Hotel Review: Hôtel Reisen, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is their curated take on unique, story-rich lodging—spotlighting independent hotels with character, history, and architectural charm. Hotel Reisen fits that mold perfectly. The building dates back to 1617, and the hotel’s name traces its roots to Fredrik Reisee, a Dutchman who operated a semi-legal coffeehouse here in the 1760s. Over the centuries, the space evolved through various uses before officially becoming a hotel in 1819. Fittingly, Reisen means “the journey” in Swedish, and I was eager to embark on one steeped in heritage and charm. Unfortunately, my journey at Hotel Reisen was cut short by a disappointing and below-average stay. Here is my review of Hotel Reisen, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt:
Hotel Reisen is located in Gamla Stand—Skeppsbron 12, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden.
Location
Hotel Reisen is located in the heart of Stockholm's historic Gamla Stan (Old Town), offering a picturesque waterfront setting along the Baltic Sea. Its prime location places you within walking distance of iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral, and Stortorget Square, with its colorful medieval buildings. The area is filled with charming cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafes, perfect for exploring Stockholm's rich history and culture. Nearby, you can easily access modern attractions such as the Fotografiska Museum and the lively Södermalm district for trendy restaurants and nightlife. Additionally, the hotel provides convenient access to ferries for exploring the Stockholm Archipelago.
Lobby & Check-In Review
It’s nearly impossible to overlook the hotel’s striking yellow façade. After a brief climb up a set of stairs, we stepped into a modest lobby. The ground floor housed both the restaurant and bar, while the main lounge area felt noticeably tight.
The moderately sized lobby initially felt welcoming, but it quickly filled up as a small group gathered.
The space was furnished with just two red couches that made the compact space feel even more constrained. During check-in, a small conference was underway, turning the reception area into a bit of a frenzy.
The hotel offered a quirky selection of merchandise, including toiletries, chocolates, and even a pair of binoculars (more on that later).
Fortunately, quieter seating areas tucked away toward the back offered a welcome retreat. Scandinavian furnishings and maritime-inspired décor subtly echoed the hotel's historic roots.
Toward the back of the lobby, we found additional seating with a charming nautical theme.
At the end of the corridor, we passed Bar Brahe, the hotel’s own bar, where live jazz sets the mood on Thursday and Friday evenings.
The hotel’s bar, Bar Brahe, came to life on Thursday and Friday evenings with live jazz performances.
Despite the initial bustle, check-in itself was smooth, and thanks to my Hyatt Globalist status, we were upgraded to the Stockholm Suite with a Sea View. After receiving the card keys, we went up to the second floor where our room was located.
Living Room & Bedroom Review
The Stockholm Suite offered a cozy and stylish living space, anchored by a large sofa and minimalist coffee table. True to Scandinavian design, the décor was clean and uncluttered, with a focus on simplicity and function.
The living space was thoughtfully furnished with cozy Scandinavian pieces, exuding a minimalist vibe.
Beside the couch, a minibar showcased familiar Swedish snacks like Bilar, along with a complimentary Nespresso machine—perfect for an in-room fika.
A corner shelf offered a sweet touch with classic Swedish candies like Bilar, along with a Nespresso machine perfect for an afternoon coffee.
Even the lighting above the coffee station was deliberately understated and utilitarian. Below it, a well-stocked mini fridge held a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Swedes are famously passionate about coffee; Sweden consistently ranks among the top coffee-consuming countries in the world.
The selection included a mini bottle of Hernö gin—the first Swedish gin distillery, founded in 2011, which quickly rose to prominence as the most awarded gin producer in Europe.
The fridge was stocked with various drinks, and if you're a fan of Nordic gin, I highly recommend trying gin from Hernö.
A sleek work desk faced the window, featuring views over Skeppsbron’s lively street life and out toward the Baltic Sea and Stockholm’s archipelago.
The work desk faced the Baltic Sea and Stockholm’s archipelago, though being on the second floor meant the view was somewhat limited.
On the desk, a thoughtful welcome of bottled water and gourmet chocolates awaited, along with a pair of binoculars.
We were greeted with bottled water and chocolates as welcome amenities—thank you, Hotel Reisen!
I thought it was a whimsical touch that made it feel like we were aboard a ship setting sail.
A pair of binoculars was included in the room, inviting guests to take in the view outside.
