On a recent trip to Stockholm, contributor Deve Sanford shares her favorite place to stay when in the city affectionately known as “Venice of the North”

When it comes to Scandinavia’s most luxurious hotels nothing makes the case for old world charm meets new world allure quite like the iconic Grand Hotel Stockholm. Chic and elegant there is no parallel to its enduring legacy. Boasting opulent interiors, the hotel has been home to a long list of esteemed guests and has hosted many prestigious events. Situated in the heart of Stockholm with an enviable location on the waterfront, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan, the city’s historic old town. Among its many amenities the Grand Hotel houses award-winning restaurants by Michelin Star Chef, Mathias Dahlgren, the Veranda restaurant, known for its traditional smörgåsbord, the newly renovated Cadier Bar and a spectacular Nordic Spa and Fitness Center with two Scandinavian favorites, the hot saunas and cool dipping pools.

The Grand Hotel Stockholm Reception
Reception

Steadfast in the face of trends that have come and gone, the Grand Hotel has remained consistent in offering only the very best that luxury accommodations have to offer. In addition to the hotel’s ongoing enhancements two of its suites are undergoing a complete redesign by none other than, acclaimed Swedish-born, interior architect, Martin Brudnizki. This will be the very first project in Sweden for the award-winning designer, who splits his time between London and New York. In 2000, he established the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS) in London, followed by a second studio in New York in 2012. Today MBDS is an internationally renowned interior architecture and design studio with notable clients around the globe including: Four Seasons, Rosewood Hotels & Resort, Soho House Group, Caprice Holdings, The Royal Academy of Arts and now the Grand Hotel. When asked how he felt about renovating the city’s most exclusive accommodations, Brudnizki says, “Redesigning the signature suites at the Grand Hotel Stockholm has been a significant project for me and my design studio, not least because of the hotel’s history but also because it marks my first project in Sweden. When I look back on our design, it reminds me of the interiors I was surrounded by whilst growing up in my mother’s Stockholm house; it’s comfortable and private with the perfect touch of contemporary flair. Inspired by the comfort of one’s home, the suites reflect a residential look with soft furnishings, subtle pops of colour and pattern and contemporary-inspired furniture.”

Grand Hotel Stockholm, Martin Brudnizki
Martin Brudnizki

The hotel’s signature suites are located on the top floor of the main building and boast sweeping views of the harbor.

The Grand Hotel Stockholm
Views of the Harbour

The Grand Hotel’s ties to the Swedish Royal Family are many, so it is only befitting that the historic prestige suites are named after them. There is the Bernadotte Suite and the Princess Lilian Suite. The Bernadotte suite, named after the King’s uncle, Sigvard is located on the third floor and has two beautifully furnished bedrooms. With 165 sqm (1776 sqf) the suite comes with its own sitting and dining room complete with a sizable table for six that is perfect for in-suite dining or meetings.

Grand Hotel Stockholm
Bernadotte Suite

The Princess Lilian Suite is presumably the most luxurious accommodation in all the Nordic region and is named after King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden’s paternal aunt, the Duchess of Halland. The breathtaking pied-à-terre is situated atop the Grand Hotel and is a sweeping 360 sqm (3552 sqf). This ultimate home away from home comes complete with two bedrooms, a sitting room, a library, a kitchen, a spa area and an in-suite cinema. Every detail from the grand piano to personal butler service is meticulously curated by the staff and lives up to its reputation as one of the leading hotels in the world.

A stay at the Grand Hotel is truly a lifetime experience and no trip to Stockholm would be complete without it.

The Grand Hotel Stockholm, Bernadotte Suite
Princess Lilian Suite
Grand Hotel Stockholm
Princess Lilian Suite

| Photos courtesy of Grand Hotel Stockholm