Stockholm’s The Bank Hotel Makes For The Perfect City-Break Escape
With far-reaching lakes, moreish meatballs and luxury shopping unlike anywhere else, Stockholm is the ultimate city escape for the holidays
With cooler temps and an even cooler crowd, Stockholm is the ultimate escape for Dubai dwellers. A burgeoning fashion scene, where laid back luxury meets Scandinavian style makes for a refreshing change to your usual high-end heroes. Museums and markets dot the park-lined streets as does Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture making wintery walks pretty as a picture.
A landmark building that is tucked out-of-sight from the ever-busy Strömmen is an Art Nouveau masterpiece, The Bank Hotel. A former bank which in 1910, was the HQ of the Södra Sverige Banking company is situated at famed address, Arsenalsgatan 6. The bank was designed as a daring, contemporary interpretation of a Renaissance palace by architect Thor Thorén and still has many of the original details of the Bank’s headquarters today. The bronze double doors remain, as does the octagon logo from Södra Sverige BAB.
In Bonnie’s restaurant (named after the infamous Bonnie from Bonnie and Clyde fame), the blue-green stuccowork columns stand tall under the original glass, six-metre high ceiling. Steeped in days of old, the hotel has a wonderfully historic vibe making it warm yet otherworldly, but also chicly contemporary with modern touches at every turn. Throughout the hotel you will see the owl motif (the wise) which is the hotel’s logo, and the squirrel (the thrifty) as a modern nod to the banks’ past.
Take your pick of Penthouse Executive, Bank Rooftop or Stockholm Town suites (to name just a few) and relax from a day of castle-hopping in the most comfortable yet luxurious surroundings – which are always the best kind. Views from your terrace await, as do custom balcony-blankets so you can enjoy the outdoors whilst staying warm on the inside. Surprise goodies are delivered daily, and it’s a surprise whether fresh local fruits, biscuits or baked goods will land on your night stand every evening. Designer bathroom essentials are also a daily delivery giving morning showers a boost of Scandinavian forest scents but make them Diptyque.
Many of Stockholm’s locals frequent the hotel’s bars and restaurants which is always a good sign. The hotel breakfast at Bonnies is beyond delicious with neighbourhood favourites including fresh salmon, cheese and cardamom buns laid out in droves daily. The Saturday and Sunday brunch (also at Bonnies) is notoriously busy and a favourite with the locals so make sure you book ahead of your flight. Le Hibou is also a stunning spot for views of Stockholm and for its interiors. Located on the top floor, the bar has outstanding terrace views which are also complimented by gorgeous interiors inspired by a stylish Parisian suite.
The hotel is also fully prepped for the party season and has bespoke brunches and parties for the festive season including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. With cosy carpets, log fires and body-warming nightcaps, the hotel is the perfect place to come home to after a day’s sightseeing through Stockholm.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s December 2024 Issue