5 Great Summer Hotels in Stockholm

Let’s be honest: few things beat a rooftop pool when the temperatures start to rise. Occupying a striking glass-and-metal building at Norra Bantorget, Clarion Hotel Sign offers the best of both worlds: a central address and a surprisingly relaxed setting. Despite its close proximity to Central Station, this area remains something of an under-the-radar pocket of the city, with both Vasastan and Kungsholmen within easy reach. The rest of the capital is also within easy reach thanks to nearby T-Centralen, Stockholm’s main public transport hub.

Inside, Scandinavian design takes centre stage. Clean lines, carefully selected furnishings and a light-filled atmosphere create a stylish yet welcoming feel throughout the hotel. Guests have access to a gym, parking facilities, the popular restaurant The Social Bar & Bistro and a dedicated co-working area for those mixing business with leisure.

For many, however, the real highlight is Selma City Spa. Perched on the eighth floor, the spa is home to a heated rooftop pool that feels tailor-made for long summer afternoons. Few experiences capture Stockholm’s summer spirit quite like floating above the city skyline, drink in hand, while gazing out across the rooftops and neighbouring Kungsholmen.

Time Out tip: Stockholm’s main shopping street, Drottninggatan, is just a ten-minute walk away. At its northern end, you’ll find Socker Sucker, one of the city’s most exciting pastry destinations. For a taste of Sweden’s beloved fika culture, it’s a must-visit. The bakery’s flaky croissants, laminated pastries and inventive sweet creations are worth the detour alone.

Speaking of rooftop terraces, few places in Stockholm can rival TAK, the vibrant rooftop destination perched atop Hobo Hotel. Here, Nordic and Japanese influences come together against a backdrop of some of the best views in central Stockholm. 

But Hobo is of course much more than its rooftop. Located on Brunkebergstorg, the hotel puts you within walking distance of practically everything: shopping at Gallerian, exhibitions and performances at Kulturhuset, and sunny afternoons in Kungsträdgården.

If Clarion Hotel Sign is the polished and sophisticated choice, Hobo is its younger, more creative sibling. The atmosphere is playful and relaxed, with thoughtfully designed rooms featuring contemporary interiors, clever details and plenty of personality. 

Alongside essentials such as a gym, 24-hour reception, co-working spaces and parking, guests can also rent bicycles – arguably one of the best ways to experience Stockholm. Why not pack your swimwear and pedal over to Långholmen? The leafy island is beloved by locals for its beaches, walking trails and laid-back summer atmosphere.

Besides the rooftop bar TAK, Hobo Bar & Kitchen is one of the property's greatest assets. Combining global influences with hyper-local ingredients, the kitchen serves a constantly evolving menu that attracts far more than just hotel guests. Live gigs, celebrations, pop-ups and cultural events regularly fill the calendar, giving the eatery the feel of a creative hub rather than a hotel restaurant.

All together, it creates a hotel that feels less like a place to sleep and more like a destination in its own right. If you're looking for a hotel with character, Hobo is your ideal match. 

Time Out tip: Visiting over the weekend? For one of Stockholm's best brunch experiences, head next door to Hotel At Six. The upscale hotel is known for its lavish spread, featuring everything from fresh seafood and a decadent dessert station to one of Sweden's favourite indulgences: all-you-can-eat fresh shrimps.

Travelling to Stockholm with kids? Then Quality Hotel Strawberry Arena, in the neighbouring town of Solna definitely should be on your radar. From the moment they arrive, younger guests are made to feel like VIPs. At check-in, children receive their own welcome kit packed with surprises, setting the tone for a stay designed with families in mind.

The hotel's biggest attraction, however, is Solens Land – a colourful indoor play paradise spanning more than 230 square metres. Complete with slides, climbing areas and plenty of room to run around, it's the kind of place that can keep little travellers entertained for hours. 

Located next to Strawberry Arena (that hosts some of the summer's most anticipated concerts) and the big Westfield Mall of Scandinavia, the 25-storey hotel is a convenient base for families visiting Stockholm. Mornings begin with the hotel's popular breakfast buffet, where towering stacks of freshly made pancakes are among the highlights, while dinner is made easy thanks to a dedicated children's menu tailored to younger appetites.

