Elite Hotel Arcadia occupies a brick building dating back to the late fifties. A vine covered entrance flanked by two planters guides guests inside, where bright and modern interiors are peppered with cheerful accents, like the vibrant orange and white front desk and colorful striped rugs. A stylish seating area in the lobby is done up in aquamarine blue, while the hotel's restaurant and bar feature red and tangerine shades. A large partially covered terrace next to the restaurant offers a pleasant place to relax during the summer months, furnished with chic patio furniture and white umbrellas. Clientele here consists mainly of business travelers drawn by the hotel's proximity to the Royal Institute of Technology, but the location also suits leisure travelers who don't mind commuting a bit to the main sites.

The hotel is situated in the up-market residential area of Ostermalm, north of the city center. The neighborhood is known for its many restaurants, nightspots, shops, and parks. It has excellent transportation links, with the nearest subway station a seven-minute walk away, and a streetcar and bus stop directly in front of the hotel. But it's a bit far from the main tourist attractions like Gamla Stan, the Old Town, which can be reached in about 20 minutes via public transportation.

• Seven-minute walk to Tekniska Högskolan subway station
• Nine-minute walk to the Royal Institute of Technology
• 13-minute walk to Olympic Stadium 
• 12 minutes by public transit to Stureplan restaurant and shopping district (20-minute walk)
• 12 minutes by public transit to Stockholm Central Station
• 20 minutes by public transit to the Old Town (Gamla Stan) 
• 20 minutes by public transit to the Great Cathedral of Stockholm (Storkyrkan) 
• 21 minutes by public transit to Stockholm Palace 
• 29 minutes by public transit to Skansen open-air museum 
• 36 minutes by public transit to the Island of Djurgarden  
• 30- to 40-minute drive to Arlanda Airport (50 minutes by public transit)

Decorated in a minimalist and modern style, the rooms, suites, and apartments at Elite Hotel Arcadia are tidy and filled with light. The entry-level Superior Rooms can be a bit tight for two guests, with only 172 to 215 square feet (16 to 20 square meters) of floor space. Rooms are done up in a pleasant palette of contrasting colors: gray carpeting, black easy chairs, white modern furniture with simple lines, and bright orange curtains, bed runners, and pillows. The effect is tasteful, though basic. Bathrooms are small, but a bit more stylish than rooms, with walls covered in black, gray, and white mosaic tiles, and fitted with walk-in showers, rectangular sinks, and handy amenities like hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and towel heaters. All guest rooms are well-equipped with standard amenities like air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and safes. 

Deluxe Rooms are more spacious at 215 to 258 square feet (20 to 24 square meters), and have attractive hardwood floors, a brown-and-gray color scheme, dark wood furniture, and armchairs around small round tables. Bathrooms are also larger and feature elegant gray marble walls and floors, round vessel sinks, and shower/tub combos. 

Junior Suites range between 269 to 322 square feet (25 to 30 square meters), and most have balconies with garden views. Family Rooms can accommodate two adults and two children, or three adults, and feature one queen-size bed and a sofa bed. The apartments are the most spacious option at 376 square feet (or 35 square meters) and have fully equipped kitchenettes, a bar table, and a sitting area. Other extras include iron and ironing boards, electric kettles, bathrobes, and slippers. Note that some of the street-facing rooms can pick up outside noise.

The Elite Hotel Arcadia does a good job of providing the features expected of a hotel in its pearl category, starting with a free breakfast buffet that's served in the breakfast room and includes a selection of breads, cold cuts, cheeses, fruit, cereals, and a few hot dishes, like eggs. There are also options available for gluten-free and vegan diets. The on-site restaurant is open for dinner only, and has a lovely outdoor patio as well as a separate bar area.

The fitness center is small, with only a few machines, including two treadmills, an elliptical trainer, a stationary bicycle, bench press, and free weights. A unisex sauna is just next door. The hotel also has meeting facilities made up of three meeting rooms, two of which can be joined together to create a larger space accommodating up to 55 people. Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the hotel. Other services include a laundry service, luggage storage, a public computer in the reception area, and on-site parking (charged extra).