Hotel of the week: Hotel J, Stockholm
The harbour views are terrific, the interior exudes seaside style. At Stockholm's Hotel J nautical cool meets New England chic
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Stockholm diffuses into a glorious archipelago stretching 50 miles or so into the Baltic Sea. It is an area where the Swedish love of the Great Outdoors is almost palpable, the waters offering ideal conditions for sailing. Hotel J sits on an island more or less at the junction of the city and this watery playground, presenting stunning views of one of the world's most beautiful harbours. The hotel takes its name from the famous J-class sailing yachts of the America's Cup; J was a measurement formula used in boatbuilding until the late 1930s.
The location
The hotel, a 15-minute boat or taxi ride from the city centre, is set in its own grounds by the water's edge. The original building is a converted summer residence built in 1912. It has two modern extensions.
The comfort factor
The décor has been modelled on the style of New England sailing clubs, with a blue and white colour scheme and lots of wood trim. Squashy sofas in the living room, cable-stitch blankets draped over chairs and candles lit in the garden at dusk give a relaxed and classy atmosphere. You could imagine JFK mooring his yacht at the jetty.
The bathroom
We had to change rooms halfway through our stay. Although the first bathroom had a Jacuzzi bath fit for a rock star, the second had plumbing with the temperament of a diva. All bathrooms have fluffy towels, bathrobes and toiletries.
The food and drink
The excellent buffet breakfast is served in the lobby-cum-dining room and room service is available 24 hours. Restaurant J, which is a separate enterprise, is in a chic marina about a five-minute stroll from the hotel. The menu's emphasis is on fish including, of course, the obligatory pickled herring. Booking is essential.
The people
Mainly British and American tourists, with local business types during the week and Stockholmers at the weekend.
The area
If you enjoymuseums - and Stockholm has nearly 100 - make sure you include the Vasamuseet, home of the Vasa warship which sank on its maiden voyage in Stockholm's harbour in 1628.
The access
There is wheelchair access and one bedroom is adapted for disabled guests. Children are welcome, and there is a Hobie Cat sailing club beside the hotel.
The damage
Doubles from 1,575 Swedish kronor (£116) including buffet breakfast; suites from Skr 2,975 (£219); singles from Skr 1,275 (£94). Try to book a room near the front of the hotel; those at the back can feel claustrophobic.
The address
Hotel J, Nacka Strand, Ellensviksvagen 1, Box 1220, 131 28 Nacka Strand, Stockholm, Sweden (00 468 601 30 00; hotelj.com).
The author travelled as a guest of the Swedish Tourist Board (020-7108 6168; visitsweden.com) and Scandinavian Airlines (0870- 6072 7727; flysas.com).
LIKED THAT? TRY THESE
The Boatshed at New Zealand's Waiheke Island is nautical chic (0871 731 1065; boatshed.co.nz).
Sail away to Wauwinet Inn, an exceptional retreat at Nantucket island off Cape Cod (00 1 508 228 0145; wauwinet.com)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments