Suite Dreams: Clarion Hotel Sign, Stockholm

By Jeffrey James Keyes; above from the Moderna;

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com

Clarion Hotel Sign is the perfect launching pad for a cultured adventure in Stockholm, the gay capital of Scandinavia.

Rad on for your “suite” stay.

Gorgeous black and white photography leads the savvy traveller through the spacious walls of the modern Clarion. Swedish art expert Sune Nordgren carefully selected each photograph, taken by Scandinavian photographers, to display exquisite motifs of Scandinavian lifestyle. Take in the photography at the Clarion and then set out on your customized art tour in Stockholm.The Stockholm Card is the golden ticket to over eighty attractions in Stockholm. For Carl Larsson, Rembrandt, and Goya, check out the stunning collection at the decadent National museum. Just over the bridge the Moderna Museet, with key collection pieces by Rauschenberg, Picasso, Derkert, & Kokoschka will leave a more contemporary impression.

If you’re looking for the most unique spot in town check out Wilhelmina von Hallwyl’s private collection of Old Master paintings, silver, porcelain, and outrageous everyday objects from 1898-1930 at the Hallwyl Museum. You wallet might get a bit heavy after looking at all of Hallwyl’s jewelry. Head over to Efva Attling when you’re ready to treat yourself like a Swedish king.

Efva created a special Homo Sapiens necklace for SAS’s “Love is in the air” campaign. Check out her Homo Sapiens ring or her stylish Carpe Diem cufflinks and find that perfect memento.

Hungry? Head back to the Clarion. Marcus Samuelsson of New York’s Aquavit restaurant opened the popular Aquavit Grill & Raw Bar, combining the Swedish culinary staples with the opulence of nights out in Manhattan. Upstairs, the Selma CitySpa+ offers a modern gym, handsome personal trainers, high-end spa treatments, and a 360˚ look at Kungsholmen around you. Order a glass of champagne, take in the view, and allow the Selma experts pamper you.