Stockholm
Sweden


The Experience

Lots of factors have helped the Grand live up to its name: a city-center location on the quayside, stunning views over the Old Town, 19th-century decor with lots of gilt, artwork and chandeliers, plus an influx of Nobel Prize winners every December. Still, there was a feeling that this historic hotel was resting on its laurels until a recent expansion and extensive renovation brought the Grand back to its proper place in Stockholm society. And the opening in early 2007 of a new restaurant created by one of Sweden's most brilliant chefs has already brought fresh vigor and renewed glamour.

The Rooms

As befits a hotel that opened in 1874, rooms are classically furnished with lots of patterned fabrics, pastel-hued walls and antiques. Be warned that some rooms are barely big enough to hold the Nobel Prize, much less the prize winner: Doubles start at 215 square feet (there are even smaller singles, at 161 square feet). While a water view is costly -- from $80 extra per night -- it's well worth it, looking over quayside to the royal palace. (In contrast, nonwater views overlook a drab street scene.) And adding to the renewed glamour, the Princess Lilian Suite, named after a Welsh-born member of the Swedish Royal Family, opened in fall 2006 and is said to be the largest suite in Northern Europe: 3,550 square feet with its own cinema, gym and sauna.

The Service

Service is typically Scandinavian -- efficient and helpful -- but it's fair to say that Swedes are not by nature an effusive people. The front desk staff, capable as they are, could benefit from some American hospitality training.

The Highlights

The Grand's small health club is run in association with the town's swankiest gym, and the ultraglamorous Cadier Bar has expanded to offer breakfast, brunch and classic afternoon tea in addition to cocktails. But it's that new restaurant that's creating the most buzz; the chef's previous venture, Bon Lloc, was considered one of the best in Sweden, thanks to its Euro-Latino cuisine. Details of the menu at the new place are, as yet, a secret, but there's every chance that in addition to being Stockholm's best hotel the Grand might soon be the home of its best restaurant too.

-- Stephen Whitlock

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