Spotlight on: Hotel Hellsten

Exterior of Hotel Hellsten Stockholm, Sweden

What beats an outspokenly LGBT-welcoming hotel featuring a personal touch, that is located within walking distance to some of Stockholm’s most popular tourist attractions? Well, not much, if you ask us! At Hotel Hellsten Stockholm, every guest is warmly welcomed and looked after, just like it should be.

But other than being known for great hospitality, Hellsten is also a melting pot for travellers and locals: the kind of place where guests don’t simply return to in the evenings to fall into bed, but rather spend time at the bar to mingle with others and make plans to explore the Open City!

What’s the atmosphere like at Hotel Hellsten?

If it wasn’t clear from the introduction, the general vibe around the hotel is highly social and inviting. That’s also why at any given time, you’ll see a good mix of Stockholmers pop by the hotel to benefit from its inspiring setting; from business people to creatives and more. In short, it never gets boring at the Norrmalm bolthole.

That’s not to say, however, that you won’t get in a good night’s sleep. The Hellsten is located in a quiet street off the city’s main traffic arteries, and if you prefer kicking back on your room to socialising, you’ll have problem mellowing out in total privacy!

What are the rooms like?

Other than calm and relaxing, the hotel’s rooms are also totally eclectic and have plenty of charisma. There’s something for every budget, from cosy and charming singles to gorgeous junior suites, which feature a four-poster bed and huge windows that let in all the day of the day.

All accommodation across Hotel Hellsten Stockholm comes with brightly coloured statement walls and many rooms also boast rustic touches such as original fireplaces, exposed brick columns and huge wooden beams that run along the ceiling – and in case you’re wondering, room service is available and a generous daily breakfast is included in the price!

Other than the rooms, why stay here?

There are plenty more reasons to book yourself into this stylish bolthole, but our favourite one has got to be the hotel’s fabulous Earth Bar. It’s here that guests and locals come together to jam out to live jazz each Thursday, and don’t get us started on the incredible African jazz Club, which plays at Earth Bar every second Saturday!

While the bar is decorated with all sorts of authentic memorabilia collected by the hotel’s founder, Per Hellsten, during his many trips to Asia and Africa, its summer months equivalent The Patio makes for an equally original venue. Whatever time of the year you visit, make sure to order a Mr Hellsten from the bar – it’s the hotel’s very own drink that was created by accident, but turned out super popular!

Something every visitor should know

If you’re all set to book a trip to the Open City, remember to always check Hotel Hellsten Stockholm for the special offers they run. Lovebirds might want to consider the ‘Romantic offer’, which includes a night in one of the hotel’s junior suites, a bottle of champagne, roses, chocolates and more (what’s not to love, right?).

And lastly, should the Hellsten be booked out when you want to visit, remember their Södermalm-based sister hotel, Hellsten Glashus, which is just as eclectic, fun and friendly. Some would say as long as it’s got the name Hellsten attached to it, you can’t go wrong with a hotel… and we’re inclined to agree!

www.hellsten.se