Cruising From Stockholm

Editor’s Choice: Most Stately Hotel Name In Stockholm.

The Facts — For a touch of prestige within walking distance of Stockholm’s best attractions, the Grand Hotel serves as a convenient — and comfortable — home base. This architecturally impressive Intercontinental property first opened in 1874 and has been constantly upgraded and renovated.

The Grand’s restaurants include The Veranda, offering a traditional Swedish menu and a popular Smorgasbord, as well as two distinct spaces overseen by leading Swedish chef Mathias Dahlgren, Michelin Star-rated Matsalen and the more casual, but excellent, Food Bar. The Cadier Bar, named for the hotel’s founder, offers a must-experience high tea service as well as a lounge for relaxation and some unobtrusive live music.

Cozy Digs — The Grand is regally impressive. With a total of 368 rooms, including 37 suites, the Grand offers five room categories, ranging from smallish singles to commodious Deluxe rooms. In addition, there are several categories of suites, ranging from two-room Juniors to Parlours with up to five rooms. If you are planning a “royal” family reunion, you might consider the two-bedroom Princess Lilian Suite with a home theater for 12 and access to limousine service.

Final Word —Perfectly situated across from Sweden’s Royal Palace and the Parliament building on one side and harbor views on the other, the Grand Hotel truly lives up to its name. Large and luxurious and steeped in Swedish history, this hotel is the preferred address in Stockholm for those who seek out the best.

HOTEL AMENITIES

• Dry cleaning and express laundry service
• Irons, ironing board available upon request; safe in room
• Internet is provided free of charge, both wireless (throughout the hotel) and by cable in the rooms.
• Bicycles are not provided.
• Air Conditioning
• Health Club with gym and treatments

SAMPLE RATE:
Sample rate for July 10 – July 12, 2009, (two nights, two people) US$243 per night for small double room with breakfast included.

CATEGORY:
*****5 Stars

Over the past 125-plus years,  many of the world’s best-known names have made the Grand their home address when in Stockholm. In his suite at the Grand, Charlie Chaplin chatted with Ingmar Bergman on a visit in 1964. Distinguished guests, heads of state and celebrities have all chosen the Grand as their hotel of choice. The city’s stately dame has even hosted the Nobel Laureates, ever since the first prize was awarded in Stockholm in 1901.