Scandic Grand Central

The lobby at the Grand Central by Scandic is a popular hang-out spot with both guests and locals, thanks to its live-music nights and lively atmosphere. Light floods in through a large central atrium onto a cluster of maroon and blue-gray velvet sofas where guests lounge over coffee or work on their laptops. There's a communal table off to the side that's especially popular with freelancers and creative types. Music in the lobby and breakfast room can get a bit loud, but can be turned down upon request. The front desk has film studio lighting hanging above it, adding a trendy element to the somewhat more sedate entrance. The Bistro area, where live music is held on a regular basis, is on the far side of the lobby from the entrance, and has the feel of a vintage cabaret club, with exposed bulbs and banquettes. The main restaurant and cafe are especially stylish, with colorful tiled floors, large windows, metal stools, and a subway-tiled bar. The stairs are black metal, lending the hotel a fashionable industrial warehouse vibe and there's eye-catching lyrics written on the wall in black marker. The corridors are light and airy, thanks to the use of glass near the elevators.The Grand Central by Scandic is a hip and young place, but families still feel welcome, thanks to the welcoming front desk staff and the perks for kids. Business travelers like it for its central location.

Located on a busy street in Stockholm's central Norrmalm neighborhood, the Grand Central by Scandic is across the street from the Oscarsteatern, one of the most well-known musical theaters in Stockholm. The Stockholm City Hall and Royal Swedish Opera are both nearby, a 10- and 15-minute walk, respectively. The hotel is only five minutes from the Arlanda Express train station, which has connections to nearly everywhere in Stockholm. Sodermalm, one of the coolest areas of Stockholm, is a 15-minute train ride away; check out the hipster area of Hornstull. Gamla Stan, 10 minutes away on the metro, is Stockholm's original city center, a labyrinth of charming cobbled streets, alleyways, faded mustard- and rust-colored townhouses, and meeting squares.

Rooms at the Grand Central by Scandic are modern and trendy, with high ceilings that make them feel bigger than they actually are. From the parquet floors to the arched windows, and the dark blue-green walls to the black and white subway-tiled bathrooms, the rooms feel retro-chic and cozy. Song-lyric artwork is dotted throughout the rooms, and toiletries are from the high-end Face Stockholm brand. Some rooms have king-size beds, while others have two twins pushed together. Rooms are quiet and well-insulated, including the ones facing the street. All rooms have climate control, flat-screen TVs, a safe, slippers, robes, and coffee-making facilities. Higher-tier rooms have more perks, including a record player and a large living area in the Master Suite. Some lower-tier rooms can feel quite minimal, and the lack of storage space in some of the rooms poses a problem. Note that some rooms are on the basement level and have no windows, but the price reflects this.

In addition to two restaurants that serve classic Swedish dishes with a twist, the Scandic Grand Central has two popular bar/lounges and a cafe that serves coffee and treats. The free breakfast has organic and local foods on offer, and even has gluten-free bread with its own gluten-free toaster. The breakfast is so popular with guests that there is often a wait to get to the buffet, but there's always plenty of food.The fitness center is small but has a good range of equipment, including exercise balls, yoga mats, and flat-screen TVs. The attached showers have massive rainfall showerheads and subway tiles. There are separate saunas for men and women. The hotel has a small business center, and there's a meeting/event space. Children are greeted with a welcome gift, and there's a little lobby shop with all the essentials. Parking is available, and Wi-Fi is free. The hotel also offers bicycles for guests to borrow to explore the city.