Hotel Review: Hotel Skeppsholmen, Stockholm, a Member of Design Hotels™
Hotel Skeppsholmen is a place of timeless beauty and history, where guests can revel in its offerings. The hotel emanates a special ambiance of charm, luxury, and hospitality that can only be fully experienced firsthand. It was designed in the late 1600s by Nicodemus Tessin Jr., celebrated for his work on two of Sweden's most significant palaces—Drottningholm Palace and Steninge Palace—initially serving as barracks to house the Royal Marines from King Karl XII's navy. Hotel Skeppsholmen was then converted into an eco-friendly space expertly crafted by fashionable architects Claesson Koivisto Rune (the architect team that designed Nobis Hotel Stockholm) to offer visitors an unforgettable stay experience full of connection derived from its ambiance, hospitality, amenities, and heritage. Hotel Skeppsholmen was full of rich history and presented inspiring design elements while being in the most picturesque setting in Stockholm. Here is my review of Hotel Skeppsholmen:
Hotel Skeppsholmen is located at Gröna gången 1, 111 49 Stockholm, Sweden.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
I earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points by using my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on dining and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other purchases. Paired with Marriott’s promotions and AMEX offers, it opens doors to endless points-earning opportunities.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card comes with great benefits that can substantially offset its annual fee.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card does come with a hefty $650 annual fee but offers tons of perks to significantly offset its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
$25 monthly dining credit—$300 total in a year
$100 property credit when booked directly with Marriott and staying a minimum of two nights at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
An 85,000-point Free Night Award
Access to Priority Pass lounges
25 Elite Night Credits for chasing Marriott Bonvoy status
Even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often, this card is still a must-have, in my opinion. It’s a true example of a keeper card that offers benefits that outweigh the annual fee.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
If you are looking for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card with a low annual fee, consider the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of three Free Night Awards after spending $1,000 in three months, each covering up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. I personally value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making the 105,000 points offer worth $840. The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card earns 6X points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases every year on dining, grocery stores, and gas stations, and 2X points on all other purchases.
Be aware that 15 elite night credits from the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card can’t be combined with 15 elite night credits from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card.
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card’s annual fee is $95, and it offers useful perks to offset the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits that will help you achieve a higher Marriott Bonvoy status
Please note that you can’t combine Elite Night Credits from two Marriott Bonvoy personal credit cards, but you can stack Elite Night Credits from one personal and one Marriott Bonvoy business card. Thus, if you own both AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, you would only earn 25 elite night credits.
If you’d like to apply for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you!
The last Marriott Bonvoy credit card you could use would be the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. Considering that the annual membership costs $125, you get paid to have the card! The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 4X points on dining, U.S. shipping purchases, U.S. wireless telephone services, and at U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn 2X points.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card is the only Marriott business card on the market.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card’s annual fee is $125, and it offers valuable benefits to justify the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits, which can be combined with 15 Elite Night Credits from other personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
As you can see, the card’s benefits are less substantial than the ones from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but it is a great long-term keeper card due to its annual Free Night Award perk. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary if you want to chase a higher Marriott Bonvoy status because it is the only Marriott business card that is on the market and will grant you an additional 15 Elite Night Credits. Lastly, even though it is a business credit card, it is very likely that you could get it approved. Check out my article on how to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
Hotel Skeppsholmen is an inspiring destination situated on the beautiful island of Skeppholmen. Take a ride on the ferry to enjoy breathtaking views of Old Town and the Baltic Sea while immersing yourself in world-class culture. With museums like The Stockholm Toy Museum and The Museum of Modern Art, Hotel Skeppsholmen guarantees a memorable experience that's easy to access by foot or bus routes.
Lobby & Check-In Review
I arrived at Hotel Skeppsholmen a little earlier than my original schedule, and my room was not ready to check in. I was pleasantly surprised to find that all Marriott accommodations I stayed in throughout Sweden adhered to the standard 2 PM check-in rule. I dropped off my luggage and headed to explore Skansen—the world’s oldest open-air museum—while my room was getting ready.
Exploring Skansen in Stockholm was a real treat for me as an animal lover.
If Skansen is on your itinerary (and to be frank, it should be on everyone’s to-do list), Hotel Skeppsholmen is the perfect hotel for those looking to visit Skansen since there is a ferry station right by the hotel.
Hop aboard Ferry #82 to explore Skansen and Old Town!
Ferry #82 is the only ferry that stops there, and it only goes to Skansen and Old Town, so there is no need to get anxious with stops.
Taking a ferry ride across town is an affordable way to experience the Baltic Sea.
After interacting with Nordic animals and learning about traditional Swedish lifestyles, I returned to the hotel. Lined with pear trees, the hotel’s surrounding grounds were really peaceful and pretty.
