Victory Hotel: Stockholm (SWEDEN)

Another fond memory from the my last year in Europe. This was near the end of the pandemic years.... and I had travelled to Stockholm with a small group to give a performance there. If you remember back to those times, Sweden was a bit of an outlier with respect to how they handled the Coronavirus pandemic. That had a different balance of risks and rewards, and turned out with different outcomes in terms of life quality and infection... but most importantly, it became a political football for those with agendas to push on all sides of the political spectrum. I have my own particular views about this... but I'm not here to talk about that... but suffice to say, I think that all extremes are idiots. Trouble is... no-one knows that they are extreme!

Anyway, skip all of that guff... and I am going to focus on my incredibly pleasant but all too short stay in Stockholm. In particular, this really cute and comfortable hotel in the old town, Victory Hotel. I'm not exactly sure what the victory is about... but we won... something...

Even as you come off the street and into the reception area, you are immediately aware that this is no ordinary bland chain hotel... it is something quite different!

Even the corridors, whilst narrow are not the usual endless straight corridors of the chains. There is real character to the place... from the slight curve of the path, through to the adornments and decorations on the walls... of which they are nautical themed, in keeping with Sweden's historical past.

All the rooms are designed on the outside like captain's quarters... there are no followers here, every guest is a revered captain!

Heading into the rooms, you are met with a sumptuously old fashioned decor... it is very cosy, but there is something quite homely about it all! I think that my wife would find it a bit busy and cramped, but I really enjoy this sort of space!

.... oh, and did I mention that each room had a very very delicious port for the guests? This kicks the crap out of a chocolate on the pillow!.... anyway, you ALSO get a nice stick of dark chocolate to go with the port! All hotels should do this... it doesn't really cost that much more, and it is a real nice treat after a long day of travel!

A few shots of the nautical themed cabinets that house historical artifacts. There is a good chunk of ivory carvings and decorations, and lots of navigation tools and old wooden furniture from ships. It is really crazily interesting and an informative view into the past...

Breakfast is a buffet style selection down in the cellars of the building. Like the rest of the hotel, there is such a joyous sense of mystery and discovery about exploring the place... never have I felt so much wonder just heading down to the breakfast area of a hotel!

Deep leather chairs for breakfast... this is luxury!

... and the food was also top! Lots of fish for breakfast, which I avoided mostly... and of course, meatballs! But SOOOOOOO much better than the IKEA fare!

So, Victory Hotel... an absolute wonder and pleasure to stay in. Conveniently located if you are a tourist, and it is on these times, I'm really happy to be a musician on tour where all the bills and accommodation are paid for! I could imagine that this sot of place is a touch pricier than your usual chain hotel... but sometimes, you really just need to treat yourself!