Columbus Hotell

Charming, elegantly simple hotel in the heart of Stockholm’s trendy Södermalm

We first discovered Columbus through an old arched gateway in a quiet street in seductive Södermalm. We liked it so much, we stayed for a week. It is a light, calm, uplifting place to stay, thanks partly to its leafy setting in the refreshingly young area of Söder (or SoFo as it’s known), but mainly to its elegant architecture. Built in 1780 as a brewery, it later housed the City Guards, hospital patients, and country workers – though it looks like the home of a minor aristocrat or a monastery. The broad open courtyard, wide corridors of polished wooden floors and pale grey walls, decorated with old paintings and carefully chosen antiques, all create a sense of tranquility and history.

Spacious rooms are delightfully simple: a harmonious mix of pale yellows, plush red, greys and warm traditional rugs. Many look out onto the pretty 18th-century church and gardens behind the hotel, and all have excellent modern bathrooms. Best of all, the cafés and boutiques of SoFo are just a block away.

Highs

• Restrained elegance and civilised calm
• Excellent value for Stockholm: a good breakfast is included, and there's free tea and coffee from 4-7pm
• Close to the trendy heart of Södermalm: SoFo is rapidly becoming renowned for its bars, cafés and small designer shops
• Yet it's within easy reach of Gamla stan (the old town); Slussen is 10 minutes’ walk
• Sociable courtyard - perfect for break-fast or an afternoon tipple in summer
• i-escape guests receive a travel-kit of Björn Borg toiletries

Lows

• There’s no lift – the building won’t take it – less mobile folk and families with buggies take note
• Slightly spartan in parts: towels are on the skimpy side and most rooms just have soap dispensers on the wall
• Some bathrooms are small
• Reception staff are extremely helpful and professional, but no waiter service at breakfast