While our suite was on the second floor and the view wasn’t quite as breathtaking as we’d hoped, it was still fun to scan the scenery with the binoculars.
Having a tram station right outside the hotel made public transportation incredibly convenient, though it did bring some nighttime noise.
Tucked into a cozy nook, the king-sized bed was flanked by small nightstands and reading lights, while corner windows bathed the space in natural light. The bed itself was quite comfortable, though we struggled to find functioning power outlets nearby.
As a corner unit, the bedroom was bathed in natural light throughout the day.
At first glance, the suite appeared nearly perfect, and we were genuinely excited for our two-night stay. However, the experience quickly soured. The room was uncomfortably warm, and to our surprise, the hotel lacked air conditioning.
Unfortunately, the suite lacked air conditioning, which made sleeping at night uncomfortably warm.
A Dyson tower fan was provided, but it barely made a dent. At night, the heat forced us to open the windows, only to be met with tram noise and bright streetlights that made it nearly impossible to sleep. For a five-star hotel, the absence of climate control felt like a serious oversight. After a sleepless and stifling night, we reluctantly cut our stay short and checked into another hotel.
Bathroom Review
The Stockholm Suite featured two bathrooms: a compact half bath near the entrance, and a full bathroom tucked deeper into the suite. Though the half bath was small, clever use of mirrors gave the illusion of more space, making it feel less confined.
A small half bathroom served mainly as a private water closet during our stay.
The main bathroom was far more generous in size, anchored by a stylish double-sink vanity with modern lines and circular mirrors that evoked the look of vintage ship portholes—a subtle nautical nod.
The round mirrors subtly echoed the hotel’s nautical theme, adding a stylish touch.
On the countertop, the hotel provided complimentary shower oil and a curious item from Maria Åkerberg, a Swedish organic skincare brand. Upon unwrapping it, I discovered it was an exfoliating glove, and it was surprisingly more convenient and effective than a traditional loofah.
Using the exfoliating glove was a pleasant surprise, as it felt intuitive and more natural than traditional options.
The walk-in shower presented a rainfall-style showerhead and wall-mounted Votary toiletries, which carried a subtle, refreshing rosemary scent.
If you're a fan of Votary toiletries, you'll be happy to know they’re available for purchase in the lobby.
True to Sweden’s commitment to sustainability, the products came in refillable dispensers to help reduce plastic waste.
The only drawback of the primary bathroom was the slightly low ceiling around the vanity area.
The only downside was that the ceilings were noticeably low, much like the back section of the lobby. For taller guests, the bathrooms might feel slightly cramped or claustrophobic.
Gym & Spa Review—Tjärn
Both the gym and spa were located on the lower level, open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM. However, reaching the fitness center wasn’t exactly convenient, as the elevator didn’t go directly there. Instead, you had to exit on the ground floor and take a flight of stairs down, which felt like a design oversight. The gym itself was quite basic, outfitted with a handful of cardio machines, a simple set of dumbbells and kettlebells, and a single multi-function training machine tucked into the corner.
Located on the basement level, the gym wasn’t easily accessible to all guests due to a long flight of stairs.
Fortunately, I had the space to myself during my visit, but it’s easy to imagine how congested it could feel if shared with others.
The gym offered basic cardio and strength equipment, though the space could feel a bit tight when shared.
After a quick workout, my wife and I headed next door to the spa, which was a far more impressive space.
Just next to the gym, the spa presented a much more impressive experience.
The ambiance was serene, with a relaxation area featuring lounge chairs beneath centuries-old cross vaults that once formed part of Stockholm’s city walls, dating back to the 1690s.
The cross vaults were once part of Stockholm’s city walls, dating back to the 1690s.
A hidden gem in the spa was a footprint left behind by a worker from the 17th century, immortalized in a brick. It was a quiet, touching reminder of the past.
A worker’s footprint from the 17th century is still visible on the wall—a fascinating historical detail.
Beyond its historic charm, the spa offered a traditional Swedish dry sauna and a 12°C cold plunge pool (Tjärn).
The contrast between the cold plunge pool and the sauna was incredibly reinvigorating.
While jumping into near-freezing water may sound daunting, it was nothing short of invigorating after spending 10 minutes in the sauna. This contrast—known as the Nordic Cycle—was incredibly rejuvenating.
A dedicated hydration station outside the sauna made it easy to rehydrate after a good sweat.
