Under the weather in Stockholm: How our Stay at the Stallmästaregården Hotel Turned My Sick Days into a Scenic Getaway.

Well, what can I say……. No one ever plans a holiday expecting to spend it recovering in bed, but unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened to me. What was supposed to be a dream getaway in Stockholm ended up partially cut short, turning into days of rest and recovery.

I’d visited Stockholm a few times before , but only for work, so this trip was supposed to be different - a chance to explore the city as a hobby photographer. I’d curated a list of must-see spots for capturing Stockholm’s unique architectural beauty: Gamla Stan, The Royal Palace, The historic Vasa Warship, and Drottningholm Palace. I also had my eye on some modern gems, like Gasklockorna in Norra Djurgårdsstaden and the stunning Elite Hotel Marina Tower. And I couldn’t wait to explore the islands - Möja, Sandhamn, Utö, and Vaxholm - by ferry, and to see the city sights by hopping on and off the tour bus.

It was an extensive (and exciting!) itinerary, and I was thrilled about the week ahead. It is quite unfortunate, things don’t always go as planned, but that’s just life. Sometimes we just need to learn to ride the wave… to let go of the perfect plan and embrace whatever comes our way. Life doesn’t always follow our script, but often, those unexpected turns bring us the best stories and lessons.

Travelling with our lively two-year-old added another layer of planning. So we searched for a hotel in a quite, safe area with garden space, away from heavy traffic yet still within Stockholm.

Lake view from Stallmästaregården Hotel & Restaurant.

Surprisingly we were able to book a stylish boutique hotel in Nortull, Stockholm. Just 10mins by bus and you’re in central Stockholm.

Unfortunately, two days after arriving in Stockholm, I caught the flu and was in no shape for any touristic adventure. Deciding to take it slow, and avoid any hectic touristic adventures. I chose to stay at the hotel and explore its surrounding areas instead. This decision allowed me to truly appreciate the beauty and scenic views around the hotel. My mornings were spent on serene walks to the dock by the lake, where I watched swans and ducks gracefully swim under the glistening sunlight. I even managed to capture a few photos with my camera - a therapeutic experience in itself.

There were also outdoor sitting lounge areas just in front of the hotel by the lake, with a cafe offering drinks, snacks and pizza. A perfect place to relax, unwind, maybe read a book if you are a reader, or just enjoy the beautiful view. I also noticed, if you are into recreational sports….. there was a Tennis Court just 3 mins walk away from the hotel and if you are a nature enthusiast like my husband, the nearby national park offered vast, breathtaking landscapes to explore.

This historic 4-star hotel, with its Michelin-awarded restaurant, exceeded my expectations. From the polite and attentive staff, to the charming atmosphere and timeless interior design, every detail felt thoughtfully curated. The menu featured classic Swedish delicacies and the room-service was excellent.

If you find yourself feeling unwell during your stay (which I hope you don’t!), I recommend trying the lobster soup. While it was a bit too salty for my taste, it was incredibly comforting and made me feel significantly better.

Psst: Just a 10-minute walk away from the hotel, near the newly developed buildings, there’s a beautifully designed playground for kids. This meant that while I was recovering, my husband could easily keep our little entertained without venturing too far.

Despite my unfortunate ill health during the trip, we still managed to have a thoroughly enjoyable holiday as we always liked it, without all the hectic touristic adventures.

Well….. this is my story on how a hotel stay turned my sick days into a sceneic getaway. Have you had similar experience where things didn’t go according to plan but turned out better? Feel free to share your story with me in comments below.