Story Hotel Riddargatan, part of JdV by Hyatt

Story Hotel Riddargatan, JdV by Hyatt: A Hip and Centrally Located Stockholm Gem

Story Hotel Riddargatan, part of the JdV by Hyatt brand, is a Michelin Key Selected property in Stockholm that offers a stylish, urban, and generally well-regarded experience, particularly appealing to younger, vibrant travelers. With its prime location in the upscale Östermalm neighborhood, guests frequently praise its accessibility and lively atmosphere.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Story Hotel Riddargatan is positive, with guests appreciating its unique design and excellent location. Verified guest feedback scores indicate a strong overall experience, with ratings around 8.7 to 8.8 out of 10. Cleanliness is consistently rated high, often above 9.0. The sentiment is largely that it's a hip and affordable choice in an upscale area, offering a "boutique" feel.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects of Story Hotel Riddargatan:

• Location: Its central position in Östermalm, close to Stureplan, shopping, nightlife, and public transport, is a major draw.
• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel is celebrated for its bold industrial design, playful decor, and bohemian decadence mixed with urban renewal. It creates a social, community-driven atmosphere with stylish communal spaces.
• Service & Staff: Friendly, helpful, and professional staff are frequently mentioned in positive reviews.
• Amenities: Complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi are highly valued perks. The vibrant bar scene and on-site restaurant are also key attractions.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Story Hotel Riddargatan are individually designed, described as stylish, fun, and well-equipped. They feature high-quality Jensen beds with 100% organic cotton linens, LCD TVs (32-48 inches) with streaming capabilities, wireless Qi-chargers, and mini-fridges with complimentary mineral water. Bathrooms are often attractive subway-tile affairs with rain-drop showers, heated floors, hairdryers, and generous toiletries from the Swedish brand L:A Bruket. While rooms can be compact, even "The Friggebod" rooms are considered comfortable enough. Some suites, like "The Attic Suite" and "Lily Dam" suite, offer more space, kitchenettes, and modern touches.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's on-site restaurant, Ling Long, serves Asian fusion cuisine with a Scandinavian twist in a casual, industrial setting infused with Asian-inspired design. Breakfast is served in this area and is included with every room rate, which is a significant plus for guests. The breakfast buffet is described as comprehensive and satisfying, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and offering vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-focused options. While generally good, some guests noted that the variety might become limited after a few days. There's also a lively bar with inventive cocktails and a retractable window that opens to the outside on sunny days. A backyard patio is available for lunch and dinner when the weather permits.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently praises the hotel staff for being super friendly, helpful, welcoming, and professional. Guests have noted instances of staff remembering names and providing excellent service, such as assisting with taxi bookings and lending umbrellas. The check-in process is described as relaxed and casual, sometimes conducted at a small podium rather than a traditional front desk.

6. Location & Accessibility

Story Hotel Riddargatan boasts an exceptional location in Stockholm's upscale Östermalm district. It's just steps away from Stureplan, a hub for business, shopping, and nightlife, and close to high-end boutiques on Birger Jarlsgatan. The hotel offers unparalleled access to public transportation, with Östermalmstorg Metro Station less than 100 meters away, connecting guests effortlessly to various districts and attractions. Many major attractions, including the Army Museum, Hallwyl Museum, Strandvägen, the Royal Dramatic Theater, and the Östermalm Saluhall (food market), are within a short walking distance. Stockholm Central Station is also just one metro stop away or a short taxi ride.

7. Value & Pricing

Story Hotel Riddargatan is often considered a budget-friendly option given its upscale location in Östermalm, with an average price range of $101 to $150 per night. Guests frequently perceive it as offering exceptional value for money, especially considering its modern amenities, chic design, prime location, and included breakfast. When compared to other hotels in Stockholm, it's often seen as an affordable yet quality choice, particularly for those seeking a hip experience without compromising their budget.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Lack of Air Conditioning: A significant and frequent complaint, especially during warmer months, is the absence of air conditioning in the rooms, even in top-tier suites. Guests have had to rely on fans provided in the rooms to stay cool.
• Room Size and Furniture: Some guests find the rooms, particularly the smaller ones, to be compact. There have also been comments about the furniture being too minimal and lacking character, creating a sense of incompleteness in some areas. Limited counter space in bathrooms has also been mentioned.
• Noise: On weekend evenings, the bar and restaurant areas can be lively, which might lead to some noise, although some guests found it tolerable even with windows open.
• Minor Issues: Isolated complaints include an unpleasant odor from a bathroom drain in one instance and a preference for still water over the complimentary sparkling water provided. The breakfast, while good, was noted by some to lack variety for longer stays.

Sources

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9. hotel.info
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11. michelin.com
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15. flyertalk.com