I was one of those little girls that loved dressing up. Halloween was my favorite holiday of the year (after Christmas, of course, because: PRESENTS) due in large part to the fact that it was the one day out of the year that my mom would let us wear makeup.

While the whole wearing-makeup thing has definitely faded in appeal (case in point: if you could see me right now…), the dressing up and pretending to be something that you’re not is definitely as exciting as ever.

My two-night visit to Haymarket by Scandic afforded me an awesome (and more socially acceptable) avenue for make-believe.

How could you NOT feel like a 1920s starlet in this hotel?

Old school celebrity vibe

 

The thick, luxe drapery, jewel-tone colors, and atmospheric mood lighting set the stage for a fabulous stay. With Haymarket by Scandic, I got the upside of celeb status without any of the negatives.

The room is flirty, fun, and most of all: glamorous. The decorator definitely nailed a sense of Hollywood drama, all the way down to the photos of iconic starlet role models framed on the walls.

 

Leading lady dressing room-esque

I’ve never been in a movie dressing room, but I have seen a bunch on TV, and I could totally imagine Greta Garbo loving this space. [side note: did you know that Greta was born in Stockholm?? She actually worked in this very building that now houses the hotel]

But seriously: Those mirrors! Is it just me, or do these old-timey lights just scream high society celebrity?

Obsessed.

And every leading lady needs an entourage, of course, and Haymarket delivers the seating space. How cute is this sitting area? I was solo on my trip (as usual), but I still utilized the fancy schmancy chairs for taking my afternoon fika.

 

Enormous window onto the market

This gigantic window is the ideal scene for throwing open the drapes with a flourish and waving to adoring fans below… if you really are a celeb. Instead, I used it for looking onto the market – perfect for secretly people watching from above, removed from the crowds.

One thing to keep in mind, if you’re after some serious starlet beauty sleep, the market-facing window can be just a bit loud in the morning as vendors are setting up. If this is an issue for you, you might want to bring ear plugs or request a different room location. For me, the noise didn’t start too early and was perfect as a good natural alarm.

 

Environmentally friendly focus

Let’s get real. Nothing is more hip than caring for our planet.

One of the number one things that I don’t understand about hotels is the insistence on continuing to give away toiletries in disposable plastic bottles (unless it’s repurposed plastic, which is slightly less bad). I’ll admit I take full advantage by taking any unused toiletries (is this a faux paus?), but still.

Haymarket by Scandic takes a different approach, and provides toiletries in refillable containers, rather than disposable plastic. Yes, this will ruin it for those of you who love stealing and stocking up on hotel toiletry bottles for future trips.

 

See and be seen

The Haymarket bar area is VERY happening. It seems like there is always something going on, with lots of people and lots of laughter. If you’re more of a wallflower but like to be near the action, have no fears. There’s a special reserved section for hotel guests, so you don’t have to worry about getting crowded out.

Aside from the bar, there are lots of chic gathering spaces throughout the hotel – including a breezy patio area looking onto the market – perfect for gathering your entourage… or just having a drink and people watching, alone (like me!).

 

Welcoming gym

Because even celebrities need to put in some sweat equity.

I imagine some people are probably naturally gifted with perfect-body genetics, but the rest of us lumps need to work for it. I’m not after a perfect bod, I just want to be healthy and get rid of my muffin-top. I don’t eat muffins, like, ever, but I do drink a lot of wine, so I guess I’ve got more of a champagne cork than a muffin top going on.

And if you HAVE to sweat, this gym is the place to do it. If you want to talk about natural light and airy spaces, the Haymarket gym takes the cake. The gym’s ceiling extends up multiple floors, to a skylight.

 

Perfect location

It’d be hard to find a more perfectly located hotel in the city. The Haymarket by Scandic is conveniently situated near to everything that stylish Stockholm has to offer, whether you’re a make-believe star or a real one. The hotel is literally on the Hotorget Square, and within walking distance to the central station and Stureplan. Kungsgatan and Drottninggatan shopping streets are just steps away.

 

Last but certainly not least: the perfect sidekick

Every leading lady needs a cute and quirky sidekick, and this one just lives in the bathroom. Bert the bird is a famous fixture in the hotel, and you can NOT leave without snapping a must-have selfie with him.

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The verdict: Haymarket by Scandic in Stockholm, Sweden

Ultimate hotel for a girl’s getaway weekend, or for a solo trip when you want to feel like the star you are.

You can book your stay at the Haymarket by Scandic directly on their website, or on Agoda. Depending on the time of year, prices per night start between $170-220.

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Pin it for Later: A Starlet-Style Stay at The Haymarket by Scandic in Stockholm, Sweden