Hotel Rival, Stockholm – Routes North

Once the local cinema, this Art Deco building was transformed into a plush hotel under the watchful eye of former Abba member Benny Andersson, who owns it.

It’s right on Mariatorget, a pretty, café-edged square with benches arranged around a central fountain, and is one of the few really top-end, design-focused hotels in Södermalm.

Inside you’ll find bars, a popular café and a 700-seat theatre that’s done up in lavish red. The gigs and stand-up comedy nights held here often feature big, international names.

If you want to stay, there are three main types of accommodation to choose from. Standard rooms are pretty small so if you’re staying for a few days it might be worth upgrading to one of the larger superior rooms. Another step up are Hotel Rival’s deluxe rooms, which face the square; choose one of these and you’ll get bathtub as well as a shower.

All rooms come with Egyptian cotton sheets, down duvets, plus a blu-ray player and a selection of films. Guests get a small discount at a nearby gym.

Special packages are available for LGBT guests, including a bottle of champagne on arrival and entry to one of Stockholm’s biggest gay clubs.

Note that as Hotel Rival is so popular with conference groups, rates tend to be considerably higher during the week.