Clarion Hotel Sign

Upon arriving at the imposing, granite and glass-fronted facade of the Clarion Hotel Sign it will come as no surprise to learn that its the second largest hotel in Stockholm. Constructed in 2008 and designed by Swedish architect Gert Wingard, the building is characterised by bold contemporary architecture that combines with acute-angled overhangs that jut out over mid-air. Stepping inside, this mixture of modern and playful continues, with sleek 21st-century styling offset by numerous quirky touches. These include four elevators, each labelled by music playing inside -- rock, pop, jazz, or lounge and feature instrument on the ceiling. All 10 floors are themed for one of four Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden), while further Nordic nods includes pieces by various regional designers, including iconic Arne Jacobsen’s egg chairs dotted around the lobby. Despite its chain hotel origins, its vibe is original, on-trend, and youthful, attracting an even mix of business guests, couples, and young families.

The hotel is situated opposite a small but pleasant park in Stockholm's central district of Norrmalm, well within walking distance of most of the city center. Norrmalm features Sweden's largest shopping area complete with underground mall, while the city's charming old town -- on the island of Stadsholmen -- is a five-minute cab journey. The city's central train station is also under 10 minutes away on foot, with tunnelbana (Stockholm's metro rail) and the Arlanda express train which connects to Arlanda International Airport in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, it's 35 minutes by car to Arlanda or 20 minutes to Bromma Airport.

The hotel has 558 rooms in five categories, including Moderate (the budget, lower-end rooms), Standard, Superior, Deluxe, and Suite. Decor is characterized by simple, clean contemporary lines, splashes of colored fabrics, and classic modern Scandinavian furnishings. The main difference between the rooms is size -- however all rooms besides Moderate-class are spacious, and Deluxe Rooms are positively roomy. 

All rooms come with minibars, free Wi-Fi, and HD TVs with sports and movie cable channels (though some minibar shelves are too small for drinks). Bathrooms are well-maintained and suitably modern, with Superior Rooms and above having walk-in showers and separate tubs -- though some might find that the frosted glass doors lack privacy. Superior and Deluxe Rooms also tend to have better views -- over the park rather than inner courtyard -- while Suites have cityscape views over Stockholm. 

An extensive buffet breakfast of hot and cold items (including a good choice of organic products) is served in the bright and airy Atrium or at long tables in the American Table restaurant. Breakfast is included in the room rate, though beware it can get very busy, especially weekend mid-mornings. A brunch buffet is also on offer at on weekends (with pitchers of Bloody Mary or margarita) and American food with a Swedish twist is served daily for lunch and dinner.

The eighth floor Selma CitySpa includes a rooftop swimming pool heated all year round, while its poolside bar is open in the summer with DJs. The spa also offers a sauna and massage treatments, but while guests receive a discount, admission is not free. A second-floor gym is free to all guests as is the Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.