I was welcomed to the hotel by a delightful array of pear trees and felt fully embraced by nature.
Guests were welcomed by a charming entrance adorned with dozens of bicycles available for rent, inviting them to explore the area and soak up some sun in comfortable outdoor deck chairs.
Every morning, the hotel was alive with guests snuggling into outdoor deck chairs for their invigorating coffee break.
The lobby was simple and unassuming, featuring a solitary shelf showcasing some of the hotel’s noteworthy products.
The merchandise shelf was a perfect example of sleek Swedish minimalism, striking the ideal balance between style and functionality.
When I checked in at the front desk, I was delighted to find out that my room was ready and that I had been upgraded to a larger room.
From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with genuine hospitality at Hotel Skeppsholmen.
Upon checking in, I was informed of the hours for breakfast and the gym location. The hotel was divided into two distinct buildings; Building One encompassed the restaurant, front desk, and some guest rooms, while Building Two hosted most of the spacious lodgings as well as a gym.
The color of the hotel exterior was undeniably Scandinavian.
The hotel staff had already placed my luggage and my backpack in my room, so I grabbed my card keys and walked over to my room. As I toured around the hotel's first and second levels via its numerous stairways, a number of creative light installations perked up any dull nooks and corners.
With so many unique lighting fixtures, it was unfortunate the hotel didn't provide further information on each design.
I saw maybe eight of them, and they allowed me to appreciate this unique atmosphere even further.
Explore hotel hallways for stunning and creative lighting designs.
With high expectations, I entered my room on the second floor.
Bedroom Review
As I entered my room, I immediately noticed how sun-drenched the room was. The room faced the sea, but because of the trees in the garden, my views were somewhat obstructed.
Waking up to the lush green vista of nature every morning was a tranquil delight for me.
The floor was made of sturdy hardwood flooring that naturally aged beautifully, and its birch color gave warmth and comfort to the room. The bed featured a mattress from DUX—a luxurious Swedish mattress manufacturer. The bed at Nobis Hotel Stockholm also partnered with DUX, so I was glad to sleep on it again.
A comfortable slumber on a luxurious DUX mattress made my bedroom experience truly heavenly.
The bedroom space had a stunning, seamless look, with the bed frame connected to both the headboard and nightstands. To my surprise, one of the nightstands was a mini-fridge containing an array of refreshments, from petite bottles of wine and champagne to soda and water.
A witty sign on the top left corner sparked my curiosity.
The other nightstand was normal and used push-to-open style drawers.
Guests would be delighted to find a well-stocked mini-fridge with an array of beverages on hand—both alcoholic and nonalcoholic.
On top of the nightstand, I found an energetic welcome message from the hotel's managing director, along with a box of vanilla and sea salt caramel from Pärlans Konfektyr and a tea light candle holder from Skultuna.
These exceptional welcome amenities cultivated an unforgettable connection that I will cherish for a long time.
The caramel was one of the best caramels I’ve ever had in my life, and the candle holder featured a polished brass interior and exterior black powder coating. I learned that Skultuna was founded by King Karl IX in 1607 and has been a purveyor to the Royal Court of Sweden ever since. The hotel's warm welcome was extraordinary; personal notes and delightful gifts instantly connected me to this beautiful city of Stockholm. The cozy atmosphere of the room was enhanced by two stylish reading lights mounted on either side of the wall, as well as a framed photo featuring an idyllic snapshot of the hotel's beautiful tennis court.
The bedroom was awash in the morning sun, providing a inviting atmosphere of comfort.
The bedroom provided all of the creature comforts one might need, featuring a spacious storage nook and a closet illuminated by built-in lighting upon opening.
The expansive luggage rack easily housed two sizable suitcases, providing a convenient and efficient way to stow belongings.
For those who may have forgotten their essentials, the hotel was gracious enough to provide boxer briefs, socks, and tights courtesy of Bread & Boxers—a sustainable Swedish loungewear company—for added convenience. Their products are known for using high-quality organic cotton, and the hotel supplied different sizes for each item to accommodate most body types.
If you've forgotten your underwear, you can purchase organic essentials bu Bread & Butter.
Inside the closet were additional items for the minibar, including a few demi bottles of wine and Swedish candies. A work desk and a semi-smart TV with Chromecast were conveniently placed opposite the bed, offering tech amenities for modern travelers.
The bedroom showcased the signature minimalistic elegance of Scandinavian interior design, perfectly embodying its modern and simplistic aesthetic.
On top of the desk sat an impressive booklet chock full of delicious recipes from the hotel restaurant and offerings in local shopping destinations and cultural attractions throughout Stockholm.
