Just as basic as the Hilton

It's well known that if you want a bigger room or suite in Stockholm, then you book the Sheraton or Hilton Suites.

Last year I booked the top Suite at the Hilton, but the stay was riddiled with issues. This year I booked a Junior Suite Water View. We actually added an extra night which I booked a View Room on points. I called the hotel and asked if both rooms could be on the same floor so we don't have to move and the in house team said "Oh, a Corner Junior Suite just popped up, you can be upgraded to that!"

We parked at the Sheraton Garage (operated by a 3rd party using an app that many had trouble with) and took the lift to reception.

There was a long queue so I stood in the empty elite line and was called over next. Check in was swift.

We were allocated a room that didn't look like the photos. Rather than a large studio, it had a separate living and bedroom area, but with no door. I liked the layout. The living room, however, receieves no natural light at all.

This is another hotel with no working fridge so beware if you plan to get food or drinks from outside.

Looking closer the room was old with missing knobs, scratched surfaces etc, but I had expected that.

Now, I know it's a Sheraton but the service wasn't great. It was rainy heavily and the hotel had no umbrellas. When I asked if there were any in the back office I was told "You just have to wait here until a guest returns one," which was a delightful front office exchange.

Breakfast is served in what feels like a massive dining hall. They ran out of Watermelon and other fruit each morning. Hot tip: Order an Omlette as they're freshly made, but there are no instructions so I just asked the Chef.

While the location is close to the malls and arcades, I prefer the views of Gamla Stan from the other side.

Overall, it's a typical American chain hotel that feels two decades old.

I think next time I'll try one of the botique hotels in a bigger room.