Beneath the stunning glass ceiling and glittering chandelier, you can indulge in authentic French cuisine, with everything from the wine selection to the background music carefully curated to reflect the spirit of France. 

---

Facilities and Activities

---

Crystal Bar

The hotel has lots to explore, and many amenities are available on the premises. One of our favorites was the Crystal Bar, and as the name suggests, it’s right beneath the hotel’s breathtaking crystal chandelier — a showstopping centerpiece made up of over 11,000 hand-bound prisms and weighing more than 400 kilos. It’s a very unique setting. There is a lot of natural daylight t from the grand glass ceiling above, where the chandelier catches the sun’s rays and casts mesmerizing reflections throughout the space all day. It is a spot for everyone, it can be whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to work remotely, meet with a friend, or simply savor a glass of wine. 

Gym by Anna & Emil

Another facility we enjoyed was the gym. Their gym facilities are designed in collaboration with personal trainer Fredrik Andersson and world-class cross-country skiers Anna Haag and Emil Jönsson. The room is smaller, but you can work out every part of your body, whether an athlete or a casual exerciser. It is open 24 hours a day and accessible with your room key card, the gym is well-equipped for a full workout whenever it suits your schedule. After your session, you can unwind in the separate men’s and women’s saunas, also available 24/7. Just ask the reception to turn it on and enjoy a warm, soothing retreat followed by a refreshing shower — the perfect balance of movement and relaxation right within the hotel. Towels and water are available within the gym area, which is located on the -1 floor and accessible via stairs or elevator. 

The Study

The Study is a perfect space if you are seeking a quiet retreat, looking to host a small event, or simply work. Its large windows, an open fireplace, and Gustavian-style furniture make it a charming and serene environment to work, relax, or plan. You are welcome to use the study during your stay, just watch out for the times when it is reserved for special events. On the other hand, if you want to host a small event, you can also book it for groups of up to 16 people, which is great for private breakfasts, press conferences, or small meetings. As mentioned, if you’re looking for a peaceful space to work — especially if your room feels a bit on the smaller side — The Study is an excellent alternative. Contact the hotel’s reservation team to arrange a booking, and they’ll be happy to assist with all the details.

The Study

We didn’t have the chance to use this particular facility, but from what we saw, it’s perfect for a more intimate setting for business or personal events. Located one floor below ground level, it has a large handmade solid oak table surrounded by comfortable chairs. Whether planning a board meeting, a small business event, or a private celebration, the wine cellar provides a quiet, exclusive environment. Contact the hotel’s reservation team to arrange your booking, and they will assist with every detail to ensure your event is a success.

Hotel Premises

Hotel Kungsträdgården offers a charming and inviting atmosphere, with its premises exuding a cozy and neat vibe. The hotel maintains a blend of modern comfort and historical charm, with many original features still intact, including its stunning staircase that adds a sense of timeless elegance. The interior is carefully designed to create a welcoming and relaxing environment for guests, making it a lovely place to stay. The overall ambiance is both sophisticated and warm, offering an ideal setting for those seeking a blend of tradition and modern amenities in the heart of Stockholm.

One of the highlights of our stay was the glass elevator, which provided a truly memorable experience. As it ascended, it offered a stunning view of the courtyard below, allowing us to take in the beautiful surroundings uniquely and enjoyably. The elevator’s design added a modern touch to the hotel’s historic charm, and it was a delightful way to travel between floors while soaking in the beauty of the space.

---

Value for Money

---

While Hotel Kungsträdgården positions itself as a boutique, four-star property, the experience it delivers often feels five-star — especially when considering the hotel’s rich history, elegant design, and highly personalized service. From the unique decorated rooms and great location in central Stockholm, it has lots to offer – like gourmet breakfast under a crystal chandelier, the 24-hour gym and sauna, and inviting spaces like The Study and Crystal Bar. You get a lot for the price; despite the smaller rooms, the service quality, and the exclusive atmosphere, it is an innovative and rewarding choice, though it can come out a little on the more expensive side. 

Our Favourite Part

Our favorite part of the stay was our assigned room, which offered breathtaking views of the Stockholm skyline and allowed us to watch stunning sunrises each morning. Although it meant waking up a little earlier than usual, the beauty of the sunrise made it all worth it. The soft glow of the morning light over the city was a peaceful and unforgettable experience, setting a perfect tone for the rest of the day. It was a special touch that made our stay even more memorable.

Other Stuff Good To Know About Hotel Kungsträdgården

• • Taxi and Airport Transfers. Currently, the hotel does not offer a shuttle service to and from the airport. However, the dedicated Concierge team is more than happy to assist with arrangements to ensure a seamless experience for private transfers. Taxi Stockholm is recommended as a trusted and reliable taxi service. If you contact the hotel, they will help with transportation. 
  • Parking. The hotel does not provide parking or valet service, but the Gallerian garage is approximately 120 meters from the hotel. For opening hours and prices, visit the website – link.
  • Pets. The hotel currently does not allow pets; penguins are an exception. 
  • Disability. Please get in touch with the reservation department to pre-book the designated room. 
  • Luggage Storage. As mentioned at the check-in experience, they offer a secure luggage room where you can store your bags if you arrive before check-in or wish to leave them after check-out.
  • Smoking Policy.  Hotel Kungsträdgården is a 100% non-smoking property.
  • Cash-Free Policy. As in many places in Sweden, since 2019, both Hotel Kungsträdgården and Brasserie Makalös have been cash-free.
  • WiFi. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
  • Laundry. Laundry service is available at an additional cost. 
  • Age limit. The age limit for making a reservation at the hotel is 20 years.
  • Security & CCTV. For the safety and peace of mind of the guests and staff, camera surveillance is in place in selected public areas of the hotel, such as the reception, entrances, and stairwells. All footage is treated strictly and only shared with the police when necessary. In line with data protection practices, recordings are automatically deleted after 30 days. If you have any questions regarding our security measures, please get in touch with the CEO, Jörgen Björnstad, at +46 (0)70 955 67 61 or jorgen.b@hotelkungstradgarden.se.

---

All Ratings

Category	Rating
Location and Accessibility	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cleanliness	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Staff and Service	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Dining and Food Quality	⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Amenities	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Check-In/Check-Out	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
WiFi and Connectivity	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Experience	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