Spotlight on: Hotel J

Two wooden chairs on a terrace at Hotel J, overlooking a calm waterway.

Central Stockholm offers endless reasons to stay put. From its scenic streets lined with pastel façades and tranquil green spaces, to its plethora of cultural landmarks like the Royal Palace and ABBA The Museum, it’s easy to see why the city keeps travellers captivated. Yet, even the most devoted city slickers crave a change of scenery now and then – somewhere beyond the bustle to slow down, breathe in the sea air, and indulge in the art of doing absolutely nothing. When that moment arrives, Hotel J awaits!

Perched on the water’s edge at Nacka Strand, just a 15-minute ferry ride from the city centre, this nautical-inspired retreat serves as a luxurious introduction to Stockholm’s famed archipelago, complete with all the creature comforts you could ask for.

What’s the atmosphere like at Hotel J?

There’s a sense of ease that hits the moment you step inside Hotel J. Sunlight pours through wide windows, catching the shimmer of the inlet outside, while the gentle sway of moored boats instantly resets your pace. The atmosphere is best described as quietly refined, the kind of place that channels a yacht-club calm without any of the pretence or stiff formality.

Inside, the design tells its own story of maritime living done the Scandinavian way. Pale oak, crisp whites and woven textures set a tranquil tone, while nautical touches – a photograph here, a rope accent there – nod subtly to the sea without tipping into theme.

What are the rooms like at Hotel J?

Hotel J has 158 rooms and suites, each designed with comfort and calm in mind. The interiors are bright and functional, with soft lighting, spacious layouts and large windows that make the most of the hotel’s waterfront setting. Many rooms feature private balconies, offering either garden views or a clear outlook over the harbour where ferries glide past throughout the day.

If it’s a special occasion (or you’re simply in the mood to spoil yourself), book the Signature Sea View Suite, which comes with a king-size bed wrapped in soft linens and a 20 m² private rooftop terrace to enjoy spectacular panoramic vistas of Stockholm’s harbour.

Other than the rooms, why stay here?

Wellness is the order of the day here, and the property takes that promise seriously. Start with a session in the hotel’s Panorama Sauna overlooking the bay – best followed by a refreshing cold plunge for the brave. From there, a medley of experiences offers you a chance to slow down and reconnect with yourself, from gong baths and guided breathwork to yoga sessions, Reiki treatments, and soothing tea or cacao ceremonies. There’s even a ‘Herb Walk,’ where you can wander through the surrounding nature and learn about the wild plants growing along the shoreline.

Eventually, all that zen will make you hungry, and Restaurant J is the perfect reward. The waterfront eatery is a favourite among locals for long lunches and sunset dinners, serving Scandinavian-influenced fare and seafood platters that go down well with a crisp glass of bubbly.

Something every visitor should know

Whether you have marriage on your mind or not, it’s always good to keep a beautiful venue in your back pocket, if not for yourself, then for a friend, or, who knows, for the soulmate you might just bump into over breakfast. Hotel J isn’t only a place to unwind by the water; it also doubles as one of Stockholm’s most picturesque spots for weddings or toasting just about anything worth celebrating, including bachelor and bachelorette parties, for which the hotel offers a host of fun activities – both wellness and more boozy in nature.

www.hotelj.com