Hotel Rival

Hotel Rival Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to Hotel Rival on Mariatorget, you immediately get that this isn’t your typical chain hotel. The building has this cool, understated elegance that fits perfectly with Södermalm’s artsy vibe — honestly, it feels more like stepping into a boutique property that locals would actually hang out at. The entrance doesn’t scream for attention, but there’s something quietly confident about the whole setup that I really appreciated. This four-star property captures the essence of Stockholm’s most distinctive neighborhoods.

Prime Södermalm Location

You know what’s brilliant about this spot? You’re literally on one of Stockholm‘s most charming squares, but it doesn’t feel touristy at all. Mariatorget is where actual Stockholmers come to relax — there’s a lovely little park right outside where people bring their dogs and grab coffee. The location feels right for the neighborhood because Södermalm is all about that effortless cool rather than pretension. I mean, you can walk to Gamla Stan in about ten minutes, but you’re staying in the part of town where the interesting cafés and vintage shops actually are.

The Room Experience

I’ll be honest — the beds here are genuinely something special. When hotels claim “comfy beds,” I’m usually skeptical, but this place actually delivers on that promise. The room design strikes this nice balance between Scandinavian minimalism and actual warmth, which isn’t always easy to pull off. There’s enough space to spread out without feeling like you’re rattling around in an oversized suite, and the windows let in that gorgeous Nordic light that makes everything look better. The attention to detail throughout creates an inviting atmosphere.

Food That Actually Matters

Here’s where Hotel Rival really surprised me — the food is legitimately good, not just “good for hotel food.” The breakfast spread covers all the bases with vegetarian and gluten-free options included, but it’s the attention to quality that stands out. You get proper Swedish ingredients alongside international choices, and honestly, it’s the kind of breakfast that makes you want to linger over coffee rather than rush out sightseeing. The restaurant feels like somewhere you’d actually choose to eat, even if you weren’t staying here. The culinary experience reflects the hotel’s commitment to excellence.

Why Guests Love It

What really works about this place is how it feels authentically Stockholm without trying too hard. Couples especially seem to get it — there’s something romantic about the whole Södermalm setting that chain hotels in the city center just can’t replicate. The fact that they’ve got private parking available is actually a bigger deal than you might think, since finding a spot in this neighborhood can be a nightmare. It’s one of those hotels where everything just works smoothly, from the location to the service, without any forced hospitality that makes you cringe. The overall experience justifies its stellar reputation among discerning travelers.

Hotel Rival Accommodations

Reviews of Hotel Rival

• Gabriela from Czech Republic (10/10)

  wonderfull pillow offer, very tasty breakfast

• Tony from United Kingdom (10/10)

  I recently had the pleasure of staying at Rival in Stockholm for one night, and I can confidently say it was one of the best hotel experiences I've ever had! From the moment we arrived, the front of house staff, Cecille and Svedje, went above and beyond to ensure our stay was nothing short of fantastic. Their warm welcome and attentive service made us feel right at home.
  
  The hotel itself is a lovely, cozy retreat in a fantastic location, making it easy to explore all that Stockholm has to offer. Our room was beautifully appointed with crisp, fresh bedding that provided the perfect sanctuary after a day of sightseeing. It truly felt like a little haven in the city!
  
  After such a wonderful experience, we decided to rebook at Rival for later in the week, even canceling our other hotel plans. It’s hard to find such a gem in the city center, and we knew we wanted to return to the comfort and hospitality that Cecille and Svedje provided.
  
  If you're looking for a charming hotel with an unbeatable location and exceptional staff, look no further than Rival. We can’t wait for our next visit! Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Jane from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Lovely comfortable room – great breakfast. Nice and quiet .

• Richard from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Everything but especially the staff

• Susan from United States (10/10)

  Great location. Extremely helpful staff!

• Mariane from Brazil (10/10)

  Very good room space, delicious buffet breakfast and super friendly and helpful staff: Cecilia and Michele (frontdesk) and Eveline and Jennie (breakfast buffet).

• Michal from Czech Republic (8/10)

  Location, staff, bars downstairs, size of the room

• Ian from Australia (10/10)

  Everything about Rival is outstanding. Michelle on the front desk was extremely helpful in our local trip planning as were other staff members.

• Johannes from Switzerland (9/10)

  Great Location, nice design details in room, good staff and very good breakfast.

• John from United Kingdom (8/10)

  breakfast and comfy beds were very good

Surroundings

Facilities