Rival Hotel

In the heart of the hip Södermalm district, Hotel Rival fits in with its fashion-conscious surroundings, with quirky décor throughout and a continuous programme of shows and concerts held at the hotel’s theatre and bars.

Rooms and suites at Hotel Rival are sleek and contemporary in design, with light wood floors and unique photography and artwork adorning the walls. Many overlook Maria Square or the hotel courtyard, and particular attention is paid to the comfort of the sleeping arrangements, with the highest-quality Egyptian cotton and a pillow menu for you to choose from.

At Hotel Rival’s bistro, head chef Håkan Carlsson serves up gourmet takes on Swedish and Scandinavian delicacies, such as pike-perch from Hjälmaren, Kalix caviar and pickled herring, in a warm and informal atmosphere. Original features from the hotel’s first incarnation as a 1930s cinema can still be seen in the bistro. Each Sunday an extravagant brunch is served in the bistro at 1pm.

As befits a hotel owned by a Swedish musical great like Benny Andersson, there is always plenty of onsite entertainment at Hotel Rival, with its 700-seat theatre welcoming a variety of musicians, comedians and other stage performers. Hotel Rival’s bar also welcomes some of Stockholm’s finest guest DJs, every Friday and Saturday evening.

Attractions outside the hotel include the Vasamuseet, a museum dedicated to the 17^th century warship Vasa, which has been restored almost completely original parts, and Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum and zoo, which illustrates what life was like for Swedes in pre-industrial times. Since you’re staying at Benny’s hotel, why not head to the ABBA Museum, a brash temple to the Swedish pop legends.