The historic Grand Hotel is one of Stockholm's grand dames, complete with gilded accents and a high-profile clientele. Built in 1874, the hotel boasts spectacular harbor views, and a great location near multiple museums and tourist attractions. Stately rooms have flat-screen TVs with premium channels, and some come with extras like separate deep soaking tubs and balconies. But be sure to upgrade to at least a Classic or Superior Room (215 or 270 square feet, respectively): Single Rooms are teensy tiny by American standards, measuring around 160 square feet.

By the waterfront in an upscale neighborhood of central Stockholm, the 130-room boutique Hotel Diplomat is situated in a beautiful Art Nouveau building. Stately and refined, the luxury hotel blends chic and light-filled interiors with modern details and touches of Scandinavian design. Rooms, some of which have lovely harbor views, are classically elegant with luxurious beds and linens, work desks, and flat-screen TVs, but bathrooms are small. The ground floor restaurant, T/Bar, is popular with guests and locals. 

The 50 sleek earth-toned rooms at the hip and design-centric Lydmar Hotel are among Stockholm's best, with individual decor (no two rooms are the same), and thoughtful attention to detail -- big windows, unique light fixtures, cool wall art, and free Wi-Fi. Paintings and photographs line the hallways, each floor has its own living room area, and the two-floor lobby boasts a popular restaurant and beautiful views of the harbor. 

Located right next to Stockholm's lush Humlegarden Park and Stureplan square, Elite Eden Park Hotel is a stylish and serene property in Stockholm’s vibrant center. Built in 2011, the upscale hotel has 124 bright and modern rooms spread over six floors, two restaurants, and a sauna. Miss Voon -- the chic, Asian-inspired main restaurant -- attracts discerning locals and well-heeled guests alike, while the stately, English-style Bishops Arms pub is a popular watering hole. The central location is especially popular with business travelers who appreciate a bit more character than the average chain options, but all guests enjoy perks like free chocolates and cognac each evening, Penhaligon toiletries, and free Wi-Fi.

This historic waterfront hotel in Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Old Town, is just a six-minute walk from the Royal Palace. The four-pearl, 144-room property has a stylish restaurant serving Swedish fare and a popular bar that attracts both guests and locals. Wellness facilities are situated in an atmospheric basement with vaulted brick ceilings, and include spa treatment rooms, a sauna, plunge pool, and a small gym with limited equipment. Other features like meeting rooms and a charming library with a fireplace round out the perks. Guest rooms offer traditional decor and modern amenities, but some guests find them a bit dated and entry-level rooms can be small.

Although it's only a 10-minute drive from central Stockholm, this nautical-themed boutique hotel has a secluded, out-in-the-country feel. The hotel has an excellent waterfront restaurant and is near numerous corporate offices (Hotel J is located in Sweden's business district, Nacka Strand, in a pristine spot right on the water). Rooms have tiny tube TVs, but include perks like balconies and free Wi-Fi.

Despite its rather drab exterior, the Mornington Hotel is a quirky property located in the tony Ostermalm neighborhood close to Stockholm's city center (which can be reached by foot in about 15 minutes). Rooms are bright and simple with mini-libraries and free Wi-Fi, though some lack minibars. With a huge book collections, the hotel makes sure guests are never short of something to read. There's also a real emphasis on food with a decent free buffet breakfast with plenty of locally-sourced produce. All in all, bookworms will love the place and by Stockholm standards, rates are generally reasonable. 

Malardrottningen Hotel and Restaurant is located on an old yacht that used to belong to the Woolworth's heiress, Barbara Hutton. The boat is now a mid-range hotel anchored next to Stockholm's old city, and its cabins have been converted into 61 compact guest rooms with bunk beds. There's a restaurant on-board with an outdoor terrace offering scenic views of the cityscape, and the boat's navigation room has been transformed into a bar. The buffet breakfast is free, and so is use of the on-board sauna.