GENERATOR HOSTEL

These could well be the best-value beds in Stockholm: rooms are user-friendly without losing an inch of their Scandinavian style. The bar and restaurant are becoming go-to venues in their own right.

Location 7/10

The immediate vicinity isn’t exactly pulsing, but Stockholm’s main shopping precincts, bars and nightclubs are within a 15-minute walk. The hostel is 250m from the city’s central train station, with swift connections to Gamla Stan – the old city – and Sodermalm, home to art galleries and fashion labels.

Style/character 8/10

Mix Scandinavian style with Generator’s brand of hip hostel and the result is bound to be slick. Public spaces are furnished with simple pale wood chairs, the odd dash of coloured fabric, and sprigs of greenery in coloured glass jugs. If that sounds too Ikea, fear not: low metal lampshades and what appears to be the prerenovation staircase mean the hostel retains more character than a Billy bookcase.

Service & facilities 8/10

Staff are friendly and speak fluent English. Facilities reflect the fact that this is a city-centre hostel. There are four meeting rooms and a workspace for guests travelling for business. However, improvements are needed to the locker room, which charges 50 Swedish kronor (£4) for 24-hour storage, using an overly complicated electric Pin system. Is there anything wrong with a key?

Rooms 8/10

Rooms come with electricity and USB sockets by the pillow, privacy boards alongside each bunk, and plenty of hooks, mirrors and lockable under-bed drawers for luggage. Dormitory bathrooms are quite stark, with nothing except loo roll provided – soap and towels can be rented for 50 kronor (£4). Female-only dorms are available. Private rooms offer hanging space, towels for the en suite, and desks and chairs.

Food & drink 7/10

A limited breakfast menu is served until 11am, with options including pulled pork on toast and porridge. Guests who book breakfast in advance alongside receive a discount. Bar dishes include salmon, burgers and salads. However, guests may not bring food and drink