The Vibe: Grand, yet intimate. Historic, yet contemporary.
The Area: Set on the edge of the posh Östermalm district.
The DNA: Bank Hotel is a lesson in complementary contrasts on Stockholm’s sweeping waterfront. The luxury, boutique-style hotel features many architectural details – from the imposing bronze entry doors to the mahogany-plated walls – which reveal the building’s glorious past as a bank from the 1910s. In the original structure, architect Thor Thorén merged Art Deco design with traditional stateliness to exude the atmosphere of a Renaissance palace, yet the formality of a banking institution. A strong focus on modern art: the Bank Art Collection, a collaboration with local gallery CF Hill, includes works from world-renowned artists such as Albert Watson and Annie Morris, as well as selected works from young Swedish talents through the art platform Young Art. Stureplansgruppen, the hospitality group behind the hotel, has a long history in running successful restaurants in Stockholm with the hotel’s food and drink outlets being no exception. The restaurant Bonnie’s (named after the half of the infamous American bank robber duo) in the former bank hall, original details such as beautiful stucco décor, black-and-white chequered marble and granite floors, green scagliola vaults and velvet chairs take centre stage. Contemporary crystal chandeliers, over 1.80m (six ft) tall, add to the grand statement. Besides the main restaurant, there are two bars, Papillon and Sophie’s.
Suite-Me-Up: Rooms come in a variety of categories, ranging from single rooms to a sprawling penthouse suite. All come with stylish furnishings, soft carpets, airy curtains, velvet armchairs and contemporary art work. Facilities include a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a coffee machine and a work space. The limestone-tiled bathrooms are spacious, and most come with showers and marble sinks. There are robes and slippers. Many rooms have terraces and rooms on higher floors have views over Stockholm’s rooftops.
✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 115 rooms & suites (15-74m2) (161-797 sq ft) • hotel opened: August 2018 • interior design: Ida Lauga, Lo Biurlf • bathroom amenities: Diptyque • parking possible nearby (charged) • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible
