The First Hotel Reisen, like the other hotels within the chain, has an aura of convention and tradition, the standards are high. the service is formal, but the design contradicts this, fitted out as it is with monochrome wallpaper and lacquer, shiny furniture.
Telephone: 08 223 260
Url: www.firsthotels.se
Price: 1,550–6,000kr
While the other Gamla Stan hotels noted in this chapter are in the heart of the Old Town, this 144-room property stands on the waterfront where you can watch the ferries setting sail for Finland, Estonia and beyond.
The building dates from the 17th century but the public spaces were recently renovated to give them plenty of 21st-century attitude. The restaurant has black-and-white striped walls and lots of dramatic black furniture. Like its sister property, the Amaranten on Kungsholmen, the bar attracts plenty of non-residents. During the summer the outdoor seating is popular. Bedrooms are a little bit frumpy but the exposed brick in some adds charm in keeping with the age of the building. What's more the views are enviable and the location is convenient, as the hotel is just steps from the Royal Palace.
