Backstage Hotel

Backstage Hotel in Stockholm, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a distinctive and luxurious stay, widely praised for its prime location, exceptional service, and unique design. Guests consistently report a highly positive experience, with many highlighting it as an excellent choice for exploring Stockholm's cultural offerings.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Backstage Hotel Stockholm is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "excellent" or "superb". Review scores often reach 8.9 to 9.0 out of 10, with particularly high marks for location (9.5) and staff (9.4). The sentiment suggests a luxurious and comfortable experience, often described as a "perfect spot" for exploring Stockholm.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Backstage Hotel:

• Location: Situated on Djurgården Island, it boasts an "EXCELLENT" location, directly next to ABBA The Museum and within a short walk of other major attractions like the Vasa Museum and Skansen. Public transportation to central Stockholm is also easily accessible with a tram stop right outside.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives outstanding praise for being "AWESOME," "friendly," "helpful," "attentive," and "professional." There are numerous anecdotes of staff going above and beyond, such as bringing a snack bag to a sick child.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel is noted for its stylish, dramatic, and modern design, dedicated to theatrical and creative arts. Rooms feature one-off artwork and striking sculptures, contributing to a unique atmosphere.
• Breakfast: The breakfast is frequently described as "fabulous," "amazing," "superb," and "awesome," with guests loving the quality and variety.
• Amenities: The hotel offers free WiFi throughout, a small fitness room, a lounge bar, and bike rentals. It also emphasizes sustainability efforts and offers several accessibility features.

3. Room Quality

The 57 rooms, including various suites and loft rooms, are described as "great," "very comfortable," "cosy," and "well equipped." They feature stylish decor with amenities such as flat-screen TVs with Chromecast, Bluetooth speakers, minibars, laptop-compatible safes, and tea/coffee making facilities (Nespresso in suites). Many rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows. Bathrooms are equipped with luxury Meraki toiletries, and some rooms even include bathtubs. Some guests have specifically highlighted "cosy rooms" and "comfortable beds." However, one review noted that some rooms, like the Loft Rooms, might be small, and one guest found the beds to be too soft.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features the Backstage Brasserie, an all-day diner offering international à la carte dishes with a Swedish twist. The menu includes local favorites like shrimp-topped toast skagen, smörgåstårta, and meatballs, alongside classics such as cheeseburgers and steaks.

Breakfast is consistently praised and included in the room rates, with lactose- and gluten-free options available. It is served as a buffet from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays and until 10:30 AM on weekends. The hotel also offers an à la carte weekend brunch. For lighter fare and coffee, the Backstage Café is open daily. Additionally, guests can enjoy a selection of craft cocktails and ales at the Backstage Bar. Room service is available around the clock.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Backstage Hotel are consistently highlighted as a major strength. Guests describe them as "outstanding," "exceptional," "friendly," "helpful," "attentive," and "professional." Reviews often mention staff going "above and beyond" to accommodate requests and provide a pleasant stay. Housekeeping has also been noted for its helpfulness.

6. Location & Accessibility

Backstage Hotel is ideally located on Djurgården Island, a culturally rich area in Stockholm. Its proximity to major attractions is a significant draw, being in the same building as ABBA The Museum and within a 5-minute walk of the Vasa Museum, Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Nordic Museum. Cirkus Arena is also just a 5-minute walk away.

Public transportation is convenient, with trams for central Stockholm stopping directly outside the hotel. The hotel is also committed to accessibility, offering wheelchair-adapted rooms with adjustable beds and accessible bathrooms, along with spacious lifts and accessible public areas.

7. Value & Pricing

While Backstage Hotel Stockholm commands a higher price point, typically ranging from $251 to $300 per night, many guests consider it a worthy investment due to the exceptional experience it provides. This is in contrast to the average hotel room price in Stockholm, which falls between $151 and $200. Guests feel that the additional cost translates into a distinctive atmosphere, personalized service, and an immersive cultural experience that justifies the premium.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:

• Bed comfort: One guest mentioned the beds being "too soft."
• Breakfast options: One review suggested that "Breakfast options could use some improvement."
• Limited amenities: A reviewer pointed out the absence of a pool and that the gym is "very small."
• Room size: Some Loft Rooms may be small.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. michelin.com
5. mrandmrssmith.com
6. stockholm-hotels.org
7. hotellstockholm.net
8. backstagehotelsthlm.com
9. expedia.com
10. backstagehotelsthlm.com
11. agoda.com