Poshtels: Stockholm’s Newest Hospitality Experience

Skanstull’s isn’t your typical Ikea-adorned dormitory hostel. Colourful, individually designed rooms with hand-selected furniture and hotel comfort beds are the key to his hostel’s success. You can choose to stay with your friends in the large group rooms or opt for a more solitary chamber if you prefer some privacy. Located in the unofficial ‘Sofo’ district of Stockholm, known for its cool vibe, green spaces and trendy shops, you’re in the right place to enjoy the city’s many charms.

A stay on board the fully rigged ship, The Af Chapman, is a treat for any traveller. Moored on an island opposite the Old Town, the ship offers wonderful views across the water to the colourful buildings of Gamla Stan. The ship attracts an interesting mix of business guests, backpackers and families, all happy to share this quirky hostel’s space. Ferries run regularly to the archipelago and other attractions, or you can walk/ride back to the mainland over the bridge.

This 17th-century building is tucked away on a quiet, cobbled street in Gamla Stan, the city’s Old Town. Cosy and discreet, the hostel offers travellers bright Scandi style rooms with exposed brick and stone walls. The small dorms only sleep up to four people, making this hostel less of a party than others, but with a chilled, informal atmosphere. A communal kitchen is on-site to make your own food, along with a relaxing dining and lounge area.

Located on a pretty peninsula on Lake Mälaren, Klubbensborg offers rooms in their heritage-listed 18th- and 19th-century buildings, including a hostel, apartment and pension rooms, plus camping in the summer. There’s a playground to let the kids burn off some steam and the lake offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and boating. Stockholm’s city centre is only a short distance away and ferries run to various destinations in the archipelago. During the summer months, you can enjoy beautiful lakeside views while listening to musical performances every Sunday.

Mike and Cece offer guests a warm welcome to their hostel in the beautiful municipality of Tyresö, about half an hour’s drive south-east of Stockholm. Dahlstrom Manor is located in Fornudden, on the Baltic coast, traditionally known as a summer escape for the rich city folk of Stockholm. Here you can swim, take a kayak out for a few hours, have a sauna by the lake or simply relax on the shore in this tranquil place.

Fancy a holiday in a prison? The Långholmen’s Youth Hostel is located in the old Kronohäktet remand prison, where rooms are cells with bunks accommodating up to ‘inmates’. The cells have all now been totally renovated of course, for a comfortable, non-obligatory stay. Långholmen is an island in the middle of Stockholm, by Södermalm and close to Kungsholmen, where you’ll find park areas, lush green groves and areas for bathing in Lake Mälaren, all conveniently close to the city centre.

As you may have guessed from the name, this unusual hostel is located on-board a Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet, right at Stockholm’s Arlanda airport. Rooms can accommodate up to four adults and some come complete with an ensuite bathroom. You can even book a stay in the cockpit, which boasts a panoramic view of the airport over the knobs and levers of the plane’s original dashboard. And it’s a lot cheaper than a First Class ticket!