Stockholm’s best-kept secret: a hideaway hotel for VIPs

April 5, 2025
Snehal Shah

Ett Hem has become the top choice for high-profile visitors to Stockholm, attracting fashion editors, designers, and models during Stockholm Fashion Week, as well as A-list celebrities filming in Sweden and ultra-high-net-worth travelers seeking discreet luxury. The hotel’s guest list is closely guarded, but its reputation as a favorite among the international creative elite is well established. Ett Hem’s allure has been noted by global publications such as Vogue, Monocle, and Condé Nast Traveler, further cementing its status as Stockholm’s most exclusive hotel.

Ett Hem is located in the upscale Lärkstaden neighborhood, just a short walk from the city center and close to Stockholm’s embassies, designer shopping, and cultural landmarks. The hotel occupies a former aristocratic townhouse built in 1910, carefully restored and expanded to house 25 individually designed rooms and suites. Interior designer Ilse Crawford has created a space that blends Scandinavian minimalism with vintage and contemporary elements, using materials such as wood, leather, and velvet in warm, muted tones. The result is a setting that feels more like a private residence than a traditional hotel.

There is no formal lobby or check-in desk at Ett Hem. Instead, guests are welcomed as if arriving at a friend’s home. The communal areas include a library, a series of living rooms, a conservatory, and a walled garden designed by landscape architect Ulf Nordfjell. The kitchen is open to guests, who are encouraged to help themselves or enjoy meals prepared by chefs using seasonal, local ingredients. Each room is unique, with features such as freestanding bathtubs, fireplaces, and bespoke furnishings. The atmosphere is calm, understated, and highly private, with attentive but unobtrusive service.

Just like home

Ett Hem’s exclusivity is rooted in its commitment to privacy and a home-like experience. The hotel’s discreet entrance, lack of signage, and gated courtyard ensure that guests are shielded from public view. With only 25 rooms and suites, the property maintains an intimate scale, making it possible for celebrities and VIPs to book multiple rooms or even the entire hotel for private events. Staff are trained to anticipate needs with minimal intrusion, and there is a strong culture of confidentiality.

The hotel’s design and ambience appeal to guests who value authenticity and comfort over ostentation. Ett Hem offers a retreat from the public eye, where guests can relax in the garden, read in the library, or enjoy homemade pastries by the fire. The absence of a traditional restaurant or bar means that dining is flexible and tailored to individual preferences, often served in the kitchen or garden. Wellness facilities include a gym, Swedish sauna, and spa treatments, further enhancing the sense of retreat.

Ett Hem’s location in a residential area provides both convenience and seclusion, allowing guests to explore Stockholm’s attractions while returning to a peaceful, private environment. The combination of thoughtful design, personalized service, and a low-key atmosphere has made Ett Hem the most exclusive hotel in Stockholm, favored by celebrities and those seeking a refined, home-away-from-home experience.