Step inside the lobby of the Haymarket Hotel Stockholm Sweden and the first thing you notice isn't the check-in desk. It’s the smell. A mix of expensive perfume, old-world mahogany, and that specific, crisp scent of a Swedish winter trying to claw its way through the revolving doors. It is a time machine. Seriously. You aren't just in a hotel; you're in the 1920s, specifically the Art Deco era when everything was louder, shinier, and probably a lot more fun.
Hotels in Stockholm can be a bit... sterile. You know the vibe. Lots of blonde wood, minimal furniture that looks like it belongs in a high-end dentist’s office, and enough white space to make you feel like you’re living in a gallery. There’s a place for that. But the Haymarket by Scandic is the antithesis of the "Scandi-minimalism" trope. It’s located in the old PUB department store building—the very place where Greta Garbo was discovered while selling hats.
Greta Garbo worked here. Just think about that for a second.
The Design Aesthetic of Haymarket Hotel Stockholm Sweden
Walking into this place feels like walking onto a film set. The architects didn't just put up some gold trim and call it a day. They leaned hard into the history. The color palette is all rose gold, velvet greens, and deep blues. It’s moody. It’s sexy. It’s basically the Great Gatsby if he’d been born in Södermalm.
Most people who book the Haymarket Hotel Stockholm Sweden are looking for something that breaks the mold of the standard business hotel. You get that the moment you see the patterned floors. The grand staircase is a masterpiece of brass and marble, beckoning you to take a photo that will inevitably end up on Instagram, even if you promised yourself you’d stay off your phone for the weekend.
The rooms are where the design really hits home. They aren't massive. Stockholm is an old city, and space is a premium, especially in the Hötorget district. But they are clever. You might find a velvet headboard that reaches halfway up the wall or a bathroom with hexagonal tiling that feels like a Parisian bistro. It’s cozy. Sometimes "cozy" is code for "small," but here it actually feels intentional. You’ve got the heavy drapes that actually block out the Swedish summer sun—which, trust me, is a lifesaver when the sun decides to rise at 3:30 AM.
Location, Location, and Why It Actually Matters
Hötorget is right there. The "Hay Market" itself. On Sundays, it’s a flea market. On weekdays, it’s a bustling fruit and flower market where vendors shout about the price of strawberries. The hotel sits right on the edge of this chaos.
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You are minutes from the Central Station. You can walk to the luxury shops on Biblioteksgatan in about five minutes. Gamla Stan, the old town, is a 15-minute stroll away. But the real perk? The subway (Tunnelbana) is right outside. You can be anywhere in the city in twenty minutes. Honestly, if you stay here and take an Uber, you’re doing it wrong. The blue line at Hötorget is one of the coolest-looking stations anyway.
Eating and Drinking (The Paul’s and Americain Experience)
Let’s talk about Gretas. It’s the cafe on the corner of the hotel. It’s pink. Very pink. It looks like a Wes Anderson fever dream. It’s great for people-watching, especially when the market is in full swing. If you want a coffee and a pastry, it’s the spot.
But Paul’s is the real heavy hitter. It’s the main restaurant. They call it an American grill with a European twist. The food is solid, but the atmosphere is what you’re paying for. Think leather booths, low lighting, and the kind of service that makes you feel like you’re actually important. They do a lot of seafood—very Swedish—but with techniques that feel more New York.
- The Americain Bar: This is arguably the best hotel bar in the city. It’s dark. It’s sophisticated. They lean into the jazz age vibe with live music on certain nights.
- The Cocktails: They don't just do a gin and tonic. They do drinks with bitters you’ve never heard of and garnishes that look like art projects.
- The Breakfast: It’s a Scandic hotel, so the breakfast buffet is legendary. We’re talking mountains of smoked salmon, several types of pickled herring (give it a chance), freshly baked bread, and those little Swedish pancakes with lingonberry jam.
People often get confused about the "Scandic" branding. Usually, Scandic is seen as a reliable, mid-range, family-friendly chain. The Haymarket is part of their "Signature" collection. It’s their attempt at being "cool." And surprisingly, they nailed it. It doesn't feel like a chain hotel. It feels like a boutique property that just happens to have the infrastructure of a massive company behind it.
What Most Travelers Get Wrong About Staying Here
A lot of visitors think they want to stay in Gamla Stan because it’s "historic." Don't get me wrong, the Old Town is beautiful. But it’s also a tourist trap. It’s hilly, the cobblestones will ruin your shoes, and everything closes early.
By staying at the Haymarket Hotel Stockholm Sweden, you’re in the heart of the real city. This is where locals go to the cinema. It’s where the office workers grab their lunch. You’re at the intersection of history and modern life. If you want to feel like a resident rather than a spectator, this is the neighborhood.
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Another misconception is that the "Classic" rooms are too small. Look, if you’re traveling with three suitcases and a stroller, yeah, you might feel cramped. But for a solo traveler or a couple on a weekend break, the layout is efficient. They use the space well. The mirrors are placed to make the room feel bigger, and the lighting is layered so you don't feel like you're in a box.
The Sustainability Factor
Sweden is obsessed with sustainability. It’s not a marketing gimmick; it’s a way of life. The Haymarket follows suit. You won't find tiny plastic shampoo bottles here. They use large, refillable dispensers with high-quality products. The carpets are often made from recycled materials. The kitchen focuses on seasonal, local produce.
This isn't just about saving the planet; it’s about quality. Local eggs taste better. Local honey tastes better. When you eat at Paul’s, you’re tasting the Swedish countryside, even though you’re looking out at a busy city square.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
If you’re planning a trip, here are a few things that will actually make your life easier.
First, check the event calendar. The hotel often hosts DJs or live jazz in the lobby area. If you want a quiet night, ask for a room on a higher floor or one that faces away from the square. The square can be loud early in the morning when the market vendors start setting up their stalls. Those guys don't whisper.
Second, the gym. It’s small, but it’s functional. But honestly? You’re in Stockholm. Go for a run along the water. Cross the bridge to Skeppsholmen. It’s much better than a treadmill.
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Third, the elevators. They are old-school and can be a bit slow during the breakfast rush. Give yourself an extra five minutes if you have a train to catch.
Why the History Matters
The building was completed in 1916. It was the "Paul U. Bergström" department store. This was the pinnacle of Swedish commerce for decades. When the hotel took over, they kept the original essence. You can still see elements of the old store in the architecture—the high ceilings, the sweeping windows.
It matters because it gives the hotel a soul. New-build hotels struggle to create "vibes." They try to buy it with expensive furniture and LED lights. But you can't buy a century of history. When you walk through the doors of the Haymarket Hotel Stockholm Sweden, you're stepping into a piece of Stockholm’s identity. It’s a tribute to the city’s transition from a quiet northern outpost to a global design capital.
Final Actionable Insights
If you’ve decided to book, do these three things to get the most out of it:
- Request a room with a view of Hötorget. Yes, it might be a bit noisier, but watching the market transform from a ghost town at 5:00 AM to a bustling hub by 10:00 AM is fascinating.
- Join the Scandic Friends program. Even if you only stay once, you often get better rates and a few perks like a shop voucher or late checkout. It takes two minutes to sign up.
- Explore the basement. There are some cool design details tucked away in the lower levels and meeting rooms that many guests completely miss because they just go from the lobby to their room.
Stockholm is a city of islands and bridges. It’s a city that balances the old and the new perfectly. The Haymarket is the architectural version of that balance. It’s glamorous, it’s a bit over the top, but it’s undeniably Swedish. Whether you’re there for a cocktail at Americain or a three-night stay, it’s an experience that sticks with you long after you’ve checked out.