Ett Hem Review — Where Soph Went

Ett Hem review - in a sentence:

Ultra luxe, but steadfastly laidback, Stockholm townhouse hotel - and design haven.

Design: 6/5!

Two words: Ilse Crawford. My fave designer has done it again.

Ett Hem means “at home”, and that feeling is precisely what’s been achieved here. Though this is definitely a very upmarket hotel, every room is inviting, comfortable, and beautiful - but always without being intimidating.

Contributing to the feeling of homeliness is the hotel’s decision to abandon any front/back of house rules: you’re invited to use each space as you wish, with staff dotted throughout, and no formalised reception area.

It’s clear a lot of fun has been had by the Studio Ilse team with the design, here. Each space within this property has its own distinct feel, and there is real variety in the schemes. But some common themes can be seen in the ‘red thread’ weaving through the property: flickering, hand blown glass tealights everywhere; small, chic floral arrangements in bud vases; supremely comfortable chairs (… all significant design pieces); maximum use of natural materials, such as sheepskin, wood and cashmere.

The building itself is in the Arts and Crafts architectural style, which gives the townhouse beautiful proportions - the feel is very ‘traditional’ in terms of what we’d be used to in British architecture, but it’s not in an ornate way, at all (that’s the opposite of the Arts & Crafts ethos, I’m told!)

Honouring the history of the building and incorporating Swedish heritage, there has been a very careful blend of old (Swedish antiques, mid-century design classics) and new (Studio Ilse custom commissions) in the furnishings. The effect is much more subtle than the defab, ‘undone’ look favoured by The Pig/Artist Residence/Soho House ilk - not that I don’t love those properties for what they are, but this is proper grown up design.

We also need to talk about the SCENT - a custom blend for Ett Hem by Fueguia, which perfumes the hotel via scented candles and the skin of guests (doused in the cologne provided in bathrooms). You know when you smell someone and think: “rich”? That. (I’ve just Googled and the cologne is actually available via Harrods for the paltry sum of… £328… gulp.)

I mean truly, I could obsess over every detail of this gorgeous hotel for yonks, so I won’t! But suffice it to say - I loved the entirety: inside, outside, garden… All glorious.

Food & drink: 5/5

The no-rules, ‘make yourself at home’ ethos extends to food and drink, too. You’re welcome to ask staff to whip up a snack for you whenever you like, and there are no menus, just a daily preparation of what’s seasonal / the chefs fancy.

Breakfast is a leisurely, multi-course affair, served in the beautiful conservatory when it’s warm, and made fresh to order. The coffee - like elsewhere in Stockholm, generally - was exceptional, and the fresh cinnamon buns… divine. The best I had the entire trip.

Dinner was also outstanding - we were lucky to be seated at the chef’s counter and were guided through a multi-course (I lost count, I think about 8?!) journey traversing so many cuisines and techniques. All absolutely delicious, and accompanied by wines recommended by the in-house sommelier.

Of course, dinner wasn’t cheap - when is anything without a quoted price cheap… But we were celebrating, after all (boyf’s birthday!) and honestly, everything in Stockholm is SO expensive that you’ve just gotta roll with it. And it was worth it. Promise.

Location: 3/5

Nestled in a quiet, leafy suburb, you’re not quite in the action here, but you’re within very close walking distance of the major sights.

To-do: 4/5

This is the type of hotel where you’re encouraged to languish in one of the squishy sofas with a drink from the honesty bar and something to flick through from the library (my suggestion: A Frame For Life, so you can get a sense of what Ilse’s work is about). Which is interesting, really, given most of the guests will be here for a city break.

But there are lots of spaces for you to relax in comfort - be it several cosy sitting rooms, in winter, or the various balconies and terraces between the townhouses. You can also mill about the several kitchens at your leisure, snacking or chatting to staff. I believe you can also have spa treatments.

Reasons to book:

Up there with one of the best design hotels in the world (let alone Stockholm!)
Truly luxurious experience where every little detail has been thought of
Incredible gastronomy

Any negatives?

My only negative about this utterly fantastic property is it’s very pricey! I used Mr & Mrs Smith vouchers and it was a real treat

The final word:

Without doubt the most stylish hotel in Stockholm, and probably my favourite design hotel I have ever stayed at. I implore you to go!

Review: Ett Hem