Review of Lord Nelson Hotel, by Daniel Scott

A handwritten message on the wall of this boutique hotel's entrance, reading "Warmly welcome! We wish you a pleasant stay. Family Bengtsson and staff", makes guests feel as if the hand of Swedish hospitality has been extended to them. Staying here has all the best elements of staying in a boutique hotel in terms of the hospitality, character and the intimacy of the hotel's public spaces.

The Lord Nelson is the perfect family-feel change to large, corporate hotels. There are still all the requisites of a three-star boutique hotel but here there is a sense too of staying in somebody's home, decorated with the owners' nautical-themed collectables. But in this case the home happens to be in one of the best historical locations in Stockholm, the heart of Old Town (Gamla Stan). This 17th century building was the first bought by the Bengtsson family - in 1973 - and in which they developed the maritime theme of all three hotels in the area including Lady Hamilton and the Victory Hotel. This boutique hotel was entirely renovated in 2002.

The facilities

The influence of Lord Nelson can be seen through all the paintings and memorabilia on the walls as well as the names of the rooms; there are many reminders of the man responsible for seeing off Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar. Guests can catch up on history in the boutique hotel's cosy library, which is complete with a couple of antique ship's canons, an old ship's compass and a grandfather clock made in 1815. It is a lovely place in which to hang out and observe the comings and goings of Old Town in the street below. There is also a useful internet connection for guests in the library.

Although the boutique hotel itself does not have a restaurant, the neighbouring family-owned hotels are easily accessible. For the warmer months, the Lord Nelson has a roof terrace, with picturesque views over much of the medieval Old Town. In the basement, they have managed to fit in a quaint sauna, which you can book for private use.

The rooms

There is a sense of actually being aboard a ship upon walking into the 29 rooms available at this boutique hotel. You check-in at a long mahogany desk, go to your "cabin" on one of several "decks" ("Gun", "Upper", "Quarter" and so on) and enter a petite wooden-floored room that gets its name from a historic ship mounted on the wall inside. Decorated in sweet simplicity with cosy linens and maritime antiques, the rooms at this boutique hotel are pure character.

Reputedly Sweden's narrowest hotel (at 5m) this is a great choice for individual travellers and business people. The petite structure of the boutique hotel is part of its charm. Everything you'll need has been fitted into each guest rooms including a desk, en suite shower and basin and cable TV.