Category: Hotels & Stays

    • Story Hotel Stockholm North Review – A Boutique Family Stay Near Stockholm City

      A boutique stay just outside Stockholm city center ~ Story Hotel Stockholm North

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      There are certain hotels that feel like more than just a place to stay – discover Story Hotel Stockholm North with us – a stylish boutique hotel in Sundbyberg with family rooms, great transport links and a relaxed city stay near Stockholm city center.

      In collaboration with Story Hotels we stayed at this urban boutique hotel with design-forward interiors and carefully curated details. It almost felt like stepping into a boutique loft somewhere in New York. And yet, we were just a short ride away from central Stockholm.

      One of the things we appreciated the most during our stay was the location. The hotel is situated in Sundbyberg, a charming area just outside Stockholm city center that offers a more relaxed, local atmosphere compared to the city centre.

      What makes it especially convenient is how easy it is to get around. With both metro and commuter trains right outside the door, reaching central Stockholm takes only about 8-10 minutes. It made it effortless for us to explore the city while still returning to a quieter setting at the end of the day.

      It’s the kind of balance we really value when travelling as a family – having everything within reach, but not being right in the middle of the busiest areas.

      Staying in the Family Duplex Room

      For this stay, we checked into the Family Duplex – their biggest room – and it turned out to be a perfect fit for us.

      The two-level layout creates a sense of space that you don’t often find in standard hotel rooms. It allowed us to separate sleeping and living areas in a way that felt both practical and comfortable, especially when travelling with children. The kids directly claimed the upstairs bedroom as theirs! 🙂

      The design is clean and modern, with that signature boutique feel the hotel is known for, but still warm and inviting. It’s one of those rooms where you instantly feel at home, while still enjoying that elevated hotel experience. We loved the big dining table where we gathered at the evening, eating snacks and playing cards. And I really appreciated the views – this room is on the hotels highest level -because I love watching the world outside from above.

      Breakfast at Story Hotel Stockholm North

      Slow mornings, breakfast moments and dining

      Mornings at the hotel were calm and unhurried – exactly how we like to start our days when travelling. Breakfast offered a selection of fresh and well-prepared options, with the relaxed atmosphere of their restaurant Kitchin. It wasn’t overly busy or rushed, which made the experience feel even more enjoyable.

      These small, quiet moments – coffee in hand, no strict plans – are often the ones we remember the most.

      The hotel’s restaurant Kitchin continues the same design-led, urban feel as the rest of the property – but has a Japanese twist to it! It’s a space that feels both stylish and approachable, whether you’re stopping by for a meal or just soaking in the atmosphere. For us – it was like being carried away to Japanese restaurant alleys (see the pictures – isn’t it cool?) The food is amazing – Asian fusion dishes with a new exiting feel to them.

      Just outside the hotel, you’ll find a variety of cafés, restaurants, grocery stores and small local shops. It has a more laid-back, local and authentic feel compared to central Stockholm, which made it a lovely place to explore at a slower pace.

      Our experience

      Looking back, this stay felt like a perfect combination of style, comfort and location. We loved having a design-focused hotel as our base, while still being able to move easily between calm surroundings and the energy of Stockholm city.

      And perhaps most importantly – it’s a place we would genuinely return to.

      If you’re planning a trip to Stockholm and are looking for something slightly outside the city centre, but still well connected, Story Hotel Stockholm North is a beautiful option to consider. Besides the Family Duplex room – they also have a wide range of other rooms available. Check it our here!

    • Citybox Stockholm – a simple, smart and family-friendly hotel

      Citybox Stockholm at Slussen – a budget- and family-friendly stay

      We recently stayed at Citybox Stockholm at Slussen, and it turned out to be such a pleasant surprise. This is one of those hotels that just makes things easy: self-check-in (a lifesaver when you’re arriving with kids and just want to drop your bags!), fast Wi-Fi, self-service laundry and a small shared kitchen where you can heat up a quick snack or prepare something small for the little ones.

      * This blogpost contains affiliate links *

      The rooms have that clean Scandinavian look – modern, bright, and thoughtfully designed. They offer everything you need and nothing unnecessary. You can choose from family rooms, double rooms, or compact “standard box” rooms, and even the windowless ones feel surprisingly airy thanks to high ceilings and smart lighting.

      A picture of Katarinahissen in Slussen and the view of Stockholms rooftops

      Being right next to Slussen in Stockholm also mean that you are close to a lot of things: Gamla Stan, the Royal Castle, the ferries, restaurants, shopping at Götgatan and viewpoints with beautiful city lights at night. From here you can easily walk into the city center or hop on both the Red and Green subway lines for easy access to the rest of the city and beyond.

      We recommend to go to Katarinahissen (The Katarina Elevator) pictured above and go up for beautiful views of the city. The ride is admission free and right by the hotel.

      Citybox Hotels can be found in locations across the Nordics, including Oslo, Bergen, Tallinn, and Helsinki. Their concept is simple: central locations, stylish yet practical rooms, and self-service solutions that keep the stay smooth and the price reasonable. It’s a hotel style that works especially well for families and travelers who prefer to spend their budget on experiences rather than extras.

