It was a tough choice. Parked directly across the street from our hotel was a Boeing 747-200 with rooms available at a similar price. But I was happy I ultimately chose the Radisson Stockholm Airport.
The Choice
Both properties were about $125/night for a triple. The “Jumbo Hostel” included a double bed with a twin bed above it. Showers were down the hall and breakfast was not included. Here are a few stock photos:
It just looked a little congested.
As it turned out, our room at the Radisson Stockholm Airport (not to be confused with the in-terminal Radisson SkyCity Stockholm Arlanda Airport) was not much bigger and required a roll-away bed, but still felt more spacious than a dorm/hostel room.
Review: Radisson Stockholm Airport
We arrived after midnight and were quickly assigned a room on the 5th floor. The room was a bit blasé, but clean and comfortable. Per the website, it looks like updated/remodeled rooms are available and we simply did not receive one. But we just needed a place to sleep and have breakfast.
You can see, the room and our view of a brick wall outside was simply “meh”. But the hotel made up for it in a big way with breakfast. The breakfast buffet the following morning, complimentary for al hotel guests, was tremendous. The selection and quality was amazing and would put the Hilton Stockholm Slussen (where we spent the next evening) to shame.
The coffee machine was broken, but a friendly waitress offered to make me a cappuccino from another (much better) machine in the bar. It was excellent.
The dining room and common areas of the hotel were modern yet chic:
A business center in the lobby–
Another advantage to the Radisson Blu over the 747-200 hostel: swimming pool + fitness room + sauna.
Free parking as well–
CONCLUSION
Ask for a remodeled room when you say at the Raddison Blu Stockholm Airport: they look wonderful. But whatever room you get, count on a great breakfast. While sleeping in a 747-200 hostel continues to be alluring, I believe we made the wise choice in choosing the Radisson across the street.
Read more of my Scandinavia Trip Report:
Review: SAS A330 Business Class Los Angeles to Stockholm
Lounge Review: SAS Gold Lounge Stockholm
Review: SAS Business Class Stockholm to Oslo (Scenic Flight)
Lounge Review: SAS Gold Lounge Oslo
Review: SAS Business Class Oslo to Longyearbyen
The Advantage of AirBnB in Longyearbyen
A Boat Trip to an Abandoned Russian Mining Island
Review: Hotel Tulpan in Pyramiden
Why Pyramiden is a Must-See (Photo Tour)
Exploring Pyramiden at Midnight with Two Armed Female Bodyguards
Where to Eat in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen to Stockholm via Tromsø on SAS
Lounge Review: SAS Café Tromso
Review: Radisson Stockholm Airport (vs. 747-200 hostel)
Review: Hilton Stockholm
Once I read “showers down the hall” you lost me! The Radisson could be significantly more expensive and I would gladly pay the price to not relive dorm hell of having to shower and use the toilet down the hall.
Points and Cash are frequently the best option here.
May be, but unfortunately I have no Club Carlson points.
Wait, you had the opportunity to sleep in a converted 747??? Yes, yes, I understand the hotel was more comfortable than the hostel, but come on, it’s a 747! I think you need to turn in your AV geek card 😉