Stockholm is getting one of its historic treasures back: The century-old Ateneum School for Girls has been transformed by the Nobis Group into a modern hotel, surrounded by the tech start-ups of the City district. Taking its name from Clara Strömberg (the first headmistress of the one-time girl’s school), Miss Clara by Nobis is in an Art Nouveau building.
So what makes this hotel special? An original spiral staircase has been maintained, and the 92 rooms were "gently" restored to balance classic and contemporary. We hear Swedish architect Gert Wingårdh paid special attention to the original traits of the building, following a unique concept of an outward-facing property, where the windows (and their views of Sveavägen Boulevard) are treated as ‘center stage.’
For foodies, Master Chef Daniel Guest (late of Nobis’ flagship dining room Operakällaren) oversees the 80-seat restaurant, with updated takes on international and Swedish cuisine. The Miss Clara bar has stone floors and leather for a classic vibe.
Each of the 92 rooms (along with two suites and two etage suites) has an original oak storage unit that stretches the length of the window wall (pictured above), incorporating pull-out work desks and luggage storage, and serving additionally as a perch for street-gazing. Custom-mounted additions to the beds provide a sitting option and the glass-enclosed marble and tile bathrooms can be left visible, or screened-off if desired.
Location, Location, Location
Running through the heart of Stockholm, from north to south, we hear that Sveavägen is the capital’s "most cosmopolitan" boulevard, and the hotel is just north of where Sveavägen intersects with Kungsgatan Avenue. The location is a good site for business travelers as it is close to both Stockholm Central and Ostra train stations – while leisure travelers can visit the Royal Palace, Storkyrkan Cathedral and the Nobel Museum.