Hotel Review: Story Hotel Riddargatan - JdV by Hyatt
Östermalm is one of Stockholm’s most affluent neighborhoods, renowned for its fine dining and luxury shopping. Just a street behind the high-end boutiques sits Story Hotel Riddargatan, part of the JdV (Joie de Vivre) brand. Designed to attract young, vibrant travelers, the hotel focuses on fostering connections between guests and locals. JdV properties are typically budget-friendly, which adds to the appeal of Story Hotel Riddargatan given its upscale location. For visitors to Stockholm, staying in Östermalm means easy access to top attractions and convenient public transport—and with such an affordable nightly rate, choosing this hotel was an easy decision for us. My stay at Story Hotel Riddargatan was interesting, and here is my review of Story Hotel Riddargatan:
Story Hotel Riddargatan - JdV by Hyatt is located at Riddargatan 6, 114 35 Stockholm, Sweden.
Location
Story Hotel Riddargatan, part of JdV by Hyatt, is situated in the heart of Stockholm's Östermalm district, just steps away from Stureplan, a hub for business, shopping, and nightlife. The hotel is approximately 100 meters from Östermalmstorg Metro Station, providing convenient access to the city's public transportation network. Nearby attractions include the Army Museum, Hallwyl Museum, and Strandvägen, all within a short walking distance. Guests can also explore the upscale shopping areas and vibrant nightlife that the neighborhood offers. Additionally, the renowned Östermalm Saluhall, a historic food market, is just a few minutes' walk away, offering a taste of Swedish culinary delights.
Lobby & Check-In Review
When you arrive at Story Hotel Riddargatan, you might be surprised to find there’s virtually no traditional lobby. Instead, a small check-in desk sits by the entrance, reminiscent of a host stand at a restaurant. Fortunately, there was no line when we arrived, but during busy times, I could easily imagine a few groups crowding into the compact space, waiting to check in while standing in line.
Rather than a traditional front desk, check-in was done while standing, giving the process a more relaxed and casual feel.
This streamlined setup, which deviates from the conventional front desk and lounge area, may be inconvenient for guests who prefer more traditional arrangements. However, it likely appeals to younger travelers who prefer a fast and no-fuss experience.
Inside the elevator, a daily Spotify playlist curated by the hotel played alongside quirky commentary, adding a fun touch.
During check-in, I was pleasantly surprised to learn we had been upgraded to the Attic Suite—the hotel’s largest room, located on the top floor. We also received complimentary drink vouchers, each worth up to 100 SEK (around 9 USD), which could be redeemed at Ling Long Restaurant & Bar on the lobby level.
The bar featured a retractable window that opened up to the outside on sunny days, making our afternoon drinks even more enjoyable.
We headed there right away and used the vouchers to order a cold beer. The bar had a lively, welcoming atmosphere, and I noticed a few locals stopping in after work for a quick drink.
The bar’s industrial vibe was complemented by a striking collection of photography art.
After finishing our refreshing draft Carlsberg, we made our way up to the sixth floor to settle into our suite.
Living Room & Bedroom Review
Measuring 646 square feet, the suite occupied the entire sixth floor of the hotel. As we stepped inside, it immediately felt cozy—more like a boutique apartment than a hotel room. The space embraced minimalistic Scandinavian design, and the loft layout featured roof windows that opened easily, adding both charm and fresh air.
The minimalistic kitchenette gave the Attic Suite the feel of a stylish boutique apartment.
The suite included a proper kitchenette, and while it lacked a stovetop, it was equipped with a stylish Smeg refrigerator and a microwave.
While there was no stove, the microwave came in handy for reheating leftovers instead of letting them go to waste.
Having a full-sized fridge and microwave was a practical touch, allowing us to bring back leftovers and enjoy them later without waste. Local Swedish snacks and candies were available for purchase, and the fridge was stocked with complimentary bottled water alongside other drinks for sale.
A selection of local Swedish snacks and nuts was available for purchase—try the candies if you have a sweet tooth.
