Stockholm
In existence since 1874, the posh Grand Hotel (S. Blasiehomshamnen 8; tel. 08/679-35-00; www.grandhotel.se) has just completed a series of upgrades. Located in the heart of Stockholm, next to the National Museum and across from the Royal Palace, the hotel has opened a brand new conference hall, reopened the Cadier Bar, and added the 330-meter Princess Lilian Suite. The 2-bedroom suite, decorated by designer Louise Nilsson, offers the latest in luxury accommodations, with an array of art deco originals and modern European furnishings throughout the library, kitchen, and bedrooms. There's even a private cinema screening room set up for twelve people and a Relaxation Zone with mosaic baths and a waterfall shower. Scandic Anglais (Humlegardsgatan 23; tel. 08/517-340-00; www.scandic-hotels.com/anglais) has reopened after a nearly two years of refurbishment to bring the hotel into the 21st century. Rooms, decorated in warm earth tones, are cozy and contemporary, with wood laminate flooring throughout. The hotel offers amenities such as a fitness center, restaurant, and 7th floor terrace bar overlooking Stockholm. Located in a converted house dating back to 1898 is the 78-room Hotel Hellsten (Luntmakargatan 68; tel. 08/661-86-00; www.hellsten.se), whose founders view the creation of a hotel as an art form. The rooms reflect this artistic spirit, with the decor varying from room to room -- Swedish antiques furnish some, others are accented with Asian design, and twelve rooms are equipped with porcelain stoves. Centrally located in Stockholm, the hotel is near many dining options. The Acapulco Hotel (Bjurholmsplan 23; tel. 08/702-33-00; www.acapulco-hotell.se) in Södermalm is an apartment hotel that will make you feel right at home. This reasonably priced spot offers immaculate private entrance apartments that can accommodate up to five people. Located in a peaceful residential area, the Acapulco is only blocks from public transportation, shops, and restaurants.
The latest in Swedish restaurant group F12's ventures is Restaurang Kungsholmen (Norr Malarstrand, Kajplats 464; tel. 08/505-244-50; www.kungsholmen.com), a waterfront restaurant on the island of Kungsholmen. The restaurant and bar seat up to 200 guests in a dining room that also serves as a food court. Choose from seven different serving stations, such as sushi, soup, or the ice cream bar, and have a seat in the casual dining room, which surrounds the open plan kitchen. Riche (Birger Jarlsgatan 4; tel. 08/545-035-60; www.riche.se) has been redesigned, turning this 1893 mansion into one of Stockholm's hottest spots. The interior has been playfully decorated with illustrated characters and whimsical art pieces. On Tuesday through Saturday evenings, Lila Barren, Riche's separate bar area, opens for business. DJs play cutting-edge music amid a scene decorated with frescoes and ever-changing art exhibitions.
The retail clothing chain Weekday (Gotgatan 21; tel. 08/642-17-72; www.weekday.se) sells the hottest trends of Stockholm. They carry their own brand of clothes, as well as many designer names. Weekday has expanded throughout Sweden, with stores in Gothenburg, Malmö, and Uppsala. C/O Stockholm (Götgatan 30; tel. 08/505-259-00; www.costockholm.se) carries a variety of international products, such as cosmetics, handbags, and other accessories. All the designer names are here, from Stella McCartney to Marc Jacobs. There's even an espresso bar, where you can relax after a hard day of shopping.
In 2007, the 18th Stockholm International Film Festival (Slupskjulsvägen 36; tel. 08/677-50-00; www.filmfestivalen.se) will be held from November 15 to 25. This celebration of cinema hosts 170 films from more than 40 countries. Many actors and directors are also on hand to give guests the opportunity to discuss filmmaking with the professionals. All films are uncensored and shown in their original language, with English subtitles. From November 9 to 11, 2007 the Stockholm Food & Beverage Show (tel. 08/749-41-45; www.detgodakoket.se) will showcase products and techniques related to cooking and the kitchen. On hand will be exhibitions on food, beverages, kitchen equipment and design, books and magazines related to the culinary arts, and, of course, plenty of tasty free samples. Events and activities will also be plentiful, from appearances by celebrity chefs to wine-tasting, auctions, and a cook-off. Stockholm holds many opportunities for gay and lesbian travelers.
Since 1998, this gay-friendly city has hosted Stockholm Pride (Södermalm, Mosebacke Torg 1-3; tel. 08/33-59-55; www.stockholmpride.org), one of Stockholm's largest annual festivals and the largest Pride event in Scandinavia. Held every summer, the celebration spans the entire city, with shows staged at Pride Park and a host of events, such as seminars, workshops, and film exhibitions at Pride House, the cultural center of the festival. The highlight of Stockholm Pride comes at the end of the festival, in the form of the colorful parade through the city. In 2008, Stockholm is scheduled to be host to Europride, a celebration of European and gay pride held in a different European city each year. For up to two weeks, events, such as rallies, club nights, concerts, and an AIDS vigil are held in the host city. Europride usually culminates with a Mardi Gras-style parade on its final weekend.
Malmö
In early December, look for Shop Window Sunday (www.malmo.se), the weekend when the stores of Malmö reveal their dazzling holiday window displays. Serving as a kickoff for the holiday season, there are also Christmas events for kids at Malmöhus Castle, holiday concerts and markets, and on December 13, there are processions for St. Lucia Day. The festivities continue after Christmas with the outdoor Winterland celebration in Folkets amusement park.
Strömstad
A new connection between Norway and Sweden has been formed with the opening of the Svinesund Bridge. Built as a remedy to alleviate increased traffic between the countries, the bridge spans a fjord south of Oslo and is now the world's largest single-arched bridge. The bridge's dedication was attended by Norway's King Harald V and Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf, who joined together to unveil a monument depicting two hands reaching out toward each other, acting as a symbol of unity between the two Scandinavian nations.
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