Poshtels: Stockholm’s Newest Hospitality Experience
Not surprisingly for such a design-forward city as Stockholm, the Swedish capital is home to a burgeoning set of ultra-hip spots looking to shake up perceptions of what a hostel can and should be.
The irrepressible rise of the Poshtel has taken the hospitality industry by storm over the last few years – offering a highly desirable blend of funky style and luxe comfort usually associated with boutique hotels, yet with the wallet-friendly rates of a hostel. Hardly surprising then, that Sweden’s capital has jumped on board with the Poshtel trend and is providing affordable yet sophisticated accommodation for the sociable, creative travellers attracted to this modern city. We’ve pulled together a selection of the best ones so you don’t have to.
Skanstull's Hostel
Hostel
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.
STF Af Champan & Skeppsholmen Vandrarhem
Budget Hotel, Independent Hotel
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.
Generator Stockholm
Hostel
The award-winning Generator chain of hostels encapsulates the Poshtel aesthetic – smart, design-led hostels with functional practicality and a room rate to match. Generator Stockholm perfectly reflects the city’s eclectic charms, with stylish décor, a sociable vibe and great food and drink. Locals and tourists alike flock to the legendary Generator parties, boasting world-renowned guest appearances and a banging bassline. After a night of Generator shots, you’ll be glad your bed is only a short stagger away.
Old Town Lodge
Hotel
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.
Klubbensborg
Hotel
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.
Dahlstrom Manor Hostel
Hostel
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.
Langholmen Hostel
Independent Hotel
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.
Jumbo Stay
Hostel
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!