We especially appreciated having a proper dining table, which made late-night snacks or afternoon coffee feel more relaxed and civilized—no need to awkwardly perch on the edge of the bed.
We appreciated the full-sized fridge and the complimentary bottles of water already stocked for our stay.
A generous collection of fashion and design coffee table books lined the walls, adding a creative, leisurely vibe to our coffee breaks.
I wish the art had been labeled with the artist and title; one piece oddly reminded me of Uncle Sam.
The open-plan layout included a living area with a wall-mounted TV, a comfortable sofa, and quirky photography art that matched the hotel’s playful personality.
The living room, though minimal, felt too sparse for my taste.
However, the furniture itself looked and felt generic, almost like it came straight from an Ikea catalog. While functional, it lacked the character and craftsmanship often associated with Scandinavian design.
Despite being the hotel’s top suite, the furniture quality felt underwhelming.
The bedroom carried through the same minimalist aesthetic as the living room. A king-sized bed sat tucked under the sloped ceiling, and although the mattress was decent, it wasn’t particularly memorable in terms of comfort.
The bedroom followed the same aesthetic and didn’t quite meet the standards I’d expect for a suite.
The small nightstands with bedside lamps offered minimal surface area for storing phones or personal items, and another sofa, a small coffee table, and an industrial fan filled one corner. Like Hotel Reisen, Story Hotel Riddargatan did not offer air conditioning in any of its rooms.
There was no air conditioning, so we had to rely on a fan to stay cool.
For a suite marketed as the hotel’s top-tier offering, I was genuinely surprised to find no AC. A second fan in the living area helped, and with both fans running at night, we were able to sleep relatively comfortably. Another smart TV was mounted across from the bed, but otherwise, the bedroom felt a bit sparse.
The toilet and shower were attached to the bedroom but separated from each other.
While I appreciate a clean, uncluttered space, a larger coffee table or a media console could have added both function and balance. Overall, the furniture quality didn’t quite match the expectations I had for the hotel’s premier suite.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom was connected to the bedroom and divided into two separate spaces: a water closet and a walk-in shower. The water closet featured classic black-and-white tiles, a toilet, and a single sink. Thanks to a large roof window, the room was filled with natural light.
The black-and-white tile design gave a classic feel, though the bathroom felt excessively large—something I rarely find myself saying.
While I appreciate minimalist design, I missed having a proper vanity or even a towel rack. I ended up placing my towel on the ledge by the window, which felt awkward and prevented it from drying properly. Next door was a spacious walk-in shower that felt like its own private room. It included a rainfall showerhead, a handheld option, and Alchemist toiletries, a brand I’ve often seen at European hotels. Like the water closet, this area also had a roof window that let in natural light. A single, minimalistic towel hanger sat beside a small potted plant, which looked nice but wasn't especially practical.
The walk-in shower was the same size as the water closet, and that space might have been better used elsewhere.
While the water pressure was strong and I liked the open feel of the shower, the design was too barebones. Grabbing a towel required stepping across the room, and with water splashing everywhere, I ended up making a trail of towels just to avoid soaking the carpet in the bedroom. Unfortunately, the biggest issue was the persistent sewage odor coming from the shower drain. We kept the roof window open at all times to try to ventilate the smell, but it was a lingering nuisance that made the bathroom experience less than enjoyable.
Gym & Breakfast Review
Although the hotel doesn’t have an on-site gym, it partners with SATS Stureplan, a full-service fitness center located just around the corner. Spanning 2,000 square meters, the facility offers a wide variety of workout options. I didn’t have the chance to use it during my stay, but guests can easily request access by contacting the front desk.
The restaurant’s industrial look blended with Asian-inspired details, creating a unique charm.
Breakfast at Story Hotel Riddargatan is served on the ground floor from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays and from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM on weekends. It’s included with every room rate, which is a particularly nice perk for budget travelers. The dining area shares its space with Ling Long, an Asian fusion restaurant, so the room is infused with Asian-inspired design. Exposed brick walls and delicate Chinese porcelain blend Eastern and Western aesthetics, creating a refreshingly unique atmosphere for a Swedish hotel.
