Hotel Rival sits on Mariatorget, a leafy square on Södermalm, in a building whose cinema opened in 1937. It is owned by Benny Andersson of ABBA and opened as a hotel in 2003, with 99 rooms, a theatre that seats several hundred for comedy, music and talks, and a lively ground floor with The Tavern bistro, Watson's Bar and a cocktail bar. Rooms run from economy singles to superior and deluxe rooms, some with balconies, and suites with terraces, with comforts such as Egyptian cotton sheets and a pillow menu. The neighbourhood is the draw: Södermalm is the city's creative, cafe-filled island, with the Monteliusvägen viewpoint, Fotografiska and the Slussen ferries nearby.
Location: Mariatorget metro station is steps away, and Gamla Stan is one stop or a fifteen-minute walk. The square is quiet, but the bars and theatre bring evening life inside.
Who it suits: music fans, couples and travellers who want neighbourhood life. Ask for a room overlooking the square, and look at the show packages if something on the theatre calendar appeals. Breakfast is served late at weekends, which suits a Södermalm night out.
Why stay here
- ✓Theatre with live shows
- ✓The Tavern bistro
- ✓Watson Bar and cocktail bar
- ✓Breakfast buffet
- ✓Room service
- ✓Balcony rooms and terrace suites
- ✓Pillow menu
- ✓On Mariatorget square
Good questions
Who owns Hotel Rival?+
Benny Andersson, a member of ABBA, owns the hotel, which opened in 2003.
Where is Hotel Rival?+
At Mariatorget 3 on Södermalm, by Mariatorget metro station.
Does Hotel Rival have shows?+
Yes, its theatre hosts comedy, concerts and talks, and packages combine a stay with a show.