And even if you find yourselves fully occupied by Solens Land and the attractions of Mall of Scandinavia, Stockholm City is only seven minutes away by commuter train. Stay on for a few more minutes and you'll arrive at Södermalm – the capital's bohemian island, known for its vintage boutiques, independent cafés, waterfront walks and laid-back atmosphere.

For families looking to combine big-city adventures with stress-free hotel living, it's hard to think of a better base.

Time Out tip: Looking to swap the hotel restaurant for something different? One local favourite is Sardin in charming Råsunda, a leafy neighbourhood known for its village-like atmosphere. Or if you're dining with picky eaters – or simply have trouble agreeing on one cuisine – La Botanica inside Mall of Scandinavia is a safe bet. The sprawling buffet features flavours from around the world and is, in many ways, a destination in its own right.

For travellers seeking a slightly calmer side of Stockholm without sacrificing convenience, Clarion Hotel Amaranten is an excellent choice.

Located on Kungsholmstorg, the hotel combines a central address with the laid-back atmosphere that has made Kungsholmen a favourite among locals. Inside, the design takes its cues from the 1960s, creating a warm and characterful setting that stands apart from the sleek minimalism found elsewhere in the city. And while the hotel offers a range of comfortable rooms, those looking to make the most of the summer months should keep an eye on the suite, complete with a spacious private terrace that's tailor-made for long, bright evenings.

The metro station just next door to the hotel makes getting around effortless. Whether you're heading into central Stockholm or making your way to Strawberry Arena for a concert, both are just minutes away. But don't miss the opportunity to explore Kungsholmen itself. 

From Amaranten, it's just a short stroll to Norr Mälarstrand, one of Stockholm's most beautiful waterfront promenades. Wander along the water's edge with an ice cream in hand, continue towards Rålambshovsparken or head for the charming beach at Smedsuddsbadet. A little further along you'll find Eden, a waterside summer oasis that has even been highlighted by The New York Times as one of the best places to visit in Stockholm.

Time Out Tips: Another excellent option besides The Social when hunger strikes is Restaurant Agnes, known for its refined take on Southern European flavours. For meat lovers, there's also AG's – widely regarded as one of Stockholm's finest steakhouses and, according to many, among the very best in Sweden.

The perfect choice for travellers who would rather spend their budget on restaurants, shopping and experiences than on a hotel room they barely plan to use. Comfort Hotel Xpress Stockholm Central is located on Kungsbron, right next to Stockholm Central Station, Cityterminalen and the Arlanda Express.

In other words, it doesn't get much more central than this. Arlanda Airport is just 18 minutes away, while the city's extensive public transport network is quite literally on your doorstep. From here, you can easily reach everything from the Stockholm archipelago and Djurgården's museums to Gröna Lund and some of the city's best swimming spots.

The concept is simple – rather than paying for facilities you may never use, you only pay for what you actually need. Instead of sprawling breakfast buffets and oversized hotel lounges, the focus here is on modern, functional rooms and an unbeatable location. Breakfast isn't included in the room rate, but the 24-hour Comfort Deli offers everything from coffee and sandwiches to grab-and-go breakfast options – perfect for those eager to get out and make the most of a summer day in Stockholm.

Drottninggatan, Stockholm's main shopping street, is only a short walk away, and along the way you'll find no shortage of cafés, bars and restaurants. For travellers who see their hotel as a comfortable base rather than a destination in itself, it's hard to find a better-value option in the Swedish capital.

Time Out tip: Since we're on the subject of budget-friendly Stockholm, Xulo is well worth the 10-minute walk from the hotel. The laid-back taqueria has built a loyal following among taco enthusiasts, many of whom swear that its quesabirria and taco al pastor are among the best in the city. Another great way to experience Stockholm without spending a fortune is by hopping aboard one of the city's SL ferries – all you need is a standard SL ticket.