Travel with Per

Stockholm. My hometown, my heartbeat.

Every visit feels like slipping on a perfectly worn-in jacket – familiar, comforting, still sharp as ever. And when I’m back, there’s only one place I stay: Clarion Hotel Amaranten. I don’t even shop around anymore. Why would I? Amaranten gets it. It’s my north star in a city I know like the back of my hand.

Location

Let’s talk location first – because it’s spot on. Tucked away in Kungsholmen, you’re out of the central buzz just enough to breathe easy, but close enough to walk pretty much anywhere. Five minutes to the metro. Ten to the city centre. Waterfront strolls? Right there. It’s quiet in the right ways, alive in the right places. Just vibes.

Rooms

Now, the rooms – proper comfortable. Clean lines, Scandi touches, beds that basically hug you, and blackout curtains that should honestly come with a warning label (you’ll oversleep and love it). There’s this understated style to it all – nothing flashy, just well-designed, well-thought-out comfort. You know when a room just feels good to walk into? That.

And the staff. Honestly, I could write a whole post just on them. Every time I check in, it feels like I’m walking into a friend’s place – if that friend ran a really slick hotel and offered me a welcome drink. They’re warm, real, and actually seem like they enjoy working there, which says a lot. You ask for something? Sorted. You look a bit lost? They’re already helping. No faff, no fake smiles – just proper good people.

The Crown Jewel?

Breakfast! Listen. I travel a lot. I’ve seen some shockers when it comes to hotel brekkies. Amaranten? It’s breakfast done right. Massive spread, but not just for show, everything is top quality. Fresh bread (proper Swedish stuff), cold cuts, eggs, strong coffee, smoothies, even little pastries that whisper just one more until you’ve had five. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you want to cancel lunch. Maybe dinner too.

And the vibe of the place? Chic without being smug. There’s a fitness area if you’re that way inclined (I’ve visited… once), meeting spaces that don’t feel like dentist waiting rooms, and a cosy little bar that hits the spot when you need a nightcap or just a bit of people-watching with a red in hand.

Bottom line….

Amaranten is my Stockholm constant. It’s where I come to recharge, reconnect, and rest my slightly jet-lagged soul. It’s not just about where you sleep, it’s about how a place makes you feel. And this one? Always feels like home.

So yeah, if you’re coming to Stockholm and want a spot that nails the essentials (and then some), give Amaranten a go. You’ll see what I mean. And if you spot a guy in a loud shirt lingering too long over the breakfast buffet, come say hi.