Why Stockholm's oldest hotel is a must stay when you're in the Swedish capital

On a street corner opposite the institutional Sturehof restaurant, just down from Stockholm’s famed shopping strip Biblioteksgatan, you will find Hotel Kung Carl. The neo-renaissance building with its swooping iron railings, ornamental gables, intricate stonework and signature copper roofing has been a fixture on this street since 1866. While it holds the title of the oldest hotel in Stockholm, thanks to a refurbishment, exciting new restaurants, exquisite cocktails and delectable rooms, it’s just as buzzy now as it was when guests took their first steps inside the building almost 155 years ago.

Stepping into the Stureplan address is like a history lesson. It’s a place where you know the walls have stories. In fact, in the 19th century, it was the place of choice for kick-ons after the biggest ball of the year, the ‘Kungbalen’, which was held at the Swedish castle. The ball usually ended around midnight and traditionally everyone who wanted to continue the festivities met up at Hotel Kung Carl to drink punsch (an alcoholic liqueur popular in Sweden and Finland) and party until the early hours.

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During the 1920s, it became one of Stockholm's most popular haunts for the cultural elite, with actor Karl Gerhard, author August Strindberg and novelist Hjalmar Söderberg all staying at ‘Kungen’ as they called it. The iconic movie star Greta Garbo was also a frequent guest during the 1930s. Her room of choice? Room 204.

Despite the hotel oozing in Scandi history (the ruling monarch King Karl XV at the time gave his blessing for the hotel to be named after him), one look inside and you could almost swear you’re in Paris. In fact that’s the intention. With a Northen French bistro serving escargots and moules, jazz nights on Wednesdays and a sun-filled rooftop for summer soirées, consider this a French pearl in the heart of Stockholm.

So where does one begin? In the rooms. Built in the 1800s the renaissance-revival building does veer on the smaller side in parts. The lifts and stairwells feel a little pokey but it’s all part of the charm. Original features such as high ceilings and chandeliers add to the elegant ambiance. In fact, if you’re a fan of the Swedish kakelugn, you’ll find plenty here to gawk at. If you’re looking for luxury we recommend booking the De Luxe Bath option. Here you’ll be treated to a four-post bed as well as bath in the middle of the room, all while a giant window overlooks the bustling street below. For the high flyer, the Victorian Suite comes with a sauna, balcony and separate living room, perfect for those historical kick-ons.

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If you’re thirsty, you’re spoilt for choice. You can either head to the cocktail bar or wine bar downstairs where the menu is comprehensive and guaranteed to impress. Start with the signature cocktail made from King Carl Punsch infused with strawberries, lemon, rose and Champagne. End the evening by sipping on the hotel’s own punsch. Why? It’s not only delicious but it's a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. In fact, when the hotel was renovated and re-opened last year, this traditional punsch was re-introduced and now fans can not only enjoy it as a hotel nightcap but even find it in the local Systembolaget. Fun fact: The punsch is infused with oak from barrels stored under the Swedish Royal Castle.

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For dinner, be sure to book a table at Bistro La Belle Epoque. On a nice night, a table outside can’t be beaten. The menu is traditionally French with oysters, cheeses, encholots and entrecôte aplenty. We suggest ordering the house specialty: moules frites, washed down with glass (or two) of Chablis as you watch the passers-by. For those with a sweet tooth, the waffle pistachio is a must. If the night’s still young, and it's a Friday or Saturday, you can head to the jazz bar for live performances, or try out the new refurnished rooftop terrace bar. Breakfast is also a gastronomical delight with a Scandinavian buffet on offer, perfect for those who like their Kalles Kaviar, eggs and coffee to start the day.

Cost: Rooms start at €125 per night for a standard room

Location: Birger Jarlsgatan 21, 111 87 Stockholm