Old Town Lodge, Stockholm

Not to be confused with Old Town Hostel, which has shared dorms and is aimed mostly at the backpacker crowd, this guesthouse-style place is better suited to couples and families.

The 17th-Century building is a little gloomy but has loads of character; it’s painted a gorgeous shade of yellowy-orange on the outside, and has pretty wooden doors facing the narrow cobbled street.

On the ground floor there are a couple of good-sized doubles, which come with or without windows. The windowless versions are cheaper, but both types have clean white sheets, handy reading lamps and a nice homely feel.

Down in the wonderful vaulted basement is a strange kind of dorm-double crossover. Imagine a row of double beds, separated by glass walls, and you’ll have a fairly good idea of what this looks like (don’t worry, there are full-length curtains to protect your modesty). It’s a bit of an unusual design, but you’ll struggle to find double rooms cheaper than these anywhere in Gamla Stan.

Singles and private family rooms sleeping four (with a double bed and a bunk bed) are also available. All of the rooms at Old Town Lodge share bathrooms, and a simple breakfast is included in the rate. Guests also have access to basic kitchen facilities.