There was also a lovely backyard patio open for lunch and dinner when the weather permitted.
The buffet itself was compact. Hot items included scrambled eggs, bacon, and sautéed mushrooms, though without food warmers, even the cast iron pots couldn't keep them hot for long.
Unfortunately, hot items served in cast iron pots cooled down rather quickly.
At the center of the buffet, there were sliced meats and cheeses, fresh vegetables, and fruit.
The charcuterie selection was small but fresh and well-curated.
While the selection wasn’t extensive, everything tasted fresh and of good quality. The smoked salmon was a crowd favorite, and for those feeling adventurous, pickled herring offered a more traditional local option.
For a true Swedish bite, pair the smoked salmon with mustard sauce and a slice of rye bread.
A small bread station featured dense, seeded varieties of rye crispbread, which Swedes often pair with butter. These aren’t my personal favorite, so I opted for a slice of rustic country bread instead.
In addition to traditional rye crispbread, several hearty loaves were served with a haeping bowl of butter.
The hotel also set up modest stations for guests with gluten-free or vegan diets. Although the options were limited, it was thoughtful to accommodate dietary needs.
Gluten-free pastries were limited but available for those with dietary needs.
To finish, I tried a cinnamon roll dusted with powdered sugar. It wasn’t freshly baked in-house, but it delivered a sweet ending to the meal.
Vegan offerings mostly included dairy alternatives, while the cinnamon rolls and croissants were not vegan-friendly.
Overall, the breakfast buffet was simple but satisfying. Given that it’s included in the room rate, it’s worth stopping by for a light, convenient start to the day. While the hotel does not have an onsite gym, they have a partnership with the SATS Stureplan located around the corner. The fitness center boasts an area of 2,000 square meters, offering a wide range of workout options. Though I didn’t get a chance to use the gym, guests could contact the front desk for access to the gym.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The JdV brand is designed for young, vibrant travelers and emphasizes creating connections between visitors and locals. Story Hotel Riddargatan embraced this vision with a stylish communal space and chic interior design that clearly appealed to a younger crowd. The industrial aesthetic and quirky details throughout the hotel served as strong brand signatures.
The hotel further reinforced its community-driven approach by providing complimentary drink vouchers and free breakfast, simple yet effective ways to encourage guests to mingle and connect.
Negatives
The rooms at Story Hotel Riddargatan lacked air conditioning, and I was genuinely surprised that even the hotel’s top suite didn’t include this basic amenity. Luckily, the weather was mild during our stay, and the two fans provided in the suite were enough to keep us comfortable at night.
I was also somewhat disappointed with the furniture quality. While I appreciate the simplicity of Scandinavian design, the furnishings felt too minimal and lacked character. Certain areas of the suite felt noticeably empty, reinforcing a sense of incompleteness where I had expected more thoughtful design.
Summary
Located in Stockholm’s upscale Östermalm neighborhood, Story Hotel Riddargatan offers a stylish and budget-friendly retreat for young, energetic travelers. As part of the JdV (Joie de Vivre) brand, the hotel combines minimalist Scandinavian design with a social, community-driven atmosphere. Guests are welcomed with complimentary drink vouchers and a free breakfast, encouraging casual connections and shared experiences. The hotel’s appeal to a younger crowd is reflected in its bold industrial design and playful decor. I stayed in The Attic Suite, a cozy loft with a sleek kitchenette and modern touches. While the space had charm, the basic furniture and lack of air conditioning made it less comfortable. The bathroom was spacious and contemporary, though an unpleasant odor from the drain detracted from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, Story Hotel Riddargatan impressed with its creative energy and urban vibe. For travelers seeking a hip, affordable stay in a vibrant Stockholm neighborhood, Story Hotel Riddargatan is a solid choice.