The in-room booklet was a passport to Stockholm, providing visitors with insight into the charming shops and rich culture of this vibrant city.
The work desk chair was a cozy retreat, its cover displaying Stockholm's topographical features. Two identical chairs and an invigorating yellow side table beside the windows created a delightful nook for sipping afternoon tea—or so I thought until I discovered no coffee machine in sight.
With an abundance of natural light, the bedroom brought warmth and comfort.
Despite this minor hitch, the bedroom experienced otherwise unparalleled excellence. The room was designed with convenience and aesthetic appeal in mind. Large windows let natural light flood the space, while shutters could be drawn for complete darkness when needed. The hotel even considered protruding locks, cleverly incorporating them into the window design.
The bedroom was filled with innovative and functional designs, including these window shutters.
Further enhancing the functionality and look of the space were ambient ceiling lights carefully positioned along walls with glossy metal plates that cast an inviting glow throughout the hotel interior. Hotel Skeppsholmen truly impressed me with its storytelling and branding efforts.
Storytelling is an essential tool for creating a lasting and engaging connection between a brand and its customers.
Each bedroom featured two plaques—one highlighting the hotel's eco-labeling and another detailing its history—while key card holders unfolded to reveal a map of Stockholm along with an uplifting welcome from their managing director.
The hotel ingeniously incorporated a foldable Stockholm map into its card key sleeve, cleverly allowing guests to add an engaging sightseeing element to their stay.
These thoughtful additions created an authentic bond between the guest and property, showcasing Hotel Skeppholmen’s commitment to sustainability within their business model.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom was compact in size, yet its clever design approaches were second to none. Timeless gray square tiles adorned the walls and floors of this charming space—a perfect complement to the hotel's overall aesthetic. Though I generally prefer more luxurious materials such as marble or quartz, these classic tiles provided just the right touch for the bathroom. Stepping into the shower, I was immediately impressed by its unique design.
The shower was just a simple swing away wtih dual glass doors.
It had blue opaque glass doors that surprisingly opened all the way to provide easy access to the shower, complete with rain-shower and handheld options, and a slightly sloped floor for superior drainage.
The showerhead was seemingly small, yet delivered an unexpectedly robust flow of water.
The floating toilet didn’t come with a bidet, but the single sink vanity had an extraordinary sink with a silhouette of a pebble. When I turned on the faucet, the water beautifully cascaded across its surface before draining away seamlessly.
I was astounded by the innovative pebble sink design, which functioned flawlessly.
The bathroom mirror was sizable as it took almost the entire length of the wall, which created a roomy ledge for storing personal toiletries. Speaking of toiletries, the hotel supplied excellent products from Byredo. The Bal d'Afrique fragrance had satisfying African marigold and Moroccan cedarwood scents.
Sweden boasts some of the world's most pristine tap water, and you won't find a better tasting or healthier source for hydration.
The hotel graciously reminded guests of ways to reduce their environmental footprint with notes encouraging the reuse of towels and a reminder that Stockholm offers some of the world’s purest tap water. The bedroom provided picture window views, although trees obstructed most direct sightlines to the Baltic Sea. Natural sunlight gently streamed in through open windows, and practical design elements like towel hooks encouraged easy hanging so they could dry quicker by virtue of being situated near heaters on chilly days.
For optimal efficiency and comfort, the towel rack was thoughtfully placed close to the heater.
In my opinion, these thoughtful details transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary, and the bathroom delivered a level of excellence unsurpassed to enhance my travel experience.
Gym Review
Hotel Skeppsholmen offered a compact gym experience on the second floor of Building One. The hotel did its best to pack as many exercise machines as possible.
Since the gym was compact, it offered limited exercise options.
While small in size, guests had access to essential equipment, including a treadmill and a stationary bike for cardio and PowerBlocks for strength training.
A set of PowerBlocks effectively replaced an entire rack of dumbbells.
There were towels and water available near the interior window sill so that guests could stay hydrated at the gym. Needless to say, the space was so cramped that I wouldn’t feel comfortable working out if another guest shared the gym with me.
Even though the water was lukewarm, the water quality was top-notch.
Despite its limitations, those looking to get their sweat on have an additional option—they can visit the gym at Nobis Hotel Stockholm free of charge. The only caveat is that both hotels are about a mile away from each other, but Nobis Hotel Stockholm has an incredible facility, including indoor saunas. Though the gym was quite rudimentary, a stay at Hotel Skeppsholmen offered so much more than just a fitness facility. The breathtaking grounds surrounding the hotel and sprawling views of the Baltic Sea made it an idyllic escape. For any tennis fans, check out the hotel’s historic tennis court. It was built by King Oscar II in 1882 as Sweden's first outdoor court.
