Malmö is a charming coastal city in the southernmost part of Sweden, which offers a harmonious blend of history, culture, and modernity.
With its picturesque waterfront, bike-friendly streets, and well-preserved centuries-old architecture that points to a storied heritage, Malmö is a true gem of the Scandinavian region.
Another highlight of the city is its accommodation scene, where soaring high-rise residences stand side by side with quaint townhouse boutiques. Here are my favourite cool and unusual hotels in Malmö, Sweden (in no particular order)…
1. Quality Hotel View – a fashionable, urban and spacious hotel with Insta-worthy where guests can enjoy the most popular sky bar in Malmo
A 4-minute stroll will land you at the Emporia Centre, one of Malmö most popular shopping and dining hot spots.
The property itself houses my favourite sky bar in the entire city, located at 85 metres above sea level. Here, my days were drawn to a close with an iridescent city sunset and a crafted beverage, whilst sharing stories with like-minded travellers.
Being able to hire a bicycle on-site was another great touch, and made exploring the city’s streets extremely convenient.
2. Clarion Hotel Malmö Live – a vibrant, modern and trendy hotel providing guests with breathtaking views overlooking the city
This graceful urban abodeis situated wall-to-wall with Malmö’s Live Concert Hall, so it’s the perfect, most convenient spot to rest your head if you’re in town for a performance.
Clarion is also a real treat for art lovers, courtesy of its large collection of international, modern pieces that hang in the public areas.
An award-winning chef is responsible for the exquisite taste sensations in-house – you can indulge in either Latin American street food, or flavours from Manhattan in a vibrant mix with Scandi ingredients.
I also loved Clarion’s sky bar, which offers a supreme vantage point over the pulsating cityscape.
3. Story Hotel Studio Malmo, part of JdV by Hyatt – a modern, funky and creative design hotel perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
The beautifully relaxed setting of Story Hotel Studiobeckons guests to awe-inspiring views of the city skyline, and the joyful, service-minded staff will make your stay extra comfortable.
A traditional Malmö experience is combined with an atmosphere of boldness and warmth here, and you’ll have many top-notch facilities at your fingertips.
I was pleased to find a Neighbourhood Guide in the lobby, which gave me first-rate knowledge on the best local bars, restaurants, coffeehouses, and nightlife spots.
The on-site Kasai in the Sky restaurant & cocktail bar offers traditional Japanese fare with a Swedish touch, and is accompanied by an expansive outdoor terrace which soars above the city’s gleaming rooftops.
4. Elite Hotel Esplanade – an industrial-chic, trendy and Instagrammable hotel within walking distance of local popular attractions
This sophisticated hotelnestles among cobbled stones in the heart of Malmö, next to the medieval square Lilla Torg.
It is an international meeting place offering spacious, elegantly designed rooms, where you can combine work and leisure.
My room was enclosed within exposed brick walls paying homage to a bygone era, and came with a Smart TV, an espresso machine, and a comfy super-sized bed.
The hotel’s lobby is a peaceful spot to savour a coffee and relax on a comfy sofa, and the restaurant is one of the city’s most popular hangouts owing to its upbeat atmosphere and its mouth-watering Asian cuisine.
5. Best Western Plus Hotel Noble House – a unique, hip, eco-friendly and newly renovated hotel ideally located for those ready to explore the area
Taking its name from James Clavell’s bestseller from 1982, the founders of Hotel Noble Househave set out to create an accommodation that exudes international luxury.
The original owners’ great passion for film is a source of inspiration throughout the property, especially in the reception, whose décor is taken straight from an 80s Miami film set.
Upon entrance here, you are met by a charming bar, a restaurant, a lounge, and a colourful studio with quirky interior details and large communal tables.
You’ll find this eclectic, playful hotel in a prime location in the centre of town, close to Malmö’s exuberant nightlife.
6. Clarion Collection Hotel Temperance – an upscale, stylish and vibrant hotel in a location perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
Here we have a unique gem of a hotellocated in the beating heart of the city. This historic building is set just two blocks from the vibrant pedestrian street, where you will find many of the city’s most popular restaurants and shopping centres.
