Scandic Malmen

The 332-room Scandic Malmen is situated kitty-corner to Medborgarplatsen in Södermalm, one of the most trafficked squares in Stockholm. The hotel is part of the large Scandic chain of hotels that can be found in the Nordic countries, as well as a few on the continent.

Although the weekdays see the Malmen filled with business travelers, the weekends are another story, as families take over the lobby and Stockholmers come to hang out in the hotel's two bars (a cocktail bar and a live music bar).

We arrived the day after the Malmen had hosted an attempt at a "Guinness World Record" for the longest session of Guitar Hero. No word yet if Guinness accepted this particular achievement, but it demonstrated that at Malmen there is always something going on. From world record attempts to live rock and jazz concerts in the bar, you might not want to leave.

Rooms are the epitome of Scandinavian design, featuring simple, solid colors with modern furniture and spotless en suite bathrooms. You can choose from a single, double, superior, or family superior. If all you need is a place to sleep, try the cabins downstairs. They are in the basement and have no windows, but they are spacious enough—and cheaper than the other room options. (Ask ahead.)

The best deal of all, however, are rooms in the "Creators Inn," a hotel within the hotel. You can apply as a visiting creator, usually an artist or musician, to stay in the Creator’s Inn for free. You’ll have plenty of competition, as the concept has generated a lot of buzz.

The entire Scandic chain is known for its breakfast buffet. But the Malmen, an environmentally-certified hotel, has taken that to the next level and offers a breakfast buffet filled with ecological and organic choices.

Note: Pricing is described as “floating,” meaning if you plan ahead and get lucky you might find something for as low as $99. If you don’t... well let’s just say this isn’t usually a place for a Cheapo at the last minute.