Queen's Hotel

With cheap stays hard to come by, this budget-friendly, family-run hotel on one of Stockholm's main shopping streets is a real gem. Newly updated, all rooms now come with free Wi-Fi and run from clean and cheerful singles to wildly spacious superior stays.

Elite Hotel Arcadia

This design hotel (part of a chain with five other properties in the city) has a central location in Östermalm, not far from Stockholm Stadium. The elegant 1950s property has been transformed into a sparkling, 4-star stay with Scandinavian minimalism throughout. With free Wi-Fi, a decent gym, a lovely restaurant and breakfast included, it's hard to better.

Castanea Hostel

Notable for its central location and suitability for lovebirds on a serious budget, the Castanea is set among the cobbles and historical lanes of the Old Town. There are 55 beds in total with a number of single and twin rooms, making it a cut above the usual snip-price joint.

Hotel Rival

This boutique hotel occupies a former cinema - hence the huge black and white photographs of Swedish film stars gracing the walls of the 99 bedrooms. The Rival is owned by Benny Andersson, of ABBA fame, who has turned it into one of the most rock 'n roll places to stay in Stockholm.

Clarion Hotel Sign

It's not small, but somehow the 558-room Clarion Hotel Sign feels as if it is – something that could be down to the individually designed rooms. The angular glass exterior, designed by acclaimed Swedish architect Gert Wingårdh, shouts modern which is followed up in the rooms. A bonus is the rooftop spa which has an excellent sauna.

Grand Hotel

The 310-room Grand Hotel has long been the most glamorous place to stay in the city and is justifiably one of the world's greatest hotels. Opening in 1874 its 21 luxurious suites are still popular with visiting celebrities and royalty - famous past guests include Theodore Roosevelt and Douglas Fairbanks.

Lydmar Hotel

Set in a listed building across from the Royal Palace, the Lydmar is a design-led boutique that combines homeliness with style and discreet service. Its 46 rooms are individually decorated, while the rest of the property boasts airy public spaces, gorgeous views of the sea and archipelago, and sharply dressed staff.

Birger Jarl

This trendy 271-room hotel has attracted a steady following among the city's cognoscenti, alongside some of the more savvy visitors. Individual designers have been brought in to create idiosyncratic rooms for this 4-star home from home. Other plus points include a rooftop gym with views of the city.

Berns Hotel

Trendy Berns is one of the coolest places to stay in Stockholm. Its 82 rooms marry modern Scandinavian design with period fittings. The Clock Suite is legendary and a favourite of younger, trendier celebrities. Also worth checking out are its restaurants, among them an excellent Asian fusion number.

The hotel's own website has a price-match scheme; if you a find a better room price elsewhere, they will match it.