Stockholm's HOTTEST Hotel: Stay Xtra & Experience Paradise!
Stockholm's STUNNING Stay Xtra: My Chaotic Love Affair with Paradise (and Maybe a Little Laundry Drama)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Stockholm's Stay Xtra & Experience Paradise! and let me tell you, it was… an experience. Honestly, trying to wrangle all the features of this place into a neat little review feels like herding cats. But hey, that's the fun of it, right? So, let's dive in – warts and all.
(Metadata, because apparently, we need that jazz:)
- Keywords: Stay Xtra, Stockholm, Hotel Review, Luxury Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Fitness, Dining, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Safety, Family Friendly, Stockholm Hotels, Sweden Travel
- Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of Stay Xtra & Experience Paradise in Stockholm, covering everything from accessibility and dining to the slightly-too-enthusiastic staff. Find out if this hotel truly lives up to its name (and handles your laundry.)
(Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Sigh)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is REALLY important to me. Stay Xtra touts itself as accessible, but I'd say it's mostly there. The exterior is good, ramps are present and the entrance is smooth. Inside, elevators are thankfully everywhere. The rooms themselves, well, they claim to be accessible, but the one I saw felt a little cramped. The bathroom offered grab bars, which is great, and the sink was low enough, though. Still, I'd strongly recommend calling ahead and REALLY drilling down on the exact dimensions and features of the accessible rooms. Don’t just take their word for it, I found that sometimes things felt a bit tacked on rather than genuinely integrated.
(Dining: A Culinary Rollercoaster!)
Where do I even begin with the food? It was a glorious, chaotic mess. The restaurants themselves are beautiful, all sleek lines and soft lighting. There's a buffet, a restaurant with an Asian and a Vegetarian restaurant offering Western cuisine, and a Poolside Bar for when you're feeling fancy. Now, the breakfast buffet? Sublime. Absolutely sublime. Think mountains of fluffy croissants, glistening fruit, and amazing coffee. I’m talking wake-up-at-4-AM-just-to-get-another-croissant levels of good. Seriously, the Asian breakfast was a revelation! And bonus points for having vegetarian alternatives! (Needed that after a night of, ahem, overindulgence).
The A la carte in the restaurant felt a bit…hit-or-miss. One night, I had a perfectly cooked steak. The next night? A sad, dry piece of chicken. The Happy Hour at the Bar was a welcome escape, though. And they have bottle of water!
(Relaxation: Spa-tastic!)
Okay, this is where Stay Xtra really shines. The Spa is a freaking DREAM. Seriously, if you need to de-stress, RUN here. The Pool with a view is breathtaking, and the Sauna and Steamroom are pure bliss. I, ahem, indulged in a Body wrap and a Massage. Let me tell you, I floated out of there. Honestly, I’m pretty sure I achieved a state of Zen I didn't know existed. Pure, unadulterated relaxation. They also have a Foot bath, Gym/fitness, and a Fitness Center.
(Cleanliness & Safety: Are we too safe?)
Stay Xtra takes safety seriously. Like, really seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and my room was obviously sanitized between stays. There's Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE (I even saw it in the elevator!), but here I will admit – it was a bit much at times. I felt like I was living inside a hospital. But hey, better safe than sorry, right? They also have Staff trained in safety protocol. I was a bit taken aback by the number of people who seemed to be actively watching the CCTV in common areas! Felt a little Big Brother-ish, but hey. Smoke alarms are also in every room.
(Rooms: The Clutter of Comfort)
My room? Lovely, on the whole. They had Free Wi-Fi, which is always a win. The views from the High floor were incredible. The Bed was comfy – though that Extra long bed wasn't quite long enough for my endless legs. The blackout curtains mean you can sleep until noon, which I definitely took advantage of. The Air conditioning was a godsend, since I was there during a heat wave. The mini bar was, of course, tempting! And the bathrobes? Pure luxury. Oh, and the Mirror? Great for selfie practice! The reading light was also appreciated.
