“Pretty good by Stockholm standards”

You don't get a lot of extras, although the in-lobby coffee machine was good. This hotel was acceptable, but not notable. Breakfast was pretty good, but not as good as the rave reviews I read led me to expect. Initial room was very small, but they gave me a slightly larger room after I asked. Staff was helpful at suggesting nearby restaurants that had good food and were not too expensive (by Stockholm standards).

“much potential, but management could be better”

The good: the Hellsten is very well decorated and in a great part of Stockholm. The rooms are small but very nice and clean, and the lobby with coffee/tea and 2 computers plus printer is very useful. Also, breakfast of breads and cold meats/cheeses and fruits was very good. The bad: the hotel advertises internet in every room, which is simply not true. I got the impression that they were working on it, but that they need some professional IT help. Also, the reception staff are mainly very nice, but once I called to get help with restaurant reservations and the staff just told me that the restaurant was closed. I did not believe them based on online information, so I tried it anyway and had a great dinner. Either the staff member I spoke with was misinformed, or just dishonest and lazy. I think the management could do a better job in rectifying these issues.

“Great hotel in the heart of Stockholm”

Experienced the great staff service and excellent location of the hotel for 4 nights as a tourist. The hotel has an impressive interior with Africa themed decoration in the lobby and bar areas. The room looked quite modern (despite minor repair point). The whole feeling of the stay was being in the very welcome, modern and quality family-like environment with great attitude to the guests (including the business ones apparently). Thank you! I do recommend the hotel and Stockholm city!

“Small, cozy hotel”

This hotel is relatively small. It is a boutique hotel, with character. There is a very comfy lounge right off of the lobby with 2 computers for guest use, and always free coffee and tea. It was a much more useable lounge than most hotel lobbies. The room was fairly large by European standards, and came with 2 relatively comfortable chairs. The beds were very comfortable, and came with 2 pillows. The room was always clean. Only complaint is the shower, which was very challenging to use without getting the bathroom floor all wet. There was, however, always hot water. The complimentary breakfast is mostly cold fare, consisting of breads, jams, cheeses, sliced meats/sausages, pate and cereal. There was a waffle iron for self-made waffles, a pot of oatmeal, and a basket of boiled eggs. The breakfast was always plenty of food to carry one to lunch. The hotel is in the "City" portion of Stockholm. It is only two short blocks from the subway system, on the major line, so location was great. The walk from the hotel to Gamla Stan was probably about a mile, if one wished to forgo the subway. Given Stockholm prices, the Hellsten was good value for the money.

“All great at this hotel ... except the beds!”

A very nice hotel with always friendly staff. The breakfast buffet is excellent. Amajor selling point is the very central location. Generally, the whole city can be discovered by feet. I would certainly return to this nice hotel. The fact that it is located in a calm side street away from the hustle and bustle makes it even more attractive. The only downside was that we ordered a room with a "Queen" or at least a double, but found two single beds pushed together. That was not that great ...

“Great Stockholm Experience”

Public transportation is easy to use, and everything converges at T-Centralen, but keep in mind that Stockholm is a walking city with great neighborhoods to explore like Gamla Stan and Sodermalm. Don't miss the marketplace at Hotorget, and have a tasty, reasonably priced lunch there.

“a quiet, well-appointed, well-located place to stay”

This hotel is lovely. The staff is very helpful yet unobtrusive. Rooms are small but always comfortable and well kept. The bar is terrific and I found internet access very easy. Breakfast is also good. The location is superb. Quiet residential area with many ethnic restaurants and good coffee shops. Very close to the t-bana and within walking distance of major shopping areas if that matters. I've stayed many places in Stockholm, including in Gamla Stan, and I find this much preferable. It's much quieter yet you can be in Gamla Stan or Sodermalm in 10 minutes via the T. A terrific place to stay.

“Old and Tired--There are better Options”

The rooms are showing lots of wear and tear. First, we we given room 1100. The size of the room is pretty small. Just enough space to walk around the bed. However, small rooms are not a surprise in Europe. The door to the room only opens half way because they have an armoir behind it to serve as the closet. The window in the room looks into the Breakfast room. I mean it's actually located on the inside wall to the Breakfast room. The window won't open otherwise you'd be able to yell down to the diners. There is no A/C. The window is double paned, but I don't believe it would block out the noise of clanking dishes in the morning. Also, the walls are all scraped. It's so bad that you see the dusty drywall. We complained about this room and they moved us up 1 floor to room 1200. This room looks over the Breakfast room, but is not part of it. So, you can open the window. The window itself is an old wooden frame that still looks like someone was in the middle of removing the paint and refurbishing it. So, instead of looking "old world" it looks just plain "old and dirty". The walls were in even worse shape here and the furniture was something I would find at a bad garage sale or college dorm room. The only nice thing about the room is the bathroom. It is nicely done with slate floors and walls. The floors are heated and there is a towel warmer. I would not stay here again unless they have gone through a renovation. It's old, tired, and the staff was not helpful.

“Excellent Choice”

Hotell Hellsten is easy-going, small hotell close to metro. The rate is reasonable, the staff is friendly. I will definitely stay here next time too!