The Hotel Rival is Sweden’s first boutique hotel.
Hotel Rival is a privately owned boutique hotel in the heart of Södermalm, Stockholm’s vibrant and creative district, overlooking Mariatorget. Opened in September 2003 as Sweden’s first boutique hotel, Rival occupies a landmark 1937 Art Deco cinema building and has been owned since 2002 by Benny Andersson Produktion AB — a heritage of creativity and craftsmanship that continues to shape the hotel today.
Behind the revolving doors are 99 individually designed rooms and suites, many with references to classic Swedish films, as well as two lively food and drink destinations. Watson’s Bar is open 365 days a year for drinks, food and after-work gatherings, while Tavernan is an all-day restaurant opening onto one of Södermalm’s best terraces on Mariatorget.
Accommodation ranges from cosy economy rooms to spacious de luxe rooms with balconies and terrace suites, all featuring premium bedding, a curated minibar and design details by celebrated Swedish names including Mats Theselius, Gunnar Asplund and glass artist Ingegerd Råman.
At the heart of the building is Rival’s own 735-seat theatre. Once a cinema, it now hosts concerts, shows, comedy and lectures, giving hotel guests a Stockholm experience that extends well beyond their room.
Hotel Rival is committed to being an inclusive and welcoming hotel for LGBTQ+ travellers visiting Stockholm. Every guest, regardless of nationality, skin colour, religion, gender, age or sexual orientation, is welcomed with the same warmth, respect and hospitality throughout their stay.
www.rival.se | Instagram: @rivalsthlm | Find on Google Maps