Now for a confession: I'm a slob. And my room got messy. Despite the Daily housekeeping, I may have… uh… left things lying around. Not a reflection on the room, mind you, definitely a reflection on me. But hey, it’s a vacation, right? I got a bit of a shock at how much they had to clean up – and let's just say the laundry service… well, that’s where the (minor) drama began.
(Services & Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Questionable Laundry)
This is where Stay Xtra goes above and beyond, and also, where it sometimes stumbles.
- The Good:
- The Concierge was fantastic, especially when I needed help booking a last-minute train trip.
- Daily housekeeping was generally on point.
- They have a Gift/souvenir shop, in case you have a shopping emergency!
- The Elevator was a godsend.
- Luggage storage was super convenient.
- The Not-So-Good:
- The Invoice provided seemed a bit…generous…with the charges. Double-check everything!
- Now, the Laundry service… This is where things got messy. Let’s just say a favorite shirt of mine came back… noticeably shorter and pinker. I am still not over it. I did get compensation, thankfully.
(Getting Around: Navigating Stockholm Easy Peasy!)
Getting to Stay Xtra was a breeze, thanks to their Airport transfer. The Taxi service is also readily available if you need to get around quickly. They lack Bicycle parking or a Car power charging station, which isn't a huge deal, but would've been nice. The hotel's central location makes it easy to explore the city on foot, though.
(For The Kids: Fun For the Whole Family (Maybe))
Stay Xtra is very family-oriented. They have Babysitting service so you can relax at your own pace. There are also kids facilities here. They have a Kids meal on the menu too, which they made sure I knew!
(The Verdict: Worth the Chaos?)
Overall, Stay Xtra & Experience Paradise is a fantastic hotel. It's got its quirks, its imperfections, and a laundry service that may or may not shrink your favorite clothes. But the incredible spa, the superb breakfast, and the stunning views more than make up for it. It's a place where you can truly relax, luxuriate, and maybe even lose track of time (and your shirt). Just be prepared for the staff's enthusiasm, the occasional Big Brother vibes, and, most importantly: double-check your laundry.
Final score: 4 out of 5 stars. Would definitely recommend, with a few caveats and a strongly worded warning about the laundry. đ
Luxury OYO Home in Kulim, Malaysia: Unbeatable Price!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into a messy, glorious, and utterly human itinerary for a Stockholm adventure, based right here at the Stay Xtra Hotel. And trust me, this ain't your grandma's pre-planned vacation. This is the real deal, sugar-coated with a generous helping of "what were we thinking?!"
STOCKHOLM: A Messy, Marvelous Marathon (Stay Xtra Edition!)
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Adjustments, and the Awful Sandwich Saga
- Morning (Err, Late Morning): Arrive Arlanda Airport (ARN). The flight was… a flight. You know, the usual: screaming babies, questionable airplane coffee, and the desperate need to stretch your legs. Finding the Arlanda Express was surprisingly painless, which immediately set off my internal alarm bells. Stockholm, you’re too easy so far.
- Midday (Lunchtime? More like "Hangry Hour!"): Check-in to Stay Xtra. Okay, nice lobby, modern, clean. But the room… a little smaller than advertised. Okay, a lot smaller. But hey, a bed is a bed! Dumped the bags, feeling optimistic. Then, the hunger pangs hit. Big time. Grabbed a sandwich from the hotel's "convenience store" (read: tiny, overpriced fridge). Let me tell you, it was possibly the worst "sandwich" I've ever encountered. It was dry, flavorless, and resembled something you'd find in a forgotten corner of the fridge. Seriously. I'm still traumatized. Learned Lesson #1 of Stockholm: Pack snacks. Especially if you're a sandwich aficionado (or just, you know, like to eat).
- Afternoon: Wandered the streets around the hotel. Gamla Stan (Old Town) beckoned. Stunning architecture! The cobblestone streets are all charming - and a total nightmare for the ankles. Got hopelessly lost within minutes, which is pretty standard for me. But the light! The air! Suddenly, I loved Stockholm! The color!
