Review

Receive a free Hg2 guide when you book a room online

Owned by Benny Andersson from Abba, a man who knows a thing or two about making a hit, the Rival is quite unlike anything else in the city. It has 99 rooms, a cinema with classic red velvet seating and an art deco cocktail bar. Its personality carries over to two adjoining businesses, the Rival Café and the Rival Bakery, which is one of the best bakeries in the city.

The hotel's décor is inspired by Swedish films and every room features a still taken from a Swedish movie (including, of course, Abba: The Movie). Bedrooms have pillow menus, as well as flatscreen TVs and DVD players.

When it opened, the Rival revitalized the Mariatorget square on which it stands and it remains one of the city's hippest hotels. It's particularly good for visitors who want to spend their time exploring the slightly more alternative scene on Södermalm.  

Back to listings