Clarion Hotel Amaranten

Looking at its featureless and uniform modernist facade, guests will not be surprised to learn that the Clarion Hotel Amaranten came into being at the end of the 1960s. Formerly First Hotel Amaranten, it was the largest hotel in Scandinavia; at 461 rooms spread over seven floors, it is still one of the biggest in Stockholm. Entered via a glass and brushed steel revolving door, the lobby is anything but dated; it's a bright, expansive, and low-ceilinged open-plan space characterized by polished parquet flooring, low-profile contemporary-retro design furnishings, and a sleek "floating" reception desk. Artwork in communal areas is rotated out every three months. Although mostly drawing business travelers, the hotel also sees a fair number of couples and vacationing families. 

The hotel is located on Stockholm's Kungsholmen island -- the once industrial district of the capital and now the quieter and primarily residential district across the Klara Sjö canal from the city center. There are lots of cafes and restaurants within short walking distance, especially along the nearby Hantverkargatan and Fleminggatan, while it's just a few minutes' walk to the waterfront. The nearest T-bana (metro) station is four minutes away on foot or Stockholm's main central station is a 10 minutes' walk away on the other side of the canal. Arlanda International Airport is around a 30 minutes' drive away, while Bromma Airport is much nearer at around 15 minutes.

Rooms at the Clarion Hotel Amaranten break down into five categories which -- as well as the usual Standard, Superior, Deluxe, and Suites -- include the smaller-than-average Moderate level accommodation. Rooms have benefitted from an on-going renovation project and are nicely finished with clean contemporary styling, parquet wood floors, and modern design furnishings. All come with free Wi-Fi and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels, while higher-category rooms also include robes and slippers. Family rooms have thoughtful facilities such as inflatable changing tables and potties, while Deluxe rooms are on the top floor and have large, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Kungsholmen. Luxury suites feature private terraces, and bathrooms with heated floors and whirlpools. Many standard-level rooms, however, are small and the lack of air conditioning can be a problem in the summer months. 

A generous buffet breakfast is served daily with hot and cold items and organic produce. It is always included in the rate and non-guests can also join in for a fee -- it can get quite busy on weekends. The hotel's Kitchen & Table restaurant also offers lunch and (weekend) dinner menus inspired by a fusion of Manhattan and Scandinavia flavors. A second Amaranten Restaurant serves more traditional dishes from local ingredients, while both eateries include bar areas with regular DJs. The hotel also features a Relax Area, with a small heated pool, mixed sauna, and range of spa treatments. A well-equipped fitness room can be found on-site and there's heated garage parking located under the hotel.