6 Of Our Favorite Scandinavian Hotels

While bound by the commonality of their rich heritage, culturally and linguistically, the countries of Scandinavia—Denmark, Norway and Sweden—each offer unique sights and sounds for travelers (Though some debate the inclusion of Finland and Iceland, we're simply going with the historical context, rather than strictly geographical). With so much to see and do, it's important to find the right accommodations in order to explore the area's famous landmarks in the height of luxury. Here are six of our favorite Scandinavian hotels from which to take in these alluring countries and their capital cities.
 

Sweden: The Grand Hotel
 

Situated on the harbor staring directly across the water at the Royal Palace, The Grand Hotel has been a high-class staple in Stockholm since 1874. It's easy to explore the surrounding sites, with the National Art Museum and the Houses of Parliament just a block away, and Stockholm's old town, Gamla Stan, a short bike ride or walk across the bridge. Inside the rooms and suites are tastefully decorated in rich fabrics and stocked with Molton Brown toiletries.
 

The Nordic Spa offers everything from massages overlooking the Royal Palace, to Nordic Bathing Rituals incorporating products with local herbs and oils. To top it all off, dining is also an elegant affair, with its restaurants Mathias Dahlgren receiving two Michelin stars and Matbaren holding one. It's clear The Grand Hotel is more than prepared to show guests what a five-star experience can be in Stockholm.
 

Sweden: Hotel Rival
 

The young, trendy district of Södermalm is full of art galleries, vintage stores and quaint cafes; it's also home to Hotel Rival, a 99-room property in Maria Square. Originally opened in 1937, the hotel received a complete transformation in 2002 thanks to funding by former ABBA member and current owner, Benny Andersson.

It now contains a cocktail bar that welcomes Stockholm's best DJs on Friday and Saturday nights; a cozy "Swedish" bistro featuring photography by Ulla Montan; and a café that makes its own baked goods daily. Even more of a reason to visit is the theater with 700 red-velvet seats that hosts live concerts, stand-up acts and a variety of performances. The décor is sumptuous, yet light-hearted and mixes modern Scandinavian style with classic Art Deco touches to attract the old and new, local and tourist.
 

Denmark: Nimb Hotel
 

Although Copenhagen offers many stunning four- and five-star hotels to choose from, Nimb is one of our favorites. It may be smaller than other hotels in the city, but its intimate size and location next to Tivoli Gardens are what make it stand out. The property has just 17 rooms with nine junior suites, including the new 2,600-square-foot Suite Louise.

Denmark: Hotel D'Angleterre

Reopened in May after a two-year renovation, this historic hotel has been a Copenhagen landmark of luxury since 1755. Hotel D'Angleterre's 90 rooms and suites are elegantly appointed in rich fabrics and calming color palettes along with individual climate control systems, Nespresso machines, spacious bathrooms, B&O LED TVs, and even heated toilet seats.

The state-of-the-art fitness center and Amazing Space spa are ready to relax and invigorate guests, while the pool is slated to open again in August. Sitting in the heart of the city, the property is just steps from sites like the Royal Theatre, Nyhavn Canal and Strøget, the longest pedestrian shopping area in Europe. It has been a home away from home for celebrities, presidents and discerning travelers for over 250 years and its new look is sure to keep them coming back for another 250.

Norway: The Thief

We just adore The Thief for being modern, quirky and sophisticated all at the same time —a theme that tends to run throughout the Design Hotels collection. Located in the Tjuvholmen neighborhood where criminals were once brought to justice in the 18th century, The Thief is now in the center of the bustling business, art, and nightlife district in Oslo.

Especially highlighting the city's great art, the hotel is right next door to the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art and gives easy access to walking paths where guests can take in the area's iconic architecture. The Thief houses Tjuvholmen's only hotel bar, and also welcomes visitors to dine at Restaurant Fru K, sip afternoon tea, lounge fireside or sit on the rooftop terrace for a cocktail with a view.

Norway: Grand Hotel

Probably best known as the venue for the annual announcement of the Nobel Peace Prize winner, the Grand Hotel has been a fixture in the heart of Oslo for over 135 years. The hotel contains 292 spacious rooms, including 54 suites, stylishly outfitted with soaking tubs, flat-screen TVs, L'Occitane amenities, and some with balconies or private rooftop terraces.

Something female travelers might find interesting is that the hotel is the first in Europe to dedicate an entire floor to women. The Ladies Floor has 13 rooms, appealing to the modern woman, complete with yoga mats, specialty food menus, spa and beauty products, and magazines. Each is uniquely designed to reflect powerful, influential Norwegian women, from skiers to golfers, screenwriters, and jazz musicians. Perhaps this will inspire more hotels to add a feminine touch to their offerings.