Without question, it was the highlight of our stay. While the gym was forgettable, the spa delivered a memorable and authentically Swedish wellness experience.
Breakfast Review—Restaurant Reiss
Breakfast was served on the lobby level at Restaurant Reiss, available from 6:30 AM to 10 AM on weekdays and 7:30 AM to 11 AM on weekends. Thanks to my Hyatt Globalist status, breakfast was complimentary for both my wife and me. The dining area was tastefully decorated, featuring modern chandeliers and elegant arched windows that looked out onto the lively street of Skeppsbron.
The dining room at Restaurant Reiss was elegantly decorated with chandeliers and tall windows that opened up to views outside.
When the weather cooperates, guests can even dine al fresco and soak in the morning sun.
Outdoor tables were a popular choice for lunch and afternoon cocktails, especially on sunny days.
We opted to sit indoors, where the buffet offered a balanced mix of traditional Swedish fare and classic international options. I started my morning with a cup of coffee and a refreshing glass of apple juice with lemon, while my wife enjoyed a cold-pressed juice made with ginger and carrot, which is her personal favorite.
Fresh fruit and green juices offered a refreshing and nutritious start to the morning.
A small open kitchen in the back ensured that hot items like scrambled eggs, sausages, baked beans, and bacon were freshly replenished in cast iron pots.
Hot entrées were served in cast iron pots and pans, keeping them warm right up to the last bite.
These offerings clearly catered more to international guests, as typical Swedish breakfasts tend to be lighter. As expected, crispbread and a large bowl of butter were staples at the bread station.
Swedes take their bread seriously; from hearty rye loaves to delicate sweet pastries, there was something for everyone.
One of the highlights for me was the selection of distinctly Swedish items. These included hard-boiled eggs served with either caviar or Skagenröra (a creamy Swedish shrimp salad), liver pâté with pickles on crispbread, and, of course, smoked salmon and pickled herring—essential elements of any Scandinavian breakfast.
Skagenröra, a creamy Swedish shrimp salad made with tiny shrimp, was served on hard-boiled eggs or bread.
For those less inclined to try local flavors, there were familiar options too: cold cuts, assorted cheeses, fresh fruit, and a variety of yogurts and muesli.
The breakfast buffet featured a well-rounded selection of cheeses and meats.
I made my own mix, topping plain yogurt with dried fruit for natural sweetness. While the fresh fruit wasn’t quite as ripe as I’d hoped, the vegetable station allowed me to create a refreshing salad instead.
Salad options were kept simple, but the ingredients were fresh and flavorful.
There was also a modest gluten-free section with a few baked goods. While the selection was limited, it was thoughtful.
A small yet thoughtful section of gluten-free baked goods was also included in the buffet.
Considering Stockholm’s high dining costs, breakfast at Restaurant Reiss is worth it, even more so if you have Globalist benefits. For guests curious about authentic Swedish morning fare, it’s a great opportunity to sample local flavors in a comfortable, stylish setting.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The hotel’s location is ideal, especially for first-time visitors. The Royal Palace is just a short walk away, and Stockholm’s charming Old Town (Gamla Stan) sits right behind the property. Conveniently, both ferry terminals and tram stops are located just outside the hotel entrance, making it easy to explore the city via public transportation.
The spa was easily my favorite part of the hotel. Alternating between the traditional Swedish dry sauna and the icy cold plunge pool offered a refreshing taste of local wellness culture. What made it even more special was the setting. The vaulted stone walls surrounding the spa dates back to the 1690s, adding a layer of historic charm to the entire experience.
Negatives
Hotel Reisen is a five-star property, so I was genuinely shocked to discover that my suite lacked air conditioning. Even with the Dyson fan running and all the windows open, the room remained uncomfortably warm throughout the night. We barely slept, and ultimately decided to cut our stay short and move to another hotel.
Summary
Hotel Reisen, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, combines rich history with a great location in Stockholm’s Gamla Stan. The building, built in 1617, is close to landmarks like the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral, with ferries and trams just outside. The hotel’s spa was a highlight, featuring a Swedish dry sauna and a 12°C cold plunge pool for a true Nordic relaxation experience. However, the Stockholm Suite, while stylish with its Scandinavian design, lacked air conditioning. This made the room uncomfortable in warmer weather. Although the location and spa are impressive, the lack of AC takes away from the hotel’s five-star appeal. For that reason, I would not recommend staying at Hotel Reisen, especially in the summer.
