I tried a ‘boatel’ in Stockholm—an old ship converted into a floating hotel. It was surprisingly luxurious.
A floating oasis in Stockholm’s heart
The gentle rocking lulled me to sleep as moonlight filtered through my porthole window. This wasn’t seasickness—it was the distinct pleasure of sleeping aboard the Mälardrottningen Yacht Hotel, one of Stockholm’s most unique accommodations. Permanently moored in the heart of Sweden’s capital, this 73-yard yacht offers travelers like me an experience that blends maritime charm with unexpected luxury.
“We preserved the ship’s soul while adding modern comforts,” explains Captain Lars Bergström, who oversees the hotel operations. “Guests love the novelty, but they stay for the quality.”
Beyond the traditional hotel experience
My journey to Stockholm began with a desire to experience something different. After years of cookie-cutter hotels, the idea of sleeping on water intrigued me. The city, spread across 14 islands, seems tailor-made for such maritime adventures. While some islands host extreme adventures, Stockholm offers a more refined aquatic experience.
First impressions and nautical nostalgia
The ship’s gleaming brass fittings caught the afternoon sun as I approached. Climbing aboard felt ceremonial—a plank replacing the typical hotel revolving door. The reception area retained its nautical character with polished wood paneling and vintage photographs documenting the vessel’s sailing history.
My cabin—no, my stateroom—surprised me with its ingenious use of space. The designers had transformed what was once tight quarters into a cozy haven with a queen bed, writing desk, and a bathroom that, while compact, featured luxury toiletries and fluffy towels.
Waking to waterfront views
Morning aboard the boatel offered an experience reminiscent of waking to Pacific waves, but with Stockholm’s distinctive skyline as backdrop. From my window, I watched the sun illuminate Gamla Stan’s colorful buildings while early ferries crisscrossed the harbor.
Breakfast with a Baltic breeze
The breakfast room—formerly the ship’s dining salon—served an impressive spread of Swedish delicacies. Fresh-baked cardamom buns, gravlax with dill, and lingonberry preserves accompanied strong Swedish coffee. Floor-to-ceiling windows brought the water’s shimmer indoors while providing protection from the morning chill.
“Stockholm reveals herself differently from the water,” a fellow guest remarked. “You see the rhythm of the city—its reflection dancing on the surface like nowhere else.”
Exploring from a floating base
The boatel’s central location proved perfect for city exploration. Within minutes, I could stroll to the Royal Palace or catch a ferry to Djurgården’s museums. Unlike some coastal destinations where dramatic cliffs dominate, Stockholm’s beauty lies in its harmonious blend of architecture and waterways.
Evening cocktails on deck
The ship’s upper deck transformed at sunset. String lights illuminated the outdoor lounge where guests gathered for aquavit cocktails. Unlike beaches that glow blue, our evening was lit by Stockholm’s golden streetlights reflecting on dark waters.
Is a boatel right for you?
While the gentle rocking might challenge those prone to motion sickness, most guests find it soothing rather than disruptive. The cabins lack the spaciousness of traditional hotels, but their ingenious design maximizes comfort while maintaining maritime character.
For travelers seeking both comfort and novelty, Stockholm’s boatels provide the perfect compromise. Unlike remote alpine getaways, these floating accommodations place you directly in urban action while offering a peaceful retreat.
As I reluctantly disembarked after my three-night stay, I realized the boatel had offered more than just novelty—it had provided a unique vantage point from which to experience Stockholm. The city had revealed itself differently from the water, layer by layer, like a maritime story unfolding with each gentle wave.