Elite Hotel Marina Tower

Located on the edge of the waterfront, Elite Hotel Marina Tower occupies an impressive and imposing redbrick building that was once a flour mill. While the building's exteriors have an ornate, historic look, the interiors are modern and have a stark, businessy vibe. The reception area doesn't have the sense of arrival expected of an upscale hotel -- ceilings are low and the small windows don't let in a lot of natural light. The floors are tiled in beige, and the gold-painted reception counters are covered in shiny glass. Several big gray velvet sofas make up a seating area, and two large round sofa stools upholstered in orange leather occupy the middle of the lobby. A contemporary wall-sized painting of a street scene adorns one wall, adding an interesting and colorful accent. The hotel caters primarily to business travelers but also counts leisure travelers among its guests.

Located outside Stockholm city center, Elite Hotel Marina Tower has a stunning waterfront location in the Saltsjoqvarn district, with views of Djurgarden Island. The Henriksdal bus and train station is a seven-minute walk away, from where there are many buses heading to central Stockholm and other parts of the city. The hotel is just next door to the Saltsjokvarn Brygga ferry terminal, which has regular boat service to Djurgarden Island and the city center.

• 18 minutes to Skansen open-air museum by ferry
• 22 minutes to the Great Cathedral of Stockholm (Storkyrkan) by public transit
• 23 minutes to the Old Town (Gamla Stan) by public transit
• 24 minutes to Stockholm Palace by public transit
• 24 minutes to Stureplan restaurant and shopping district by public transit
• 29 minutes to Olympic Stadium by public transit
• 29 minutes to Djurgarden by ferry 
• 31 minutes to Stockholm Central Station by public transit
• 35 minutes to National Museum by public transit
• One hour to Stockholm Airport by public transit

Guest rooms at Elite Hotel Marina Tower are reasonably spacious (starting at 247 square feet), and all are decorated in a chic, elegant, modern style dominated by neutral tones of white and beige that complement the attractive wood-grain furniture. Headboards are accented in olive green or bright orange against wooden frames, while the beds are covered in pearl-gray bed runners which match the wall-to-wall carpets and upholstery of the slipper chairs and sofas. Framed photographic prints decorate the walls, adding a chic, artsy touch. The hotel is an old factory building, so the windows tend to be small. Standard in-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, and electric kettles, as well as safes, irons and ironing boards, and bathrobes and slippers tucked away in the wardrobes. Beige-tiled bathrooms are generally small, and equipped with shower/tub combos, vessel sinks, toiletries, hairdryers, and magnifying mirrors.

The Superior and Deluxe Rooms have views of the hotel's courtyard, while Superior and Deluxe Seaview Rooms look out on the sea. Most rooms sleep a maximum of two guests, while the Deluxe Rooms can accommodate up to three, and the Family Rooms are designed to sleep two adults and up to three children. Junior Suites are corner rooms, while the Suites and Executive Suites are located on the top floor. Suites sleep up to two guests and include separate living and dining areas, plus extra amenities such as Nespresso coffeemakers and separate walk-in showers and tubs in the bathrooms. The exclusive Tower Suite has its own private roof terrace. 

Elite Hotel Marina Tower offers several on-site features, but many cost extra to access. The large breakfast buffet is included in the room rate, and it's made up of a wide spread of hot and cold dishes, including different types of meats, baked goods, and cereals. The buffet gets good reviews from guests, and can get crowded during peak times. The on-site restaurant is open throughout the day, offering a menu of Swedish specialties, as well as Italian and French cuisine. There's live piano music in the evenings and an attached bar serving a variety of drinks and cocktails that opens in the afternoon and stays open well into the evenings.

The hotel also offers plenty of wellness facilities, but they cost extra to use. The large indoor pool area has chic stone walls and floors, and is surrounded by comfy sofas with an adjacent hot tub. The spa section includes a sauna, a whirlpool tub, and a Turkish bath, and offers a variety of spa treatments that must be booked in advance. The fitness center has a good selection of fitness equipment, including treadmills, cross-trainers, exercise bikes, weight-lifting equipment, and free weights.

The hotel also has extensive conference facilities, with 18 event spaces available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and on-site parking is available for a fee. Pets are allowed.