Clarion Hotel Stockholm, Stockholm

This huge block out on busy Ringvägen is one of the biggest hotels in Stockholm, with 530 rooms.

It was opened in 2003 so doesn’t feel super-new but is still a smart place to say, with some good facilities for business guests. Rates are considerably lower here than you’d pay for a similar room in Gamla Stan or Norrmalm.

The hotel’s location isn’t exactly central, but that might not matter if you’re happy taking the subway – Skanstull T-bana station is really close by and it’s not far to walk to SoFo’s bars and restaurants. If you’re driving, this place is a pretty good choice; there’s a car park under the hotel.

Superior rooms at Clarion Hotel Stockholm are spacious, with invitingly plump beds. Cheaper ‘moderate’ rooms feel a bit smaller, but are still comfy. At various points along the wide, airy corridors you’ll find ice machines (in case you want to chill your drinks) and ironing rooms – perfect for when that favourite shirt or blouse gets wrinkled.

Down in the lobby is an airy bar with bucket-shaped seats arranged beneath fake ‘clouds’ that hang from the ceiling. The Upstairs Bar hosts live music, while Minami – the hotel’s Asian restaurant – specialises in flavours from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and India.

One thing about this hotel we thought was disappointing: access to the spa area costs money, even if you’re a paying guest. However, the gym (where some of the machines are wired up to allow internet access) is free to use.