I thought the lobby bar was the most idyllic little refuge from the fast pace of the city, and it treats guests to sumptuous light snacks, artisan coffees, and locally brewed beers.
Besides the many plush, timelessly elegant hang-out spaces, on-site you will have a high-end spa, a lavish meeting room, and a graceful café at your disposal.
7. Scandic Triangeln – a contemporary, bright and chic hotel located in the heart of the city
Scandic Triangelnrises above the Triangle shopping centre, which is a famed meeting spot and a renowned landmark among Malmö’s residents.
As a result, during your stay here you will have a bountiful array of cafés, restaurants, and boutiques on your doorstep. The hotel’s Restaurant & Lounge is a world-class establishment where you can end your day with a sumptuous meal and a crafted cocktail, as you mingle with like-minded travellers.
The large, commodious guestrooms are spread across 20 floors, and each offers a jaw-dropping view across the city. There’s also a gym on-site, and opportunities to indulge in blissful spa treatments.
8. MJ’s – a cool, quirky-chic and unique boutique hotel surrounded by an array of restaurants, bars and shopping
Clad head to toe in floral motifs, flamboyant artwork, and a quintessential urban flair, MJ’s is a graceful boutique hotel where business and leisure go hand in hand.
The gorgeously furnished communal spaces, draped in vivid hues, ooze a pioneering level of intimacy. Throughout the property, a fun-loving, playful spirit prevails, inviting both locals and passers-by in to embrace the atmosphere.
To eat, both the signature MJ’s restaurant and the cheap and cheerful Lillies offer a laid-back ambiance, alongside delicious dishes and expertly crafted beverages. The guestrooms are graced by lots of velvet, large works of art, and an abundance of natural light.
9. First Hotel Jörgen Kock – a spacious, charming and hip hotel well equipped for guests to enjoy a memorable stay
The building which houses First Hotel intitially took shape during the 1960s, when it was used as an overnight refuge for the workers at Kockum’s Mechanical Workshop.
With its design grounded in the industrial shipyard roots of the city, the hotel’s functional style is draped in urban panache, and every visual frame is filled with quirky décor, vivid colours, and soft natural hues.
I thoroughly enjoyed embracing a spot of downtime in the restaurant, where you can indulge in delicious home-cooked meals and artisan coffees.
The guestrooms are clad in contemporary comfort, and offer the high-end facilities you’d expect in a five-star resort.
10. Park Inn by Radisson Malmö – a stylish, contemporary and bright hotel moments away from the center of the city
Located seconds from the waterfront in the newly developed Västra Hamnen (West Harbour) district, Park Inn invites you to revel in city charm and contemporary comfort simultaneously.
The in-house restaurant, RMG Bar & Grill, offers an array of both local and international dishes, while the atmospheric Lobby Lounge provides an intimate, community-led space for a cosy afternoon of socializing.
The 231 rooms boast modern furnishings laid out in a simple Scandinavian design, and are graced by plush linens, extraordinary city views, and state-of-the-art amenities.
On-site you can also make use of a fully equipped gym and a commodious meeting space.
11. Havshotellet – a themed, contemporary and industrial-style hotel steps away from the seaside
Opening its doors in 2018, Havshotellet brings you to within a stone’s throw from the marina at Limhamn.
It is the perfect spot to embrace human contact, with its charming, upbeat communal atmosphere. I thought the ship-themed rooms were sensational, and each one tells a different story.
The thoughtfully chosen décor and the rustic cabin-like feel gave me a real insight into the area’s marine heritage. Having an uninterrupted view of the Öresund made each morning ever more majestic.
Another stand-out feature here is the breakfast, served in a cosy dining room which features many photos of Limhamn’s long storied past.
