Scandic Infra City Stockholm: Staycation Worth Remembering
The Swedish island city Stockholm is ‘excellence on the water,’ and features a well-preserved historic centre alongside an ever-evolving capital. Scandalously rich Stockholm paints the best portrait of Sweden, be it Viking treasures, legendary royal palace, gabled buildings, world-class museums or most bewildering historical centres of Europe. In Stockholm, a great design is a virtue, with even the simplest of accommodation designed gorgeously. During my Stockholm visit, I stayed at Scandic Infra City, which was once a Hilton.
Owned by Scandic Hotels, Infra City is a pet-friendly congress hotel, incubated inside Scandinavia’s largest indoor tropical garden, starring 61.6K sqft meeting space for about 3,600 delegates. During my stay, this luxury hotel imbued in Nordic luxuries offered, an impeccable experience worth remembering! Something that struck me down with boom as soon as I walked into its tropical interiors.
While the floor is all decked up with lush greenery, the high-rise glass architecture slithers to the ceiling. The interiors cut against the contemporary, glass back exteriors. Scandic Infra City, as you know, is set amidst the ‘largest’ Scandinavian tropical garden meaning you get to enjoy a cased, indoor pond, roof touching palm trees and natural scenery as you unwind at the bar or at one of the restaurants.
Besides, the hotel is in proximity to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, making it a ‘preferred’ staycation. Downtown is only a 30 minutes drive away. The check-in was prompt, the staff was polite, and the room, very elegant. Apart from notable restaurants and a refreshing tropical bar, Scandic Infra City also has 320 beautiful non-smoking rooms.
Each of these rooms is fitted, with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, phone, work desk, minibar and an electronic safe. The en-suite washroom features premium toiletries, towels and a hairdryer. Typically the room is outfitted with every essential amenity and also includes complimentary breakfast at the tropical Atrium. As for breakfast, I could tell that Scandic Infra City invests much time and effort into readying the breakfast buffet. You can have a brilliant start to your day with their selection of vegan assortments. The menu has pretty much everything, from cheese, milk, yoghurt to a variety of bread and fruits.
You may either enjoy the tasty breakfast in the restaurant or request an individually packaged takeaway to your room. (introduced, post covid19) Simply ask, and the reception will arrange it for you. Breakfast is open from 6.30 AM to 9.30 PM. Atrium Courtyard is an inspiring spot as it brings alive the essence of Nordic gardens embedded with a fish pond. Eating here is a delight! While here, rever the classics, such as Steak Café de Paris, hamburger and fries and chocolate trifle. Since Scandic Infra City is a cash-free hotel, you need to pay with a card. They accept the most common cards including, Visa and MasterCard.
I had a lot of fun staying here, and I noticed something sweet about this Scandic property. Infra City welcomed each of the baby guests with a welcome gift. Being a toddler has its advantage, I tell you! The smiles these young ones had on their face was the reflection of what sweet gestures can do. Infra City loves children, and so they also have a designated playroom for them. The adults too can have fun by renting a free bicycle, availing the meeting room or exploring the on-site pool, gym, spa or sauna for leisure.
While everything else is great about this property, I wish Infra City also provided water bottles and a tea-coffee maker in the room. Note that the check-in time here is 2 PM, not 12. The room rates start from EUR 150 or INR 12000 onwards. The English speaking staff at the reception is much helpful and available 24-hours to answer your queries. Facing the reception is the vending machine where you can buy a cup of tea or coffee. Next to the vending machine is a small bookstore where you can purchase books and souvenirs.
Despite blanketed over 14 islands, Stockholm is easygoing in its own right. Walking is often the best way to get around. The rest of the city and its neighbouring districts can be traversed by ferries, bridge and the Tunnelbana metro. It’s safe to move on public transport, and it’s also economical, as, compared to hiring a rental car. The public transport is also wheelchair friendly.