- Evening: Dinner at a cozy little restaurant I stumbled upon by pure chance! Meatballs! I ordered the meatballs to go with some lingonberry jam, of course. I'm still not entirely sure what the obsession with lingonberry is. But oh, it’s a total dream combined with the meat and mashed potatoes. It's a taste!
Day 2: Museums, Melancholy, and the Accidental Aquarium
- Morning: The Vasa Museum. Holy moly. That ship! The stories!! I was totally and utterly captivated. Even though some of the displays were a bit… dark and foreboding. I'm a total sucker for history. The museum staff was super helpful, and they have some really cool facts.
- Midday (Post-Vasa Blues?): The sheer weight of the Vasa's story starts to weigh on you. Needed a pick-me-up. Attempted to find a cute café, got utterly lost again and stumbled upon another one. This one was cozy and the pastry was delicious.
- Afternoon: Wandering. Just wandering. Got completely side-tracked by a little aquarium I spotted. It was… surprisingly amazing! Watching the fish swim and the giant, weird jellyfish was actually incredibly calming. Needed that.
- Evening: Stockholm Syndrome? By now, I was in love with the city. Back to the hotel, a little bit of unpacking, and a quick phone call home. Feeling strangely at peace.
Day 3: Island Hopping and the Quest for Kanelbullar
- Morning: Time for a boat trip! Decided to explore the beautiful islands around Stockholm. The archipelago is breathtaking. Cruised through the islands like a Viking, even though I probably looked more like a confused tourist.
- Midday: Hunger calls again. My research lead me to the best cinnamon buns in the world. The quest for Kanelbullar. I asked for a place that was known for them - like a local! After some walking, I found a coffee shop that was supposedly the best. And oh, it was! Flaky, sweet, and perfectly spiced! Definitely worth the walk (and the inevitable sugar rush).
- Afternoon: More island exploration! Each island offered a different view, a different story. It was pure magic. Found a hidden beach, took a stroll, breathed in the salty air.
- Evening: Back at the hotel. Did a little bit of planning for the next day.
Day 4: The Art Scene, Lost in Translation, and the "Almost Ate a Seagull” Moment…
- Morning: Moderna Museet (Modern Art Museum). Some of the art was…uh…interesting. Some of it completely baffled me. Spent ages trying to figure out what a pile of bricks meant. But I loved the building itself. The waterfront views were stunning!
- Midday: Attempted (and failed) to order lunch in Swedish. Humiliating, yet hilarious. Apparently, my pronunciation of "falafel" sounded like something else entirely. I'm still not sure what. Ended up with a surprisingly decent salad.
- Afternoon: Strolled along the waterfront, enjoying the sunshine when a seagull swooped down, aiming for the pastry. The scream I let out! No pastry was harmed in the making of this itinerary.
- Evening: One last stroll through Gamla Stan, a final glimpse of the illuminated buildings. Ate another meal. Then back to the hotel.
Day 5: Departure and the Unanswered Questions
- Morning: Sad to be leaving. One last, wistful look at Stockholm out of the hotel window. Grabbed some last-minute souvenirs (mostly candy, obviously). Checked out.
- Midday: Flight home. Reflecting on the trip. Stockholm, you weird, wonderful, sandwich-offending place. There's something special about this city. The history, the architecture, the people. I didn't see everything. I didn't understand everything. But somehow, that made the trip even better.
- Post-Trip: Back home! Dreaming of meatballs, cinnamon buns, and possibly a better sandwich.
Stay Xtra & Experience Paradise: Your Burning Questions (and My Slightly Chaotic Answers!)
Okay, is it REALLY worth the hype? Is Stay Xtra actually…paradise?
