Visiting Sweden is always guaranteed to raise a big grin with the country’s happy-go-lucky outlook on life.
The Scandinavian stunner always punches above its weight when it comes to having so many positives and so it’s even more special to find a hotel slap in the centre of the capital, which not only ticks all the boxes but is cool and stylish too.
The Nordic Light Hotel is the epitome of everything Sweden is famous for. It’s modern but rich in tradition, eco-friendly and staffed by the nicest and most helpful of people, coming from 170 different countries to add a real diverse feel.
Perched in the middle of the busy Vasaplan neighbourhood and close to all the major transport links, its central location is a big appeal, ensuring less time is spent on travelling to and from attractions.
Built in 2017 by designer John Tong, architect Todd Saunders and a team of 10 experts with a strong emphasis on following their interpretations of Nordic values, shapes and cultures, the hotel is an oasis of calm as soon as the revolving doors start to turn.
Beautifully decorated in cool colours and with fabulous traditional furniture given a modern twist, the hotel is welcoming and easy on the eye.
Staff are casually dressed, keen to strike up conversation and ultra efficient, meaning a swift and stress free check in, unless it’s already been done online to ensure the rooms are ready upon arrival.
The reception area blends in with the ultra-trendy restaurant which is a hub of activity when a scrumptious breakfast buffet is dished up. It’s a gem for visitors who have a taster of all that is good about Scandinavian food, from the iconic meatball to the special type of caviar and cheeses.
Smoothies, overnight dried oats and simple salads are an option for first thing or the traditional bacon and eggs and pancakes for the ultra-hungry and all washed down with the fruitiest of teas or good quality coffee.
At lunch and dinner, the restaurant turns into Lykke, inspired by seasons and with chefs passionate about crafting dishes which celebrate fresh Nordic flavours including starters such as baked country egg, red onion, chives, browned butter, potatoes, sour cream, mains of baked char fillet from Landösjön, yellow beets, white wine sauce, trout roe, fennel and herbs and mouth-watering puddings including vanilla cremeux, burnt lemon meringue, raspberry foam, citrus sponge and fresh raspberries.
Downstairs there is also a lovely sitting area and a small shop where such delights as the delicious smelling toiletries used in the bedrooms and by Grown Alchemist are for sale, with mandarin and rosemary leaf amongst the favourites.
There are 159 bedrooms and 10 suites, all having minimalistic Scandinavian furniture, local ash wood panelling and simple pastel colours on the walls.
All the rooms are sound proof and have the modern amenities including the softest of beds, free Wi-Fi and LED televisions with Chromecast, hair dryers and ironing boards and mini bars and tea and coffee making facilities. Deluxe rooms and suites have extra add-ons including an umbrella and safe deposit box. Meeting rooms and parking facilities are also available, along with a gym.
One of the most impressive aspects of the hotel is its “we care” policy, including working with Talita, an organisation which helps women out of prostitution and human trafficking. Nordic Light helps with financial contributions, work training and by making the guests aware of the issue by leaving a door hanger outlining its aims on every pillow.
Swedes care passionately for the environment, and the hotel works hard to reach international green credentials with no single use plastic and using local produce in the kitchen.
An ethical trade policy for suppliers has been set, and the hotel’s diversity status means there are 16,500 employees from 170 countries, adding to the rich heritage of differing cultures.
Away from the hotel, Stockholm is a stunning city to visit. It’s the largest in Scandinavia, but you would never know it. Encompassing 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on the extensive Baltic Sea archipelago, it has a small town feel to it, with everything spaced out to allow people to enjoy its beauty.
Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between the islands and tickets from transport operator SL can be used on buses, trains, trams, metro and ferries, making travelling around a doddle.
The cobbled streets and ochre coloured buildings of Gamla Stan (the old town) are home to the 13th century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel prize museum and the Stockholm Pass is a cracking way of seeing everything and saving money.
Families are spoilt for choice with Junibacken, a magical, fairy-tale themed children’s centre with a story train, Skansen, the world’s oldest open air museum, showing off Swedish culture and The Abba Museum, where like the band, “The Winner Takes It All”.
The Details
Nordic Light Hotel, Vasaplan 7, 111 20, Stockholm, Sweden.
Tel: +46 (0)8 50 56 32 00
Website: www.nordiclighthotel.com
Email: reception@nordichotel.com
The hotel is a 24 minute train ride from Stockholm Airport or 44 minutes by bus, costing between 310kr to 340kr for the train or 75kr to 160 kr for the bus.
Type of Hotel: 4-Star Luxury Hotel
Number of Rooms: 159 bedrooms and 10 suites
Price Band: Prices fluctuate depending on seasonal demand and usually exclude additional taxes and fees. The cost can differ based on specific room features or adds on like early check in or parking.
Insider Tip: Ask for a room with a view of the main Vasaplan, for some epic people watching.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photographs courtesy of Nordic Light Hotel
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