Nordic Countries - Stockholm / Copenhagen Hotels?

Have 5 nights Stockholm / 5 nights Copenhagen upcoming - recomendations on hotels please.

Must be 5 star - must be central location - your input would be appreciated.

My current choices would be the Grand Hotel in Stockholm - harbor view, and hotel Nimb in Copenhagen - jr suite. Not sure when rennovation will be complete on Angleterre in Copenhagen, but if is when you are going I would give that a try. Previously it was tired and the service not great, but the bones are fantastic and location great so I would try once it reopens.

There are numerous threads on this topic. I suggest you do a search.

I'll summarize: Grand in Stockholm if you like old stuffy dull hotels with good restaurants. I **much** prefer the Lydmar next door. Copenhagen only has the Nimb, which is very good but hard to book.

I would add that Tyler Brule of Monocle Magazine just gave a rave review to the new Ett Hem (http://www.slh.com/destinations/europe/sweden/stockholm/ett-hem/?refcd=GO20120315130721100034s_ett_hem_sweden&tsacr=GO23278068932&gclid=CPiy6bCYgLACFQxshwodM2Flqg) in Stockholm. But I've yet to figure out why I should listen to him other than he has a column (http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/750032bc-9a8c-11e1-9c98-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1uraAAJwZ) in the Financial Times. Mr. Brule clearly demands and GETS special treatment at the places he stays, making his recommendations unreliable.

Generally this Scandinavian luxury hotel discussion descends into the question: "What sucks the least?"

Note: Don't surf the Lydmar (http://www.lydmar.com/) website if you are at work. It is quite edgy and NSFW. And make sure the volume is turned down.

I am a little suspect of Tyler Brule's recomendations but would like to hear if anyone has experienced teh Ett Hem.

Ett Hem - 12 rooms, hotel guests only >

gym and sauna.

There’s a short menu of dishes using local produce available around the clock, which can be served wherever you prefer. Eat in the kitchen or more formally in the library, or look out at the garden from the Glasshouse, a great place for breakfast. We also pride ourselves on an original selection of champagne and wine.

Has anyone stayed at Nobis hotel in Stockholm? Is it more like boutique hotel?

Also, are tips not expected at hotels in scandinavian countries? I stayed at Nimb hotel in Copenhagen a few months ago (my only hotel experience in Scandinavia) and the staff did not take the tips I left in the hotel room.

I truly believe that this Thread would be better served in the Nordic Countries Forum.
Please follow there..
Thanks..
Obscure2k
Moderator
Luxury Hotels

Copenhagen is a city of stylish but just adequate hotels (the style is also often confined to the common areas...) Until the Hotel d'Angleterre reopens, the only real 5* is the Hotel Nimb, and you're paying a lot for it. It's right in Tivoli, but still on the edge of the slightly seedy area around the main station.

The Skt Petri is officially a 5*, but the reality is far from it.

FWIW, tipping isn't the norm in Denmark - you might round up, but that's about it.

Seems like an eternity ago now but we stayed at radisson Bly Royal Hotel in Copenhagen - SO SO ordinary.

We went and checked out Hotel Nimb - yes it looked great but totally overpriced IMHO.

In Stockholm we stayed at Lidmar Hotel - small boutique hotel just down rd from Grand Hotel - fabulous choice - great bar and restaurant - staff were superb.

Check out hotel Kong Arthur and hotel fox for something completely different!

Otherwise Nimb if you can get a booking (it's relatively small) and very popular!