6/10 Okay
Lee
Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Sep 1, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Our stay at the Birger Jarl Hotel was overall disappointing, especially considering the high price point and the distance from the main attractions in Stockholm.
Despite the glowing reviews I had read beforehand, the experience did not live up to expectations. The location proved inconvenient: most of the places we wanted to visit, particularly south of Central Station and in the Old Town, were a good 30-minute walk away. For families or first-time visitors, I would strongly recommend choosing accommodation closer to Central Station or Gamla Stan.
Customer service was underwhelming and lacked the warmth I’ve experienced in other Scandinavian hotels. The welcome was not particularly friendly, and the overall approach felt rushed rather than guest-oriented. Breakfast, while adequate, was not nearly as special as reviews suggested. For a Scandinavian hotel, the offering was standard at best. Guests arriving closer to the end of service should be aware that staff clear away food promptly, with little flexibility or warmth in their approach.
Room comfort was mixed. The main bed was fine, but the sofa bed provided for my daughter was poorly thought out—a blanket and sheet on a narrow, elevated sofa. I was concerned about her rolling off, and it did not feel like a safe or suitable sleeping arrangement for a child.
Ultimately, I regret booking this hotel based on overly positive reviews. While the hotel seems to aspire to a higher standard, in practice it falls short in terms of
Lee
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025