If you are a tennis player, I highly suggest playing a game on the court because it is Sweden's first outdoor tennis court.
Guests can easily reserve this amenity by simply emailing or visiting the front desk. The hourly rate is 200 SEK, but non-guests can reserve the tennis court for 350 SEK per hour. The tennis court is open between April and September, and while I didn’t get a chance to play tennis this time, I cannot wait to come back and play a game on the first outdoor tennis court in Sweden.
Breakfast Review—Restaurant Långa Raden
Hotel Skeppsholmen had only one restaurant on site, Restaurant Långa Raden, serving a combination of contemporary dishes with Swedish heritage.
Hotel Skeppsholmen’s restaurant offered a warm, inviting atmosphere that extended from the accommodations to its dining experience.
I didn’t get a chance to explore its lunch or dinner menus, but I visited the restaurant during breakfast hours, which ran from 7 AM to 10 AM on weekdays and from 7:30 AM to 11 AM on weekends.
When the sun is shining, outdoor dining offers patrons a special seat in nature's garden—perfect for savoring flavors with friends and family.
The dining area was dimly lit, yet beautifully curated tables encircled by modern art pieces created a unique atmosphere that made it feel like fine dining in an exclusive art studio.
The indoor dining space provided an elegant atmosphere, adorned with tasteful artwork.
Similar to other Marriott properties in Stockholm, guests can enjoy a lavish buffet-style meal daily. Guests at the restaurant were delighted to find an array of warm dishes kept perfectly heated by Le Creuset cast iron pots atop electric warmers.
Electric warmers and cast iron pots kept breakfast dishes at an optimal temperature, ensuring a delicious start to the day.
Sauteed mushroom and spinach was a particular favorite of mine, offering a delectable flavor that everyone could savor. The meat and cheese station was less substantial, but all items were incredibly fresh, particularly the dill-cured salmon.
When in Scandinavia, be sure to sample the delectable smoked salmon.
For beverages, the selection included freshly squeezed juices and juice shots made from fruits and vegetables. The buffet had a unique fruit salad featuring zesty mint leaves for additional brightness and vibrancy in both taste and presentation.
A zesty start to my morning, the tart yet energizing juice shots provided an invigorating jolt of energy.
You could supplement the fruit salad with homemade yogurt and nuts if you want to take it to a rounded breakfast meal.
Complete your natural, homemade yogurt with some delicious nuts and dried fruits.
The pastry section was exceptional; Kanelbulles paired perfectly with coffee and buttery mini croissants were great vessels to try housemade jams.
The pastries were delectable, but there is potential to make them truly stunning with improved presentation.
Although the presentation could have been improved by allocating a supplemental serving table, it didn’t detract from an overall excellent experience.
Start your day off right with the flavorful breakfast selection from Restaurant Långa Raden, packed full of wholesome goodness.
I adored the unique setting in the dining room and loved the food even more. I look forward to returning for lunch or dinner when next staying at Hotel Skeppsholmen.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
There is a reason why Hotel Skeppsholmen is a Member of Design Hotels and stands apart from the crowd. From subtle and sophisticated design choices to practical conveniences thoughtfully placed throughout my room, it was clear that an immense amount of attention had been put into creating a thoroughly memorable lodging experience.
Located on Skeppsholmen Island, Hotel Skeppsholmen is strategically located near beautiful cultural attractions and steps away from the center of Stockholm. With just a short walk or a quick cruise via Ferry #82, you can easily explore all that Old Town has to offer as well as visit popular tourist sites like Skansen!
Negatives
If you require an intense workout session daily, it may be challenging since Hotel Skeppsholmen has a tiny onsite fitness center. However, hotel guests can visit the gym at Nobis Hotel Stockholm for free, which is phenomenal. In addition, you can explore the beautiful grounds of Skeppsholmen Island and even play tennis on the first outdoor tennis court in Sweden.
Coffee is often a daily necessity for many travelers, so I was disappointed to discover that my room lacked the one amenity essential for starting each morning—a coffee machine. I hope the omission was an oversight from the hotel’s end, and other rooms had coffee machines in them.
Summary
Hotel Skeppsholmen provided an unparalleled lodging experience with its remarkable attention to detail and tranquil grounds. My stay was effortless, as the intuitive design language immediately created a sense of familiarity; I felt like I fit in even though it was my first time there. From the unique amenities all around me to each tiny element within my room, no corner went unnoticed. When staying at Hotel Skeppsholmen, explore everything that the property offers you; whether it's playing tennis on the historic tennis court or biking around the island itself, there is something for everyone. I guarantee you will enjoy every minute spent at Hotel Skeppsholmen, I highly recommend Hotel Skeppsholmen to anyone visiting Stockholm.
