Set in 17th-century property with original features
Located in Stockholm quaint medieval Old Town
district
Two minutes' walk from nearest T-bana (metro train)
stop
Traditionally styled rooms with antiques and parquet
floors
Healthy buffet breakfast with homemade bread included
in rate
Seating and tables in courtyard and rooftop terrace
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Some rooms prone
to street noise
No air-conditioning in rooms
Some furnishings
a little shabby
No restaurant or health
facilities
Still uses old-fashioned room keys (pro for some)
Scandic Gamla
Stan is a 52-room, upper-middle-range chain hotel set in a charming 17th-century property in the
quaint, cobbled surrounds of Stockholm's Old Town. Rooms are traditionally
styled with decent amenities, although they're small, with some prone to street
noise and summer heat. An open-air courtyard and rooftop terrace provide
pleasant spots to unwind while home-cooked items for breakfast are a tasty bonus.
Overall, the location is ideal for tourists looking to have the city's medieval
past on their doorstep. Those after more facilities should check out First
Hotel Reisen on the other side of the old town district.
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
Small chain hotel with plenty of original 17th-century character
Although it's not
immediately obvious from the smart and simple facade, the Scandic Gamla Stan occupies
a building that dates back as far as the 17th century. Formerly the Rica Hotel
Gamla Stan, it has been functioning as a hotel for decades until taken over by
the Scandic chain. Ancient flagstone steps still lead up to a handsome, ornately carved wooden front door that opens into the lobby -- a small but
characterful space decorated with tasseled lampshades and crystal chandeliers.
Plenty of the property's original features have been retained, including ornate
coving and stone floors, giving the place a real "old town" ambience
with a few modern touches. A small courtyard to the rear provides seating and a
metal staircase that spirals up to the hotel's roof terrace.
Location
Set in medieval old town of Gamla Stan, two minutes from T-bana metro
The hotel is
located in the southwest corner of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, set on a
small island and dating to the 13th century. The surroundings are characterized
by quaint medieval alleyways and narrow cobbled streets, while also being full
of charming boutiques, cafes, and restaurants (including Zum Franziskaner --
one of the world's oldest restaurants). The Gamla Stan T-bana (metro) station is
just two minutes' walk away; it is just one stop from Stockholm's main
central station, which connects directly to Arlanda Airport. Stortorget Square
-- the city's oldest square and home to its famous Christmas market -- is just
three minutes walk away.
Rooms
Traditional Swedish styling with free Wi-Fi, though some noise
The hotel has 52
rooms, all of which are decorated in Gustavian -- Swedish 18th-century --
styling with parquet wooden floors, flock wallpaper, velvet drapes, and
traditional patterned rugs. There's also at least one antique object in each
room. Some furnishings and drapery show signs of wear and tear though rooms are
generally well presented. Standard in-room amenities include free Wi-Fi,
flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, while Superior Rooms include bathrobes and
larger beds. Bathrooms are small but modern with heated towel rails and FACE
Stockholm toiletries. Rooms are small (typical for Stockholm) and some noise
from the narrow lanes can be heard in lower-level rooms at the front of hotel. The lack of air-conditioning also means nights can get hot in the summer months.
Features
Healthy buffet breakfast and pleasant rooftop terrace
The hotel's brightly
lit ground floor dining room serves a buffet breakfast that was created by
Sweden’s "Culinary Olympics" team and includes homemade sourdough
bread and several healthy options -- all included in the rate. While there's no
restaurant on-site, free tea and coffee is available in the lobby every
afternoon. The hotel's cellar vaults date back to 1650 and can be hired for
meetings, while the roof terrace provides a pleasant place to unwind. Kids
receive a welcome gift as well as crayons and drawing paper. The hotel still uses
old-style room keys rather than fobs or electronic access cards.
