Hotel Check: NOFO Hotel Stockholm, Best Western Premier Collection

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS: This is a shining example of how Best Western Premier Collection has picked some eclectic hotels around the world to be part of its more upscale category under the Best Western name. The creative guest rooms, which vary in design from hipster to art deco, plus a popular wine bar and bistro, have made this establishment the cornerstone of the neighborhood.

WHERE IS IT? In buzzing Soderhalm, one of Stockholm’s many islands, this hotel is inconspicuously hidden in a historic building dating back to 1780. However, it is well-known for its bistro and wine bar, which is quickly making a name for itself in this neighborhood known for great bars and dining. Public transportation is a short walk in almost every direction. The walk to old-town Gamla Stan is only about 15 minutes across one bridge.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Blink, and you will miss the entrance to this hotel, which requires walking through a cobble-stoned courtyard to find the hotel entrance tucked in the corner. Automatic doors swing open to a tiny, but modern reception area where guests are swiftly assisted. The winding building features clever design that seems to change from hallway to hallway, which is part of the charm.

HOW MANY ROOMS? 109 rooms and suites

ROOM FACILITIES: Rooms showcase different themes like various boroughs of New York (Queens or Brooklyn, for example) while others show off artwork themed around famous musicians or interior designers. My Executive room showed posters and furnishings from famous Scandinavian designer Arne Jacobsen. Two queen beds had easy-access power outlets and nightstands with one desk tucked into the corner. There is no air conditioning (only heating), but opening the window did the trick to cool the room down. A small sitting area had both a sofa and designer armchair, and there was more than enough storage space with a separate closet and entry foyer. The tiled bathroom had organic toiletries from eco-friendly pump bottles, a rainfall shower behind a glass wall, and even a sauna large enough for two people. Rooms each varied in size depending upon their category with some being ideal for solo business travelers while mine was clearly large enough for parents and a child. Some of the rooms on the top floor had cathedral ceilings, and I noticed others were fully carpeted while mine had hardwood floors with an area rug. I found the variety to be whimsical and clever and quite fitting for this youthful neighborhood.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS: Breakfast is included for all guests with distinctive Scandinavian touches like a variety of cold cuts, cheeses, and crisp breads; local pancakes with toppings; and quark or homemade granola. Scrambled eggs, sausage, yogurts, and fruit rounded out the substantial offering. There was plenty of coffee and cake available throughout the day, and guests can help themselves to still or sparkling water from a tap. Later in the day, the bistro menu included a variety of local dishes and international favorites paired with a long list of wines that seemed to draw crowds from outside the hotel.

LEISURE FACILITIES: There are no leisure facilities onsite.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES: Wireless Internet is complimentary.

PRICE: Internet rates for a traditional room on the random dates we checked start at $109.

VERDICT: This boutique hotel offers great rates in a happening neighborhood, and the option to earn and redeem loyalty points for a place with such character makes this an awesome addition to the Best Western Premier Collection portfolio.

CONTACT: NOFO Hotel, Best Western Premier Collection, Tjarhovsgatan 11 Stockholm, 11621 Sweden. Phone +46-8-503-112-00.https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-stockholm/nofo-hotel-bw-premier-collection/propertyCode.88201.html