Scandic Park

Housed in a seven-story building built in 1968, Scandic Park, part of a large, Nordic hotel chain, sits on a busy street across from Humlegarden Park. Entering through the revolving doors, guests will find themselves in a bright, modern lobby area -- floors are light wood, and pendant lamps with orange shades illuminate the L-shaped reception counter. A carpeted sitting area with beige sofas and several bright-red high-backed armchairs and stools occupy a cozy corner of the otherwise stark space. The bar and restaurant's large outdoor terrace overlooks the park, and is the most pleasant spot to relax with drinks or coffee. The hotel draws travelers from across the spectrum -- business travelers, couples, solo tourists -- but Humlegarden Park's playground makes this a good choice for families with young children looking to stay outside the hubbub of the center city.

Located in the upscale Ostermalm district, Scandic Park takes its name from Humlegarden Park, which is across the street. There are restaurants, cafes, and bars in the immediate area, and Stureplan shopping district is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel. The neighborhood also has excellent transportation connections: Stadion subway station is within walking distance, and several city buses -- and the subway -- connect to Central Station, and Old Town.

• One-minute walk to Humlegarden Park
• Eight-minute walk to Stadion subway station 
• Nine-minute walk to Olympic Stadium 
• 20-minute walk to Stureplan restaurant and shopping (eight minutes by public transportation)
• 10 minutes to Skansen open-air museum by public transportation
• 11 minutes to Stockholm Central Station by public transportation
• 13 minutes to National Museum by public transportation
• 16 minutes to Stockholm Palace by public transportation
• 16 minutes to the Old Town (Gamla Stan) by public transportation
• 20 minutes to the Great Cathedral of Stockholm (Storkyrkan) by public transportation
• 24 minutes to Djurgarden by public transportation
• 41 minutes to Stockholm Airport by public transportation (25-minute drive)

The 201 rooms, including Suites, at Scandic Park at first smack of retro chic. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, which reflects off the hardwood floors and the bold black-and-yellow or black-and-red color palette.

On closer inspection, though, the look is more dated than trendy. The furniture is clunky compared to other Scandinavian styles, and it shows signs of wear. 

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges, irons and ironing boards, and safes. Bathrooms are small, with black-granite sink tops, and black-tiled floors, and shower/tub combos. They include magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries.

Superior Rooms have larger beds, and come with electric kettles. Superior Family Rooms have two double beds, and can sleep up to four people. Junior Suites, with views over the park, have separate living rooms, whirlpool tubs, and minibars -- some have saunas and balconies.

Scandic Park offers features consistent with a mid- to upper-middle range chain hotel. The organic and gluten- and lactose-free buffet breakfast -- included in the room rate -- is a standout. The Bar & Brasserie Park Village serves traditional Swedish cuisine with a French twist, salads, and burgers, and it has a pleasant outdoor terrace where guests can dine alfresco in the summer. The bar serves hot and cold drinks, along with cocktails.

On the top floor is a small fitness center -- the limited equipment includes two stationary bikes, a bench press, and  free weights. A sauna and shower room sit adjacent to it. Meeting rooms are available -- the largest one holds up to 120 people. The Scandic Shop, located in the lobby, sells drinks and snacks 24 hours a day. On-site parking is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.