Victory Hotel

Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden
Book from GBP Book from £170 per night

Victory Hotel

Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden

Quaint, cosy, nautical-themed hotel with a privileged position in Stockholm’s old town

Quaint, cosy, nautical-themed hotel with a privileged position in Stockholm’s old town

What a treat to stay on the alluring medieval island of Gamla Stan, the oldest part of Stockholm: a maze of narrow streets and cobblestoned alleyways between charming old buildings of terracotta and ochre. Rare, too, to find a hotel that perfectly fits its surroundings. The building was constructed in 1640, and has been lovingly converted by a couple fascinated by Nelson (and his ship HMS Victory) and inspired by Sweden’s long seafaring history. The foyer is filled with rare sea-faring artefacts, from painted figureheads to Captain Hardy’s own tea set, and a letter from Nelson himself.

Walking along Victory’s narrow corridors of mahogany and shining brass handrails is akin to being on board ship - though mercifully with more comfortable cabins. Each of the rooms is named after a different Swedish captain, evoked through paintings of his ship and nautical antiques, creating something really special from this quaint interior. Add to this cheerful young staff and a remarkable range of dining options for a hotel of this size, and you have a quirky base in Stockholm’s most atmospheric district.

Highs

  • Right in the heart of Gamla Stan - perfectly situated for exploring the oldest part of Stockholm
  • The foodie vibe: innovative breakfasts and a variety of options for dinner
  • Well-equipped, comfortable rooms
  • Fascinating array of marine memorabilia on display
  • Exceptionally friendly and helpful staff
  • Small sauna and plunge pool which can be booked for private use

Lows

  • Rooms are definitely on the small side
  • No rooms with disabled access
  • Best suited to couples and friends rather than families, but the hotel can accommodate babies in cots

Best time to go

Stockholm is fun all year round, but remember it’s pretty cold from November to March. Spring and autumn are lovely, and summer can be positively hot - so consider using the city as a starting point for a longer trip exploring the archipelago.

Our top tips

From Wednesday to Saturday you can do a 'Walking Dinner', a multi-restaurant dining experience in which you get to sample signature dishes from each of the 5 restaurants and bars at the hotel. Foodie heaven! Book ahead.

Great for...

Eco
Foodie
Spa
  • Boutique Hotel
  • 45 rooms
  • Restaurants and bars
  • All ages welcome
  • Open all year
  • Indoor Pool
  • Sauna
  • Beach Nearby
  • Pet Friendly
  • Disabled Access
  • Car not necessary
  • Parking
  • Restaurants Nearby
  • WiFi
  • Air Conditioning
  • Guest Lounge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gym
Room:

Rooms

Victory is so nautically minded that you almost expect to find a ship's cabin when you open your bedroom door. Instead, there are grand furnishings in warm ochres and navy blues. Each room is named after a Swedish sea captain, whom the owners went to great trouble to track down, finding photographs and an original painting of his ship. There’s also an antique model ship in each room, and you might find other antiques - ours had a 1900’s dressing table mirror - all of which add character to each individually designed room.

Don’t expect much space though, even the Deluxe rooms are compact. Double Rooms and Single Rooms are snug and some of the rooms are in the eaves, but they do have plenty of practical storage space. The original building was constructed in the 17th Century, and many of the rooms retain the original proportions. Ask for the opulent Captain's Luxury Suite if you want to spread out - the original 1640’s ceiling is stunning - or one of the Grand Cabins, which each have a sitting room.

Fortunately, the bathrooms bear no resemblance to those of Nelson’s day: gleaming marble, underfloor heating, walk-in power showers, huge white towels and the most extensive array of toiletries.

Features include:

  • Bathrobes
  • Hairdryer
  • Minibar
  • Safe box
  • WiFi

Eating

For breakfast there's the traditional smörgåsbord of smoked salmon and meats, enhanced by pickled salads and an unusual choice of cheeses. Pancakes, pastries, eggs, yogurts and cereals abound accompanied by an exciting array of juices. There are also plenty of superb homemade breads with flavoursome berry jams.

