Radisson Collection Strand Hotel, Stockholm

This hotel is housed in a 10-story Art Nouveau brick building with a tower that was constructed for the 1912 Olympics. Ivy covers the front of the building, and the waterfront setting does plenty to set the mood for a stay here. The long narrow lobby has several groups of chairs, benches, and sofas where guests can hang out to talk or look out the large, arched windows to the harbor. Bookcases display books and decorative items, and photos hang on the walls in the adjacent restaurant. Clean lines and muted colors make it a fine place to catch up on emails or do a little work on a laptop -- as we spotted more than one business traveler doing during our visit. Given its location near the Old Town and major shopping and dining districts, this Radisson also draws plenty of tourist couples in addition to its mostly corporate clientele.

This hotel is located in Norrmalm, Stockholm's city center, overlooking Nybroviken harbor. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from the Gamla Stan -- or Old Town -- where a number of attractions are located, including the Stockholm Cathedral, Royal Palace, the Nobel Museum, and the Riddarholmskyrkan church. The opulent Hallwylska Museet can be reached in five minutes on foot, and restaurants, shops, and theaters also are within walking distance. It's also a 10-minute walk to the famous Ostermalm food hall that's a popular stop on the tourist circuit. The Kungstradgarden T-Bahn station -- the city's metro system -- is a five-minute walk away for connections throughout the city, and harbor ferries are a five-minute walk just on the other side of the harbor. Stockholm-Arlanda Airport is about 35 minutes away by the Arlanda Express rail service, or 50 minutes by car. 

All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, electric kettles, and safes. While Stockholm doesn't need it for much of the year, the lack of air-conditioning in the summer months can be a deterrent. The Superior Rooms and suites overlook the harbor, and the views are picturesque. The two-level Tower Suite is particularly swish, with crystal chandeliers hanging from high ceilings, a separate living and dining area, and an upstairs bedroom and bathroom. Views are spectacular from the large windows, including from the striking upstairs marble bathroom. A large cushioned sofa on the terrace is a great spot for taking in gorgeous panoramas of the surroundings. Keep in mind that some rooms are prone to picking up city noise.

Features are quite slim here, which is a bit disappointing given the brand name and three-and-a-half-pearl rating. The hotel's restaurant, Herr Julius Strand Hotel, serves regional and international fare for all meals, including an impressive brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast is a continental buffet with an impressive array of options, but it's not included in room rates. The light-filled Scandinavian-style space overlooks the harbor, and an adjacent lobby bar serves snacks and cocktails in a cozy space with comfy sink-in sofas. A changing photo exhibit hangs on the walls. The hotel does not have a fitness center or spa, but hotel guests get discounts at a nearby health club and spa. There is a sauna on the top floor. Eight events spaces at the hotel can accommodate up to 100 people for business or social events, and the restaurant can be reserved for private events for up to 200. All conference rooms have windows for natural light, and audiovisual equipment is supplied. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.