This old-school hotel ticks all our proverbial
boxes. Centrally located in Norrmalmstorg Square. Tick. Sizeable
lounge area with multiple power outlets. Tick. Scandinavian-style
bedrooms. Double tick (we stayed
in a twin, you see).

The Nobis Hotel, due to its
location, is a logical choice for a trip to Stockholm. Pragmatism and
practicalities aside, its refined aesthetic cinches the deal with
high ceilings, spiral staircases to rival curly fries and oodles of
marble.

It also neighbours a rather famous address; Acne’s flagship
store – which is notable in its own right – was the location of the
1973 robbery (it was formerly a bank) that coined the term
“Stockholm Syndrome”.

Bedrooms

A modular space, your room looks like a game of Tetris or
battleship, with block furniture plotted disparately across your
suite. There’s a couch and oversized grey felt pouffe, mismatched
side tables and a precarious mirror leaning in the corner. At the
other end of your room a low-hanging, tulip-shaped lamp throws
light over a mushroom-top table.

Guests will coo over the well-stocked minibar (complete with
Toblerone and blood-orange San Pellegrino), as well as an iron and
ironing board, stashed in the chevron-patterned wardrobe. Veer
right to the all-marble bathroom, stocked with Byredo amenities and
boasting a particularly powerful shower.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is served until 11.30am, and frankly, it will take you
until then to get through the lengthy buffet spread. Start with
granola and dried fruits, nuts and seeds and a hefty dollop of
natural yoghurt.

Whip around to the far end of the counter for your fill of
vegan-friendly hot-buffet
options, as well as veal sausage and a delicious chive omelette,
served with a side of smoked salmon. Finish with a batch of
pancakes crowned with whipped cream and loganberry jam “for the
table”.

How about lunch and dinner?

Choose from two restaurants – Bino and Noi. Head
sub-terra to the popular with locals, Bino. The hotel’s main
restaurant (yes, you did have your breakfast here earlier) serves
up a broad menu that will appeal to most palettes; we can’t resist
the salmon and tuna ceviche tacos.

For something with a Mediterranean edge, try Noi.
This compact, street-facing restaurant serves some of the best
Italian in the city. The fried
red prawns with chilli garlic and parsley followed by lemon pie
with Italian meringue, are well matched.

Is there a bar?

Yes – the Gold Bar, which opens at 5pm. Compact but alluring, it
emotes “all that glitters” vibes with a Scandi twist. Think more
cognac-coloured marble and mood lighting rather than gaudy and
bedazzling.

Amenities

Gym, spa and sauna.

Things you should know

Pack trousers with an elasticated and chunky knits. You’ll
likely eat a lot of cinnamon-laden carbohydrates while in town.
Fika is the order of the day and we suggest branching out and
ordering a kardemmummabullar (a modern take on the cinnamon bun –
basically with more butter and cardamom-spiced) at your nearest
Fabrique. Don’t worry if you get lost – there’s practically one on
every corner. Three Fabrique locations are less than five minutes
from Nobis.

Within a short walk you’ll find…

The city’s best shopping – from GANNI to Svekst Tenn – so leave
your wallet in your hotel room if you want to avoid temptation.

Ride the subway and explore miles of painted and embellished
train tunnels. Nearby Kungstradgarden, which dons a festive colour
palette of green and red, is a standout.

If you fancy a bite beyond the hotel’s confines, Eataly is just
around the corner.