Hotel Diplomat

Hotel Diplomat occupies an Art Nouveau building on Strandvägen, the elegant waterfront boulevard that runs along the northern edge of Nybroviken towards Djurgården. The hotel describes itself as timeless elegance on Strandvägen since 1911, and it is one of the few privately held luxury hotels in central Stockholm. It belongs to the family-owned Diplomat Collection, and that independent spirit shows in a more personal, less corporate style than the big international chains.

The building's Art Nouveau character is part of the appeal, and the hotel calls it a unique Art Nouveau palace. Rooms at the front look out over the water and the boats moored along Strandvägen, while those at the back are quieter. The hotel restaurant is open to non-residents, with table bookings available online.

The location is one of the hotel's greatest assets. Strandvägen is a lovely street for walking in any season, and from the hotel you can stroll east along the water to Djurgårdsbron and on to the Vasa Museum, ABBA The Museum and Skansen in around 15 to 20 minutes. In the other direction, Nybroplan, the Royal Dramatic Theatre and the shops of Biblioteksgatan and Stureplan are a few minutes away, and Östermalms Saluhall is close by.

Hotel Diplomat suits couples, business travellers and visitors who want a refined base with a sense of place. It is a good choice if you plan to spend time on Djurgården or in Östermalm and want to walk to most places rather than rely on public transport. In summer, the waterfront outside is at its liveliest, with boats coming and going and people strolling along the quay late into the light evenings. Book a water-view room if the view matters to you, check what your rate includes before you confirm, and reserve early for summer and for December, when Stockholm's top hotels fill quickly.

The nearest metro stations are Östermalmstorg and Kungsträdgården, both within walking distance, and buses and tram line 7 run along Strandvägen towards Djurgården. Ferries and sightseeing boats leave from Nybroplan, a short walk west, which makes it easy to explore the archipelago by water.