Malardrottningen Yacht Hotel and Restaurant

This is an unusual hotel offering the unique experience of staying overnight on a yacht anchored next to Stockholm's old city. The yacht was built in 1924 and first owned by American socialite and heiress to the Woolworth's fortune, Barbara Hutton. During World War II, the vessel was donated to the British Navy. There are a few historical photos in the reception area, and three portholes just behind the reception counter. Floors are carpeted in navy blue, and a few leather armchairs provide seating to arriving guests. It's difficult to forget this is a boat: guests arrive via a gangplank, the ceilings are low, and there are many port holes. Also, stairways are narrow and steep, and there's no elevator, which can present a challenge for people with mobility issues. The Malardrottningen is mostly popular with leisure travelers, although its central location makes it a viable choice for business travelers as well. 

The yacht is permanently docked next to Riddarholmen Island, just next to the city's old town. A number of tourist sights as well as cafes, restaurants, bars, and museums are within walking distance. Transportation links from here are excellent, with the closest subway station at Gamla Stan, a five-minute walk away.

• Two-minute walk to Riddarholmen Church (Riddarholmskyrkan)
• Five-minute walk to the House of Nobility (Riddarhuset)
• Five-minute walk to Gamla Stan subway station
• Seven-minute walk to the Swedish Parliament (Sveriges riksdag)
• Seven-minute walk to the Great Cathedral of Stockholm (Storkyrkan)
• Seven-minute walk to Stockholm Palace
• 11-minute walk to Stockholm City Hall
• 13-minute walk to Stockholm Central Station
• 23 minutes to Skansen open-air museum by public transit
• 26 minutes to the Vasa Museum by public transit
• 31 minutes to Stockholm Airport by train
• 37 minutes to Djurgarden by public transit 

Not surprisingly, the guest rooms at Malardrottningen are tiny and have low ceilings. Each Single Room contains a single bed, while all the other rooms are fitted with bunk beds, as well as desks and small wardrobes. Exterior-facing rooms have portholes, while the others don't and can feel claustrophobic. With navy blue carpeting and warm mahogany furniture, the rooms have an elegant look, with tasteful framed black-and-white prints decorating the walls. The chic black-and-white tiled bathrooms are compact, each squeezing in a toilet, a rectangular vessel sink, and a shower with only a shower curtain and no basin, typical of a wet-room-style bathroom. The rooms are air-conditioned (and heated in winter), and equipped with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi plus a ceiling fan, and hairdryer. The rooms are spotless, but past guests have complained of musty smells, windows that don't open, and loud air-conditioning.

For a mid-range hotel squeezed into a yacht, Malardrottningen Hotel and Restaurant offers a fair amount of notable extra features. The buffet breakfast is included in the room rate, and has bread and cereal on offer, as well as a few hot dishes such as eggs and bacon. Located on the foredeck, the restaurant is glassed-in and also has an outdoor terrace with scenic views of the city hall. The unusual bar occupies the space that was used as the boat's navigation room. Use of the sauna is free for guests, and can be booked in advance. Other services on offer include dry-cleaning and laundry service, a safe, and a small television lounge in the lobby. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.