Alright, let's get real. Paradise? Maybe not *literally*. I mean, I didn't see any cherubs flitting around the lobby, nor a river of chocolate flowing. But DAMN, it's close. Think of it more as a very stylish, incredibly comfortable, and ridiculously well-located gateway to a seriously good time. The hype? Yeah, it's got some legs.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they, like, tiny little shoeboxes? I hate tiny shoeboxes.
Phew, alright, breathe. No shoeboxes! They're Stockholm-stylish, which means clean lines, clever storage, and a sort of minimalist chic that really works. My room? Pretty spacious, considering the city's real estate prices. HUGE windows (a must!), a comfy bed I could have happily spent a week in (and maybe did...shhh!), and a bathroom that didn't feel like I was showering in a cupboard. The only tiny imperfection? The coffee machine was a little...temperamental. It took me three attempts (and a near-breakdown) to get a decent cup. But hey, even Paradise has a few rogue gremlins, right?
The location! Tell me about the location! Is it near everything? I don't want to walk for miles.
Location, location, LOCATION! Stay Xtra *nails* this. You are literally smack-dab in the middle of everything. Walkable to Gamla Stan (the Old Town - and trust me, you HAVE to go!), the main shopping streets, museums, and so many incredible restaurants that my stomach is already rumbling just thinking about it. I got lost *once* and that was my fault (blame the Swedish meatballs, a common culprit for disorientation, let's be honest). Seriously, you won't spend your entire trip on public transport. Pure bliss for the lazy traveler like me!
Breakfast! Is it a decent breakfast? I need a good breakfast. I *crave* breakfast.
Breakfast? Oh, honey, THEY KNOW BREAKFAST. A glorious spread! Seriously, it's a feast. SmörgÄsbord (the Swedish version, naturally), fresh pastries that practically beg to be eaten, fruits bursting with flavor, and a coffee machine that (eventually!) worked like a dream. I may, or may not, have overindulged a *little*. Let's just say I skipped lunch most days. It's a breakfast that keeps you going, you know? Enough energy to face the hordes of tourists and still have fun! (Okay, maybe not hordes. But still).
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Rude? Do they even *speak* English?
The staff? Honestly? Above and beyond. Everyone I encountered spoke impeccable English (thank goodness, my Swedish is limited to "tack" and "fika"). They were friendly, genuinely helpful, and always happy to offer recommendations. They even helped me navigate the Stockholm metro, which, let me tell you, is a labyrinth. One time, I had a minor issue with my room key (totally my fault, I'm terrible with tech). They fixed it in, like, two minutes, with a smile and a joke. Seriously, the staff is a HUGE plus. They made me feel so welcome.
Is there a gym? Because, you know, I *might* want to work off all that breakfast...
Yep, there is. I glanced in. Looked functional. I didn't actually *use* it. Too many delicious pastries to chase! You're a better person than me if you do. Enjoy! I'll be over here, contemplating another cinnamon bun.
Anything else I should know? Hidden gems, insider tips?
Okay, okay, here's the real tea:
- **Book in advance!** Especially in peak season. This place is popular for a reason.
- **Don't be afraid to explore.** Wander off the main streets. Stockholm is full of hidden courtyards and charming cafes.
- **Try *fika*.** It's a Swedish tradition of coffee and pastries. Seriously, you *must*. It's practically a religious experience.
- **Embrace the sauna.** If they have one (and I suspect they do), go. It's the Swedish way to relax.
- **That bar downstairs?** Oh boy. Go. Just go. (and maybe bring a friend, because the cocktails are strong!)
Okay, I'm sold. But one last thing: would you go back? Be honest!
ABSOLUTELY. In a heartbeat. Stay Xtra isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's stylish, it's convenient, and it's just... easy. It made my Stockholm trip unforgettable. I'm already dreaming of the breakfast buffet (and those cocktails!). So, yes, go. Book it. Do it. Thank me later. And hey, if you see me there, buying all the cinnamon buns, say hi! I'll be the one with the slightly glazed look of pure contentment.