For dinner you have a variety options in the hotel's 'Gastro Block'. There's Djuret, which means ‘meat’ in Swedish - no prizes for guessing the specialty here. For bistro style dining there's Pubologi; for intimate counter-top dining there's Flickan. The ethos at all is to focus on food in season, so the menus change regularly. For drinks, choose between The Burgundy, which is actually a bistro as well as a wine bar, and claims to have one of the largest wine cellars in Sweden, or Tweed bar, which as the name suggests is designed with tradition and comfort in mind, and has tables outside in the courtyard in summer. We opted for Burgundy and enjoyed a bistro classic of whole roast chicken to share, and were impressed by the food and service. If only we’d had time for the walking-dining tour!

Alternatively, Gamla Stan offers many other fine restaurants; reservations are essential. Eriks Gondolen, suspended over Slussen with magnificent views, is a must. Have an evening drink or book dinner – there’s a less expensive dining room in the main building. For traditional Swedish food, try Gyldene Freden or Fem Små Hus, or for excellent seafood Mister French and Wedholms Fisk are both highly recommended. Lunch in Stockholm is cheaper than dinner, as many places offer reasonable set menus. A favourite nearby: Bakfickan (Hip pocket), where you sit at the counter for delicious fresh crayfish and herring.

Features include:

  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Restaurants nearby
  • Room service
Eating:
Activity:

Activities

  • Wander around Gamla Stan, admiring the splendid 17th-century architecture. Kungliga Slottet is the imposing royal palace. Nearby, the impressive Storkyrkan is the scene of royal weddings and coronations, near the charming market square of Stortorget. The German church Tyska Kyrkan is also worth a peek

  • Shopping. The main shopping area is Norrmalm, home to the NK department store. International designers are also to be found in Ostermalm - and you should pop into the beautiful covered market Ostermalms Saluhall for the fabulous fresh produce including seafood. Then head to Södermalm, where there’s a profusion of antique shops specialising in 20th-century Swedish design.

  • Galleries and museums. The must-see is the stunning Vasamuseet, which presents the magnificent Vasa, built in 1628 and sunk on her maiden voyage just a few hundred metres from port. Design enthusiasts will love Nationalmuseet, which showcases 20th Century Swedish design together with some beautiful Swedish paintings and a fine collection of Rembrandt portraits. Head for the Moderna Museet for Swedish modern art, along with some superb Rauschenbergs and Warhols, and outdoor sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle

  • Stockholm’s many beautiful waterfront buildings are best appreciated from the water. Boat trips with Stockholm Sightseeing leave regularly from the quayside outside the Grand Hotel - make sure you buy your ticket at least an hour ahead of sailing times as they sell out, even in winter

Activities on site or nearby include:

  • Historical sites
  • Museums / galleries
  • Nightlife
  • Shopping / markets
  • Traditional cultures

Kids

This is more of an adult hotel, but a cot or extra bed may be provided on request. Children up to 3 years of age are free of charge. Those aged 4-12 are charged at children's rates; for children over 13, adult rates apply if staying in their parents' room, or they can have a room of their own, also at adult rates. There’s a lift big enough for buggies and prams.

Family friendly accommodation:

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

Babysitting:

Babysitting available by arrangement

Kid Friendly:

Location

Victory Hotel is right in the middle of Stockholm, on the medieval island of Gamla Stan, the oldest part of the city. The nearest underground station is Gamla Stan.

By Air
Stockholm Arlanda (44km) or Skavsta (106km).

From Arlanda Airport
By Taxi: From Arlanda it’s a 40-minute drive with Taxi Stockholm to any hotel in the centre for a fixed price.
By Train: Or take the efficient train Arlanda Express (20 minutes).
By bus: or the frequent bus Flygbussarna (45 minutes) – both arrive at Central Station.

From Skavsta Airport
Skavsta Airport is connected by a reliable bus service with Flygbussarna; buses leave 20 minutes after each arriving flight, and take 90 minutes to Central Station, or you can take a taxi.

By Car:
See our car rental recommendations and valet parking is available at the hotel.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.

Airports:

  • Stockholm Arlanda 42.0 km ARN
  • Stockholm Skavsta 100.0 km NYO

Other:

  • Beach 35.0 km
  • Shops 0.1 km
  • Restaurant 0.1 km

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