Sometimes I get overwhelmed by all the hotel choices there are in any particular place. Even in far-flung corners of the world, there are more choices than one can possibly consider. In a big, beautiful and exciting city like Stockholm, that’s even more the case than usual.
B, my travel buddy during my epic trip to Stockholm, actually suggested the HTL Kungsgatan because of its location; indeed, it was within easy walking distance of every place we wanted to go in the city. In addition, it is home to a trendy all-purpose coffee shop/restaurant, which made it easy to work in the mornings and evenings during our trip.
Traveling on a budget, the Kungsgatan was pretty ideal for two twenty-somethings; trendy and well-appointed, with a price point that, when split in half, left us with plenty of money to explore Stockholm (which is notoriously expensive).
The Kungsgatan is an interesting place in some respects. The check-in and check-out processes are pretty impersonal; all you need to do is use the iPad at reception to check-in, and a staff member will bring you your card, or, if they’re super busy, one can be created for you without any human interaction! Check out was similar; all you need to do is drop the card key into a box et voila! You’re outta there. The things that I typically like from a check-in, such as getting to know the staff, or hearing local tips and tricks, are notably missing.
To further save money, I opted for the room without windows, which B. didn’t let me hear the end of for the rest of the trip. It was marginally less expensive- about $40 USD- so I would say if you can afford it, definitely go with a room with windows. Although the hotel does a good job of hiding the concrete wall (where a typical window would be, if you weren’t in the basement), not having a window really messed with our sense of time. It was also a shame not to have a view, even if it was of a garden or alley.
The room itself was pretty standard for a European hotel room; read: very small to my American standards. However, it was well-appointed, with an iPod dock (as if you could stand to stay in the cramped, windowless quarters to dance!), nice toiletries (although they were in the containers you couldn’t take away, which always makes me wary of quality) and the bed was super. super. comfortable.
The big thing to focus on at the HTL Kungsgatan is the breakfast. Again, being cheap, I had opted against the inclusive breakfast, but ended up paying for it anyway. (It wasn’t expensive; about $8.) The breakfast is a huge buffet, including coffee, juice and Scandinavian-style breakfast staples such as tomatoes, cucumbers, fish, meats and delicious breads- including my favourite, Danish rye. Definitely worth the price, and its nice that you don’t even have to wander from the hotel! Do keep in mind, though, if you’re hankering for pancakes or a fry up, this isn’t the place for you- but don’t you worry, there are plenty of places that will serve what you’re looking for in the city!
We were saved from some typical tourist-needing-to-know-directions confusion from a friendly staff member who seemed to double as a barista for the café at the front of the hotel and a trouble shooter for people who were confused by the extremely low-frills sign in process. It was this kind of interaction that I craved, honestly, more and more throughout the stay. If you’re on a business trip, the HTL Kungsgatan is probably a good choice, what with its nice café and work area that will keep you in the thick of Stockholm life without breaking your concentration. However, the rooms are nothing particularly special (or, at least, the windowless rooms aren’t) and there is minimal staff interaction. The next time I’m in Stockholm, I’ll probably look to go somewhere else.