My husband and I will be spending four nights in Stockholm. Budget is not a primary constraint- we are looking to splurge. What hotel would you recommend- the Grande or the Rival?
I've never stayed at either so my comment will purely be based on location and reputation. The Grand is centally located, just across the bridge from Gamla Stan and the royal palace. It is on the water. The smörgåsbord served on the Veranda has a good reputation as does the matsalen. Both are expensive. The Grand is closer to the main tourist sites. The Rival Hotel is located on Mariatorget, a square on Södermalm. For many years, Södermalm (aka "Söder") was considered to be a working class area, but now it is quite trendy. Södermalm has many bars and restaurants. There really aren't a lot of tourists sites on Söder (although there is a fabulous view of Gamla Stan from the street called Fjällgatan. Do you prefer traditional and classic or trendy and modern? If the former, choose the Grand. If the latter, choose the Rival.