What’s it Like?
Originally built for Stockholm’s 1912 Olympic Games, this classically designed Jugendstil palace topped with an oxidized copper roof overlooks the Nybroviken waterfront that is replete with water taxies and boat tour services. Inside, it’s reassuringly modern; not achingly hip, but offering a mellow sort of contemporary feel that will appeal to business travellers who make up its core clientele. A mishmash of old and new, including black and white photographs of Stockholm in the 1920s, adds interest.
Where is it?
Situated at Nybrokajen 9, just a short walk from the narrow streets of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town), the Radisson Blu Strand offers a great base from which to explore the city’s numerous attractions. Close by is theRoyalCastle, theModernMuseumand Östermalm’s designer shopping district as well as numerous parks, restaurants and coffee houses.
Rooms
The Strand’s 152 rooms – including 20 suites – all offer charming views. Along with the rather spectacular 52m² Tower suite and terrace, all the Superior Rooms overlook the waterways of the Stockholm archipelago, framing postcard-perfect vistas. Aesthetically, it’s all about craftsmanship and individuality. A unique mix of contemporary and historic decor together with pale beech floors and furniture lends a sense of Scandinavian cool to the plush armchairs and comfy beds.
Facilities:
Fully stocked mini bars, international adaptors, cable TV as well as free Wi-Fi Internet connectivity keeps boredom at bay, while laundry and valet services ensure you won’t have to lift a finger. Nespresso machines offer a constant supply of delicious espressos. Each air-conditioned room has a writing desk and smartly finished bathrooms with fluffy towelling dressing gowns and slippers: in short, all the services and amenities expected of a five-star hotel.
Restaurants and Bars
The Strand Restaurant & Lounge is open all day for lunch, breakfast and dinner. Think fine linen napery, silver cutlery, and international menus inspired by Swedish cuisine and prepared from local produce by the hotel’s main chef, Jonas Franzén. The breakfast buffet, a sumptuous affair with a gorgeous waterfront view, offers an array of fruits, yoghurts, cereals, salmon, pickled herring and the usual fry-ups. Original artworks from the Art Factory in Sweden decorate the walls and are for sale to guests.
Leisure and Fitness
Guests have access to the little gym and sauna on the top floor as well as discounted entry into Sturebadet, the most exclusive health centre in the city.
Conference Facilities
Nine meeting rooms all offer whiteboards, Internet, overhead projectors or LCD TV. Phone and video conferences can be arranged. TheStrand’s Maritime room with views over the Stockholm Waterfront can accommodate up to 110 guests using theatre-style seating. Three private rooms can be used for small business meetings for up to 10 delegates. The Sjösalongen or Tomsviten suites are ideal for board meetings and smaller cocktail parties.
Rates:
Prices range from 1995 SEK (Swedish Kroner, which works out to around R2000) for a Standard Room in the low season to 10 000 SEK for the Tower Suite. Superior rooms are available for additional charge of 300-400SEK.
Verdict:
A very pleasant stay that encapsulates Stockholm’s charm, but if you’ve hired a car, brace yourself for an additional daily 395SEK parking fee, which is pretty much the norm in Europe.
Contact Details
Tel 46 (0) 8 50664000 or 020 238 238, Radissonblu.com/strandhotel-stockholm
Caroline Hurry