Laidback Scandi Elegance At Villa Dahlia, Stockholm

Following honeypot Stockholm spots Hotel Diplomat and Villa Dagmar, the third hotel in the family-owned Diplomat Collection exudes laidback elegance and a local vibe. Olivia Emily checks into Villa Dahlia.

Hotel Review: Villa Dahlia, Stockholm

STAY

Situated off the main Stockholm stretch but still within easy reach of all the sites, Villa Dhalia is an 103-key, light-filled contemporary hotel tucked on the edge of Tegnérlunden, a small leafy park popular with local dogwalkers. It is so light-filled, in fact, rooms are fitted with automatic blinds to save our eyes from the overwhelming brightness that spills in from all angles; I first hear the spontaneous rumble of a descending blind while sipping morning coffee on the sofa.

Speaking of: rooms are spacious, homely and decorated minimally but stylishly with tactile furnishings. It’s a scheme that extends across the boutique hotel, which has a laidback, local feel to it. Most voices at breakfast aren’t speaking English, and you’ll soon find yourself entering a morning rhythm that feels distinctly Swedish: heading out for a stroll with a coffee, and picking up kanelbullar and kardemummabullar at the local bakery (cinnamon and cardamom buns for the uninitiated).

The only downside? You’ll feel distinctly frumpy at all times, so effortlessly stylish are the Stockholm locals.

The rooftop bar

EAT & DRINK

Villa Dahlia is home to one restaurant, Gastro Bar, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served with an Italian influence. It’s certainly not formal and has a more transitional feel as guests zip past as they check in and out or head down to the spa – but it’s perfect for an easy bite.

For something more adventurous, Villa Dahlia is well located to plunder Stockholm’s very best restaurants – including Restaurant Dagmar at sister hotel Villa Dagmar, which is hugely popular at the weekend and serves up brasserie classics bursting with flavour. Next door is The Garden Bar under a soaring glass atrium – another popular spot.

Come summer, Villa Dahlia’s rooftop is a home to a buzzy bar filled with in-the-know locals (and now yourself). And if you visit off-season like I did, keep your eye on the notice board at reception, which will let you know when the powers that be have deemed it a sunny enough day to open the roof. We enjoyed ice-cold rosé in the chilly winter sun, with views across the city – definitely worth the shivers.

DO

Once you’ve enjoyed Villa Dahlia’s pocket-sized subterranean spa (perfect for any lovers of contrast therapy), you’re all prepped to enjoy the wonders Stockholm – a truly delightful city whatever the weather.

Spread over 14 islands, Stockholm is ripe for boat tours, but even the local services are a great way to get around. You can walk from Villa Dahlia to the old town, Gamla Stan, in about 30 minutes, soaking up the city atmosphere en route, and admiring the spectacular views of Riksdagshuset (parliament) and Kungliga slottet (the royal palace) on the approach. Gamla Stan itself is touristy but worth the visit with its cobbled streets and colourful higgeldy-piggedly 17th and 18th century buildings.

You could spend a whole day on Djurgården, one of Stockholm’s larger islands. On the west side, find some of Stockholm’s most popular attractions, including the Vasa warship museum, the ABBA museum (worth it) and the family-friendly open air Swedish history museum Skansen. On the east side, some hidden gems: French-Scandinavian art museum Thielska Galleriet, as pretty on the outside as it is inside; royal gardens to stroll through; and Rosendals Trädgård, a picturesque garden centre with a must-visit greenhouse cafe that puts any British attempts to shame.

BOOK IT

Double rooms at Villa Dahlia start at £154 per night. hotelvilladahlia.com