The English Speaking Swedish Community - For all expats in Sweden

Over the past few years while living in Stockholm, we have had friends come and go, visiting in the summer and winter alike. Each time we explain that our affordable housing in Stockholm is of a shoebox size, and that it would be best if they find a well priced or cheap hotel in Stockholm.

Because I have written this email many times to friends over the years, I thought it may be best to just include my recommendations of hotels that are connected to the city by either metro or train, with the hope of helping other visitors to Stockholm. Here they are - Feel free to give feedback.

Probably the most family friendly hotel with easy access to central Stockholm has to be the Welcome Hotel in Barkarby. They are located about five minutes walk from Barkarby train station - taking a train will take you about 15 minutes to get into central Stockholm. They have a nice full breakfast in the morning, and a place to check email or maps online right before you leave. The service is friendly, and they very used to having children around. Right behind the hotel is the oldest continually used inn in Sweden, which serves up a truly tasty meal - great after a day in Stockholm.

If you wanted to stay a little more "in town" and perhaps get a little more in touch with Stockholm in the evening, then I would recommend the Mornington Hotel. It is an up market hotel at regular people prices and really has a home feeling to it; that is instead of your plastic Motel 6 feeling (for you Americans reading this). Probably the best thing is that it is walking distance from most things - from the clubs to hopping on a ferry to head out to Djurgarden.

Another that I would recommend is the Ibis Haegersten Hotel on the south side of the city, but still right next to the metro so you can get into Stockholm in about 20 minutes. The rooms are nothing special, with just the normal amenities - just fine for someone visiting Stockholm. The last I knew, you could go have a sauna or use the gym if you pay a little bit more. They have a nice new bar and restaurant and a terrace in the summer months, so for the price, this serves the purpose well.

My tips when trying to find a hotel in Stockholm all center on finding a place where you can get into the city easily. Stockholm is a beautiful vacation spot for families and if you have friends staying in this city then do make sure you visit - the food is great, the people humbly kind and there is plenty to do to keep a whole family entertained. Write me if you have questions, or start asking around in the forum.

by Jeff (Jeff@xpats.nu) 2009-01-31