Hotel Esplanade, BW Signature Collection

Breakfast was fantastic, with a big selection. The scrambled eggs were the best we've had at a hotel, and we appreciated the porcelain dishes and round-the-clock access to the coffee machine. Staff were super friendly and helpful. The beds were a bit soft but still comfortable, and the bathroom was tiny, though that's common in Scandinavia. I also liked the eco-minded approach: we didn't use a single piece of plastic during our three-night stay. If you enjoy history, this place is a great choice, and its location makes it easy to explore downtown on foot.

I chose this hotel for a long weekend because I wanted some character after staying in lots of Hyatt, Sheraton, and Radisson-type hotels. It has plenty: the cozy lounges, old-fashioned furniture, stained-glass windows, and polished wooden floors had me half expecting Hercule Poirot or a dowager duchess to appear. The staff were all friendly and helpful, even seeing us into our taxi for the airport. It's right by the water and very central, with the old town and ABBA museum, our main reason for visiting Stockholm, an easy walk away. Breakfast was generous and varied, and I loved being able to get free tea, coffee, and biscuits at any hour. My only gripes were about the ground-floor room. I didn't feel comfortable opening the door to the outside at night, and a small window would have helped with ventilation. The pillows were a little soft, but perhaps that's a Swedish thing. I'd definitely return, though I'd choose a higher room with a view or balcony.

I stayed here a few years ago with my soon-to-be wife, and it's still one of our favorite hotel memories. The historic building is beautiful, the rooms were elegant, the food was great, and the views were amazing. We highly recommend it.

The staff were very helpful when we arrived before check-in and needed to store our bags. Our room and bathroom had a good amount of space and were nice, and breakfast offered a good variety of choices. Great hotel!