If you’re looking to combine Swedish maritime charm with modern luxuries, look no further than Hotel J in Nacka Strand. With its prime location overlooking the picturesque Djurgården island, the red-bricked hotel is somewhere to enjoy life at an easier pace – even by Swedish standards – away from the hustle and bustle of Stockholm’s city centre.
The welcome
We arrived after enjoying a two-hour kayaking experience nearby, ready to rest a little before dinner. Reception is just a short walk away from the main entrance to the hotel grounds – our arrival was processed quickly and efficiently, and we were given keys to adjoining rooms on the upper floors of a neighbouring building.
The room
Hotel J has undergone a renovation and the rooms are large and bright, with a Scandi nautical interior style.
Soft whites and muted tones are combined with warm wood and textured fabrics that give a sense of cosiness to the space.
A comfortable bed, cosy seating, plenty of hanging space, a full-length mirror, a Nespresso machine and an area to work are just some of the components that make the room a very easy place to unwind and relax.
Our rooms even had their own balconies overlooking the hotel grounds and the archipelago beyond.
The bathroom
The bathroom has floor-to-ceiling white tiles, a glass-screened shower and a pedestal basin with a wooden-framed mirror above.
Supplied toiletries are from Swedish brand Byredo’s Bal d’Afrique range.
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The facilities
An excellent buffet breakfast is available at the hotel’s old romantic Būrgervilla by the waterfront, a beautiful building with a decorative façade and elaborate rooflines.
It’s a comprehensive spread of fresh breads, pastries, yoghurts, meats, cheese, cooked options and a myriad of different juices.
Just 300 metres from the main site of the hotel is Restaurant J, enjoying a waterfront location and serving Scandinavian cuisine with some international elements, so expect dishes such as rökta räkor (smoked shrimps with aioli and toast) and Swedish entrecote.
There are actually numerous restaurants on this stretch of the waterfront and we opted for the favourably-reviewed Rimlay Thaikök a little further along. It’s a no-frills Thai restaurant serving takeaways and with some limited space to dine inside. The food there was excellent and exceptional value.
There’s paid parking on site at the hotel, although this can be busy at peak times.
The location
The once industrial area of Nacka Strand is today a scenic waterfront, often likened to Newport, Rhode Island. Located in the Nacka Municipality, just a 15-minute drive from central Stockholm (allow a little longer in times of peak traffic), this vibrant hub overlooks the Baltic Sea and is a sought-after location for locals seeking modern residential comforts as well as visitors, with excellent access to nature and water-based activities. It is also easy to access the ferry and bus that takes you to the city centre.
The area is home to Hotel J, of course, but also a number of upscale apartments, offices, restaurants and a famous 18m-high sculpture by Carl Milles; “God, Our Father, on the Rainbow” depicts God standing on a rainbow, with one arm raised in a blessing gesture and the other pointing towards the earth.
Other nice touches
A welcome note and complimentary juices greeted us in our room.
The cost
Standard rooms at the hotel, with a balcony and view, start from 1,182 SEK (approximately $110) per night, including taxes and fees.
The Signature Seaview Suite starts from 2,967 SEK (approximately $190) per night, including taxes and fees.
The best bit
The best thing about a stay at Hotel J is the breathtaking view of the Stockholm Archipelago and the surprising tranquillity of the waterfront given its proximity to central Stockholm. Having our own balcony to enjoy the Scandinavian charms of this beautiful setting came as an added bonus.
The final verdict
Hotel J enjoys a charming waterfront location that is so peaceful and calming, that you can’t help but feel relaxed from the moment you arrive. The rooms have an elegant simplicity that creates an inviting ambiance, with views of the Stockholm Archipelago serving as the perfect finishing touch.
Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Hotel J and our trip was kindly supported by Visit Stockholm.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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