Clarion Hotel Stockholm

Clarion Hotel Stockholm is a glass and stone building perched on top of a highway -- from which some guests report hearing traffic noise in certain areas of the hotel. Inside, the hotel has a modern design with a collection of contemporary Scandinavian art throughout. Glossy cream floors meet wooden floors in the lobby, which has a fairly bland design minus the sheer spaciousness of it (embellished by the lack of seating) and the zig-zag front desks. There is seating in separate rooms in the hallways that lead off the lobby and they feature colorful benches with views of the art. The hotel’s restaurant has a delightful Mexican twist to represent the cuisine served, such as with Dia De Los Muertos stitched pillows, Lucha Libre masks, and traditional Latin American blankets. With amenities aimed at relaxation and business, this is a hot spot for both couples and business travelers.  

Clarion Hotel Stockholm has a slightly out of the way location. It sits on top of a highway in the Sodermalm District of Stockholm, home to dining options within a 10-minute walk and a mall that’s a three-minute walk away. It’s a 25-minute walk to the Ericsson’s Globe and mall and the Tele2 arena. Youthful travelers might not mind the 30-minute walk to Gamla Stan, the Old Town of Stockholm, home to popular attractions like the Stockholm Palace. For attractions that are too far to reach on foot, like the Skansen museum, there’s a metro stop across the street. It takes 35 minutes by car to reach Stockholm Arlanda Airport.

The ambience in the guest rooms is stylish and subdued, thanks to a renovation completed in early 2017 that included laminate wood floors and simplistic, but modern furnishings. Black and white photographs pop against the white walls and the single-colored tones of bed accents. While the rooms are lovely in decor, the layouts of the lower-level rooms can be quite cramped. All units feature flat-screen TVs, minibars, kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Safes aren’t available in rooms, but can be found at the front desk. The white and black bathrooms feature shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries in wall-mounted dispensers. There have been complaints about bothersome noise from inside the hotel, as well as noise that comes from the highway underneath it. 

Because Clarion Hotel Stockholm is a larger property, there’s a great deal in the way of amenities. For a leisure experience, Elements Spa houses a pool with indoor and outdoor sections, as well as a sauna, cold showers, and beauty and massage treatments. Take note that the spa costs extra to access if you haven't booked a treatment. The gym is equipped with Technogym cardio and weight equipment, as well as free weights. For dining needs, guests begin their days with a free breakfast buffet of hot and cold items that includes an omelette station. There’s a restaurant and bar inspired by the Hispanic cultures of North, South, and Central America. Room service is available 24/7. Another bar, Living Room, evokes a relaxed living room vibe and sometimes presents live music. Business features are massive here, with 20 fully-equipped meeting rooms, a business center, and free Wi-Fi throughout. The parking garage costs a fee, as do pets who accompany their owners.