      Citybox Hotel Stockholm Slussen room overview double room

      Our personal experience – simple moments that made the stay special

      For us, this stay became one of those easy weekends that you remember. First we got a super-friendly welcome with a note and candy/snacks on the room. My boys loved the self-check-in and the food/drink vending machine (anything with a screen is instantly exciting!), and they thought our room felt cool and cozy. I was afraid that I would feel claustrophobic due to no windows but the room was big, with high ceilings and great lightning design. We all appreciated the comfortable beds, the quiet atmosphere, and how everything was so straightforward. I appreciated the desk area with mirror and could sit down and blog a bit when my boys fell asleep for the night. Even though my eldest son came with us with same-day-notice – there where no issue for us to book an extra bed into our room via the chat on the Citybox homepage. Only bummer was that here was no TV but we used my laptop and cozied up in bed to watch TV series together.

      We also went all in on the shared-kitchen experience! My kids choose noodle cups and we enjoyed the tidy kitchen area with fridge (you can add your food there and mark it), microwave oven and cutleries, glasses and plates to borrow. They did not provide it, but I would have loved a toaster for making toasted bread in the morning.

      It was overall a very pleasant stay – very easy and convenient, and close to subway and sightseeing was a big plus!

      Book in good advance for the best prices – either through Expedia or directly on the hotel chain’s own site Citybox Hotels

    • Our Guide to Family & Kid-Friendly Hotels in Sweden

      Is it easy to find hotel rooms for families in Sweden?

      Planning a family trip to Sweden often brings one big question: how easy is it to find hotel rooms that actually fit the whole family? Just searching for the term ” family hotel sweden ” can bring up a lot of suggestions – and confusion. So is it easy to find a family friendly hotel in Sweden? From cozy city hotels to countryside getaways, the answer depends a bit on the size of your family – but overall, Sweden is very family-friendly when it comes to accommodation.

      * This post contains affiliate links *

       

      👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with two adults and two children

      If you’re a family of four, you’ll find that most Swedish hotels offer family rooms with bunkbeds or double rooms with sofa beds. Chains like Scandic, Elite Hotels and Nordic Choice/Strawberry (Comfort Hotel, Quality Hotel, Home Hotel) almost always provide rooms or suites that sleep up to four people.

      Scandic, in particular, is well known for being one of the most family-friendly hotel chains in Sweden, offering kids’ play areas, special breakfast options, and free stays for children under a certain age + FREE mocktails for the kids if you are a scandic member! Book your stay with Scandic here. 

      👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with three or more children

      If you’re a larger family (five or more), things get a bit trickier. Most hotel rooms in Sweden are designed for up to four guests. However, there are still options:

      • Some hotels offer connecting rooms or family suites.

      • Scandic, First Hotels, and Best Western Plus properties often allow you to book two rooms with an internal door or guaranteed adjacent rooms.

      • In smaller boutique hotels, it’s always worth contacting the property directly — they can sometimes add an extra bed or crib if space allows.

      If your family prefers more space and flexibility, you can also look for apart-hotels or family apartments through chains like Forenom or StayAt, which offer kitchenettes and more room to spread out.

      🛏️ Extra beds and flexibility

      Many Swedish hotels can add an extra bed or crib for a small fee, but this depends on the room type. The bed in a regular double-room or family room are usually a 160cm or 180cm bed (or two 90cm beds that can be divided). Fire safety rules are strict in Sweden, so hotels can’t always exceed the room’s maximum occupancy – even for small children. It’s always best to mention the exact number and ages of your children when booking to ensure you get the right setup. But as mentioned – if you are uncertain or you can’t find the right solution for you and your family – call the hotel directly and they will surely help you! We have done this many times and most times they are very helpful.

      🏨 Hotel chains that are great for families

      Here are some popular and reliable chains to look for:

      • Scandic Hotels – Top choice for families, great breakfast, play areas, and kids stay for free + free mocktail for kids if you are a Scandic member(no fee). We have stayed many nights at Scandic Hotels and all of the ones we have visited have had family rooms.

      • Elite Hotels – Many have spacious rooms and family rooms, though slightly more upscale. Some hotels offers more family friendly options like playroom and goodie bags.  We have stayed many nights at different Elite Hotels.

      • Clarion & Quality Hotels (Strawberry Group) – Stylish, comfortable, and family-friendly options in most cities.

      • Hotel chain Strawberry have a specific range of hotels called Home Hotel. Their stays include dinner alternatives in the evening – great for families that want to save up on eating out. Book them here.

      • First Hotels – Many locations with larger rooms and good service for families.

      • Best Western Plus – Often flexible with room arrangements and extra beds.

      • StayAt & Forenom – Great for longer stays with kitchen access.

      🌿 A few extra tips

      • Book early during holidays as family rooms are the first to sell out.

      • Check what’s included: Breakfast is almost always free in Sweden, which makes mornings easier with kids. Some hotels have started to take a fee for breakfast – so make sure to check your booking.

      • Ask about play areas or kids’ corners: Many hotels have them, especially Scandic.

      • Bring travel slippers or cozy socks: Swedish hotels rarely have carpets, and floors can be cold in winter.

      • If you love local stays, don’t overlook farm hotels (gårdshotell) or countryside B&Bs – many welcome families and have space to play outdoors.