Nobis Hotel

The Nobis Hotel maintains the bourgeois stone facades of its two 19th-century buildings, but interiors throughout are a slick display of contemporary Nordic style. Inspired by Stockholm winters, the minimalist design goes for cool gray and purple tones, natural oak wood tables, and limestone floors. The massive chandelier in the vast, glass-domed indoor atrium, gold-plated walls in the bar/restaurant, and striking, winding vintage staircase add bolder touches without killing the overall sleek and chic aesthetic. Trendy but classy, the successful intermingling of historic appeal with modern, upscale updates makes this quiet and sophisticated property an especially attractive option for business travelers and couples.

The hotel has a city center location in Norrmalmstorg Square, famed for being a major 1973 bank robbery site and notorious birthplace of the term Stockholm Syndrome, but it's also famous for more pleasant nearby attractions. The high end shopping street of Biblioteksgatan, the large Nordiska Kompaniet department store, and the Royal Dramatic Theater are all under a five-minute walk away. There’s a tram station immediately outside the hotel, and a Tunnelbana metro station five minutes away. The Vasa Museum, Skansen open-air museum, and ABBA Museum are all under 15 minutes away by public transport. The old town of Gamla Stan and the Royal Palace are about a 15-minute walk away. Stockholm Arlanda Airport is 50 minutes away via public transport, or a 40-minute drive. The hotel provides airport limos for pricey fees.

Clean rooms have the color palette and modern minimalist look of the common areas, with dark purple velvet bedspreads on comfortable beds, contemporary light fixtures, and geometric carvings on the wooden closets. Standard Double and Small Single rooms definitely lack floor space, but large windows help the spaces feel less cramped. Deluxe Rooms and Suites add enough space for seating areas with large poufs and arch floor lamps. All rooms have air-conditioning, simple wooden work desks, large flat-screen TVs, and safes. Free Wi-Fi is available. Refrigerated minibars are provided along with non-refrigerated snacks, but tea- and coffee-making equipment is not available. White marble bathrooms are in pristine condition. However, walk-in showers with handheld showerheads have glass walls, which compromise privacy. Suites also have separate bathtubs. Upscale Orla Kiely toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Many rooms have pleasant views of the square, but those facing inward look directly onto guests in the courtyard, and can feel less private. Thin curtains don’t do the best job of keeping out light. 

Features here are upscale and focus on food and relaxation. A lovely breakfast buffet can be included with rates and it offers lots of choices from fresh fruits, cold cuts, breads, and yogurts alongside eggs, pancakes, and hot vegetables. It’s served in the hotel’s fine-dining Italian restaurant, Caina, which serves up rich and rustic Italian favorites for dinner. The sister restaurant, Cainas Bakficka, offers casual Italian fare in a more informal space featuring marble floors with steel tables and light fixtures. Food gets solid reviews all around. The Gold Bar, named for the glittering counters and warm yellow lights surrounding its black leather seats, is even more of an attraction, thanks to its glitzy vibe and fantastic cocktails. Cocktails and snacks can also be taken in the bright indoor atrium, which serves as a more laid-back alternative to the bar. 24-hour room service is available. The gym is decently-sized, bright, and well-maintained with parquet floors and modern LifeFitness cardio equipment. An adjacent marble sauna has a clean shower area. In-room massages can be arranged for fees.There are five meeting rooms in various styles that are ideal for business purposes, but no business center. Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is free. Laundry service is available for fees; as is valet parking.