A distinct hotel housed on a historic yacht
Ideal
location next to Stockholm’s old town
Spectacular
city views from the boat deck and restaurant
Guest
rooms are spotless and tastefully decorated
On-site
restaurant with a terrace and bar
Breakfast with hot dishes included in room rate
Free
use of sauna
Free
Wi-Fi throughout
Guest
rooms and bathrooms are tiny
Most
rooms have bunk beds
Bathrooms have wet-room-style showers
No
elevator and many narrow steps to negotiate
No
parking available
Malardrottningen
Hotel and Restaurant is located on an old yacht that used to belong
to the Woolworth's heiress, Barbara Hutton. The boat is now a
mid-range hotel anchored next to Stockholm's old city, and its cabins
have been converted into 61 compact guest rooms with bunk beds. There's a restaurant
on-board with an outdoor terrace offering scenic views of the
cityscape, and the boat's navigation room has been transformed into a
bar. The buffet breakfast is free, and so is use of the on-board
sauna. Travelers who prefer to stay on
terra firma can consider Castle House Inn, located in the old
town and offering spacious rooms at competitive rates.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Unique hotel offering experience of staying on a converted yacht
This
is an unusual hotel offering the unique experience of staying
overnight on a yacht anchored next to Stockholm's old city. The
yacht was built in 1924 and
first owned by American socialite and heiress to the Woolworth's
fortune, Barbara Hutton. During World War II, the vessel was donated
to the British Navy. There are a few historical photos in the
reception area, and three portholes just behind the reception
counter. Floors are carpeted in navy blue, and a few leather
armchairs provide seating to arriving guests. It's difficult to forget
this is a boat: guests arrive via a gangplank, the ceilings are low, and there are many port holes. Also, stairways are narrow and steep, and
there's no elevator, which can present a challenge for people with
mobility issues. The Malardrottningen is mostly popular with leisure travelers, although its central location makes it a viable choice for business travelers as well.
Location
Moored next to Riddarholmen Island, by the city's old town
The
yacht is permanently docked next to Riddarholmen Island, just next to
the city's old town. A number of tourist sights as well as cafes,
restaurants, bars, and museums are within walking distance. Transportation links from here are excellent, with the closest subway
station at Gamla Stan, a five-minute walk away.- Two-minutewalk to Riddarholmen Church (Riddarholmskyrkan)
Rooms
Tiny but spotless rooms with classy decor and flat-screen TVs
Not
surprisingly, the guest rooms at Malardrottningen are tiny and have low ceilings. Each Single
Room contains a single bed, while all the other rooms are fitted with
bunk beds, as well as desks and small wardrobes. Exterior-facing rooms have portholes, while the others don't and can feel claustrophobic.
With navy blue carpeting and warm mahogany furniture, the rooms have
an elegant look, with tasteful framed black-and-white prints
decorating the walls. The chic black-and-white tiled bathrooms are
compact, each squeezing in a toilet, a rectangular vessel sink, and a shower
with only a shower curtain and no basin, typical of a wet-room-style bathroom.
The rooms are air-conditioned (and heated in winter), and equipped
with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi plus a ceiling fan, and hairdryer.
The rooms are spotless, but past guests have complained of musty
smells, windows that don't open, and loud air-conditioning.
Features
Free breakfast, on-board restaurant and bar, sauna, and Wi-Fi
For
a mid-range hotel squeezed into a yacht, Malardrottningen Hotel and Restaurant offers a fair amount of notable extra features. The buffet breakfast is included in the room
rate, and has bread and cereal on offer, as well as a few hot dishes such as eggs and bacon. Located on the foredeck, the restaurant is
glassed-in and also has an outdoor terrace with scenic views of the
city hall. The unusual bar occupies the space that was used as the
boat's navigation room. Use of the sauna is free for guests, and can
be booked in advance. Other services on offer include dry-cleaning
and laundry service, a safe, and a small television lounge in the
lobby. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
