First Hotel Reisen, Stockholm

Well, I think the title said it all. I'd read in other forums of some people's deep disappointment at getting an alley view, and so I bit the bullet (as in paying extra for an ocean view in Hawaii) and made sure to get a water view. It was heaven, could not be better. I have photos of friends at my window, tall ships behind, and as the sun set or rose (hard to tell which, as they overlap in mid summer late-nights). The hotel is charming, with classic wood floors, 18th century sauna and dipping pool in a hidden cellar, and just the perfect spot to begin a walk into the heart of Gamla Stan (via an alley right next to the hotel) or walk left to pass the boats, the view of Skeppsholmen (with its wonderful outdoor art exhibits one can easily walk to as well), and onto the Royal Palace. Or walk right and visit trendy Sodermalm. As I took many walks, I got to know the front desk staff, and they were friendly, helpful and very kind (offering me coffee my first morning, though it was after breakfast time and not yet lunch, for example). They offered me ideas for walks, helped arrange reservations, and were both efficient and genuinely nice, no matter what others' impressions of Swedish temperment may be. (Hey, I'm from New York, and I enjoy meeting real people who are curious, respectful, professional, and genuine at the same time, as I found all the staff to be, some even playfully posing for my camera as I returned from my photo missions.) Nothing bad to say. I set up a little Internet office in the corner of the room near the window view (and they had a computer and printer in the lobby facing the water too, available to guests), the room was not huge but was ideal nevertheless, with beautiful wood, nice storage space (complete with terry robes for using the sauna), and oh the view. Room service was not bad, btw (had a good omelot)... The rest of my meals I ate out at some wonderful places nearby by the water, or in the Old Town, 10 minutes away by foot, past the statue of St. George and the Dragon. Did I mention I loved this hotel? Perfect spot, great deal. Wonderful hotel from which to see Gamla Stan and environs, by foot.