Cruising From Stockholm

Best ‘Green’ Hotel, environmentally friendly.

The Facts —Both stylish and efficiently managed, the Scandic Anglais is a modern, centrally located hotel that stakes a claim as being environmentally friendly while providing comfortable and stylish accommodations.

True to its “green” philosophy, the hotel provides an attractive bottle in rooms that guests may fill with Stockholm drinking water, which, the hotel says, ranks among the “world’s best water.”

Bicycles also are available free of charge, although the Scandic, situated in trendy Stureplan, is within walking distance of most of the city’s attractions.

The ground floor houses a long bar and lounge, popular with the after-work crowd, and the breakfast area and reception. In the adjacent shop, guests can buy salads and sandwiches for quick meals on the go or to stock their mini-bars back in their rooms.

Cozy Digs —The 230 rooms at Scandic Anglais fall under three categories: Cabin, a cozy 129 square feet, designed primarily for those who simply need a place to sleep while on business in Stockholm; Superior, 301 square feet and with views over the park Humlegarden from your private balcony; and spacious suites.

Final Word — The Scandic Anglais is located in the heart of Stockholm’s shopping and nightclub district. Also, the hotel bar is a popular local hangout for young professionals, especially on weekends. The hotel features a new, quieter bar on the second floor.

Scandic Anglais also offers a spa with hot tubs, Swedish sauna and gym, and the entire property is set up for wireless internet.

HOTEL AMENITIES:

• Dry cleaning and express laundry service
• Irons, ironing board available upon request; safe in room
• Free wireless internet is provided, but you need a code, which conveniently can be retrieved via reception or your in-room TV.
  
• Bikes are available free of charge.
  
• Air Conditioning
• Health Club with gym and treatments
• Kids Stay Free

SAMPLE RATE:
Sample rate for July 10 – July 12, 2009, (two nights, two people) US$139 per night for Double Room with breakfast included.

CATEGORY:

**** 4 Stars

The Scandic chain used to transport 4 million bottles of water annually to its hotels. That was unsustainable, management felt, which is why the chain now invests in the best water there is — H2O from its own tap. In guest rooms, you’ll find attractive hand-blown glass water bottles designed by an Olympic swimmer, who has an obvious affection for water, and a glass designer. Either fill from your sink or from water dispensers that serve still or sparkling. Your cost: $0.