Where to stay in Stockholm: Berns hotel review

Updated



A trip to Scandinavia's capital of cool isn't complete without a stay in a slick and stylish hotel. If you're visiting Stockholm to party, shop and soak up the chic city life, Berns provides a superb base for a weekend away and is an attraction in its own right. With its legendary bars and dining spaces, opulent ambiance and exclusive feel, the historic hotel is the place to be seen.

First impressions

The glamour of Berns is apparent from the moment you walk through its doors, with the chandeliers from the majestic dining hall sparkling to the left before you reach the quirky reception area. One of the oldest hotels in Stockholm, Berns first opened its doors as a restaurant in 1863. Today it is a renowned party spot that has retained its traditional character enjoyed by all - the Dalai Lama and Rihanna have walked through its doors.



What's to love?

As one of the best-loved hotels in Stockholm, Berns is an excellent place to mingle with the ever-stylish locals of the Swedish city. Its fabulous location close to Ostermalm, Gamla Stan and adjacent to the harbour of Nybroviken, makes it a wonderful place to explore the city's best cafes, bars and shops. The boutique hotel has a diverse selection of entertainment and dining venues, from the theatrical Asian restaurant to the pretty terrace that is perfect for summer cocktails.

Best room in the house

While Berns is known as the hotel to party rather than sleep, the rooms are lovely and beautifully designed, whether it is a single or suite you have booked - just request a room on one of the higher floors if you are here to sleep. We checked into a peaceful fifth floor deluxe room with a terrace, which boasts views over the rooftops of Ostermalm and pretty Berzelii Park from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The deluxe rooms feature light and airy bathrooms, spacious lounges and super-sumptuous queen-sized beds, as well as playful art and a Nespresso machine. The rooms have a luxurious apartment feel and provide the ideal space to retire after sightseeing or a night out.



Where to eat/drink

Berns' Asian restaurant Asiatiska was the first Chinese restaurant to open in Sweden in the 1940s and offers dishes from all corners of the Far East, including some of the best sushi around and detectable dim sum. Set in the resplendent dining hall, the restaurant attracts Stockholm's well-heeled locals and professionals to feast on its delicious cuisine. Order the Berns Asiatiska Favourites set menu (SEK 695/£53 per person) to enjoy some of the best dishes, such as the sashimi, confit duck steamed bun and Vietnamese lobster bisque. After dinner, the restaurant turns into one of Stockholm's hottest night spots, where you can drink and dance until the early hours. Berns also offers its guests a VIP wrist band for access to the hotel's own club, as well four of the swankiest bars and nightclubs in Stockholm including Hell's Kitchen and White Room.



Don't miss

Breakfast at Berns. The breakfast buffet (£19) is not your average hotel buffet and offers everything you need for an indulgent start to the day, from freshly baked bread to fresh salmon, an array of fruit and cheese in an elegant setting. Served in the beautiful conservatory, breakfast at the hotel is best enjoyed as a long, lazy affair.

scenic summer aerial panorama...
scenic summer aerial panorama...



Around Stockholm

From well-preserved medieval town Gamla Stan to open-air museum Skansen, there is plenty to see and do in Stockholm. Start with a Royal Canal Tour to take in the city from the water, before a stroll through the old town and a visit to the Royal Palace. Fotografiska, Stockholm's modern photography museum, is worth a visit, while the Vasa Museum is home to the world's only preserved 17th century ship. The Stockholm Card (SEK 765/£58 for two days) provides you with free entry to more than 75 museums and attractions, free public transport and free boat, bike and walking tours.

Rates: Berns' deluxe room rates vary from SEK 2999 (£230) to SEK 4799 (£384). Standard single rooms range from SEK 1399 (£107) to SEK 3199 (£245).

Book it: Visit berns.se or call +46 (0)8 566 322 00.

Gorgeous Time-Lapse Shows Off Stockholm, Sweden
Gorgeous Time-Lapse Shows Off Stockholm, Sweden

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