Stylish boutique hotel in trendy Södermalm owned by ABBA's Benny Andersson. Art Deco cinema, cozy bar, excellent breakfast, and prime location for exploring Stockholm's hippest neighborhood.
Hotel Rival sits on Mariatorget, Södermalm's most characterful square, at the address Mariatorget 3. The square is ringed by independent cafes, bars, and bookshops and anchors the Mariatorg T-bana station exit, placing guests within a five-minute walk of the SoFo district and roughly two kilometres from Gamla Stan. The waterfront at Slussen is a ten-minute walk north.
The building dates to 1937 and retains its Art Deco bones — a period that shaped the hotel's visual identity from its facade through to the interior tile work, brass fittings, and curved bar counter. Benny Andersson of ABBA purchased the property in 2001 and undertook a full restoration, bringing the cinema and ballroom back to operational use. The result is a hotel with a genuine personality: music memorabilia is present but not overdone, and the atmosphere reads as creative rather than themed.
The 99 rooms are compact by international luxury standards but thoughtfully fitted with bespoke furniture, good soundproofing, and quality bedding. Superior rooms offer Mariatorget square views. The hotel does not have suites in the conventional sense, making it a specialist choice for independent travellers rather than corporate groups requiring expansive accommodation.
The ground-floor Rival Bistro & Bar serves Swedish-inflected brasserie cooking from morning through late night, with a breakfast menu included in most rate plans. The bar extends into the lobby and is a lively gathering point on weekend evenings. The on-site cinema — Biografen Rival — hosts regular film screenings and occasional live events and is accessible to hotel guests and the public alike.
Service is informal and attentive. There is no spa or gym, but the hotel's position in central Södermalm means parks, the Tanto allotment gardens, and a dense grid of independent restaurants are steps away. The property suits travellers seeking a boutique Stockholm base with genuine neighbourhood character over corporate amenity stacks.
Amenities
- cinema
- bar
- restaurant
- central location
- breakfast included
Location
Mariatorget 3, 118 91 Stockholm
59.3166, 18.0628 View on map
Highlights
- Benny Andersson of ABBA ownership and 1937 Art Deco restoration give the hotel a distinct musical and creative character
- On-site Biografen Rival cinema showing current films and hosting special events, accessible to hotel guests
- Prime Mariatorget location on Södermalm's most animated square, surrounded by independent bars and cafes
- Rival Bistro & Bar with breakfast included in most rates and open to late evening
- Compact, well-soundproofed rooms with quality furnishings and superior options facing the square
Tips for visiting
- Request a Superior room facing Mariatorget — the square is lively but not loud, and the view is one of the best in Södermalm
- Check the Biografen Rival programme before arrival; evening screenings are popular with locals and create a good lobby atmosphere
- The SoFo vintage and design district begins two blocks east of the hotel — allocate a half-day for the independent shops on Skånegatan and side streets
- Breakfast is included in most rate plans; the spread uses quality local produce and is served until mid-morning on weekdays
- Slussen and the Fotografiska photography museum are a 10-minute walk north — combine them in a single morning circuit
When to visit
Year-round. Summer (June–August) brings outdoor seating on Mariatorget and long evenings. Winter offers a quieter, more atmospheric Södermalm with fewer tourist crowds.
Accessibility
Main entrance at ground level with step-free access. Lift to all guest floors. Adapted rooms available with wider doorways and accessible bathroom fittings; contact the hotel to confirm specific requirements before booking.