To book, check prices or availability for Havshotellet
12. ProfilHotels Hotel Garden – a quirky, colourful and pet-friendly hotel offering guests a delicious complimentary breakfast each morning
I thought this charming boutiquewas the perfect spot from which to dive right into Malmö life, while embracing an atmosphere of blissful quietude.
With the main street Södergatan just around the corner, ProfilHotels Garden blurs the lines between ‘natural’ and ‘urban’.
The vivid floral hues and gracefully crafted décor are brought to life with the abundance of natural light that beams through the large windows, and the luxurious materials add a touch of modern chic.
Tranquillity reigns supreme here, especially in the guestrooms, which overlook the luxuriant gardens.
The on-site La Gare restaurant is an uncomplicated French bistro offering an ever-changing menu, and each morning begins here with a generous buffet breakfast spread.
13. Scandic Kramer – a classic, elegant and charming hotel housed in a beautiful historic 19th-century building
Located on Stortorget Square in the city centre, Scandi Kramer is housed in an impressive, turreted building dating back to 1878.
The interiors retain much of the property’s original glory, notably the ground-floor bar-cum-restaurant where the decorations of engraved glass and carved pillars dominate.
A large portrait of Anna Kramer, the hotel’s original owner, hangs on the stairway next to a beautifully preserved stain glass window.
I loved my cocooning guestroom, which was dressed in a soothing colour palette of blues, purples, and natural hues alongside contemporary rugs, deep velvet chairs, and detailed lampshades.
Dining in the conservatory overlooking the square was a treat, and this extraordinary setting was matched by a delightful regional menu.
14. Mayfair Hotel Tunneln – an award-winning, classic and historic hotel that was once home to Swedish royalty
Housed in a historic building, this award-winning hotelnestles in the beating heart of Malmö, a mere 50 metres from the main shopping street and 150 metres from the train station.
Many of the internal spaces are characterized by exposed beams and vaulted ceilings, yet boast trendy modern furniture that catches the eye.
Throughout the corridors, a bountiful array of artworks depicts the characters who have shaped the city in some way.
I loved kicking back in the communal library, which is adorned with vivid tapestries and intimate seating areas, promoting a peaceful spot to immerse in the city’s historic splendour.
15. Kungsgatans Gryta & Hotell – a petite, hip and retro hotel where guests can savor the tastes of European cuisine
This graceful boutique, flooded with natural light, nestles within a series of townhouses in the centre of Malmö. Every space here is filled with precious antique furniture, complemented by stunning pieces of art on the walls.
In the many communal spaces, you can seek a quiet refuge from the city as you sip a coffee and read a book. I absolutely loved my room here, whose high ceilings, bright red curtains, and hanging chandeliers exuded a historic feel.
There’s a cheap and cheerful restaurant on-site serving delicious European cuisine in a communal atmosphere, topped by a top-notch bespoke service.
16. UNITY Malmö – a stylish, new and cosy accommodation with a design perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
Designed for life and work to coexist in harmony, UNITYis an idyllic basecamp from which to dive right into the city buzz.
The exciting, flexible lifestyle here invites young professionals from around the world to connect and create, while embracing an explorative urban vigour.
I’d recommend booking the City Studio, whose multifunctional design provides you with the essence of modern living, and its high ceilings, large windows, and expertly crafted furnishings exude intimacy, sophistication, and functional flair.
Whether you opt for a cup of coffee in the café, a re-energizing work-out in the gym, or a friendly conversation in the orangery, UNITY’s well-equipped spaces will fill your stay with an unrivalled sense of urban chic.
To book, check prices or availability for UNITY Malmö
17. Forenom Aparthotel Malmö Varvsstaden – a newly renovated, cute and cool boutique accommodation in close proximity to the sea
Built in 1912, this stunning property underwent a head-to-toe revamp, paving the way for a delightful boutique hotel to blossom.
Now one of the city’s leading aparthotels, the interior follows a unique design concept inspired by the industrial area of Varvsstaden.
Access to the apartments is obtained via key code, and inside, you’re truly invited to live like a resident, owing to the comfy private seating areas, fully equipped kitchens, and spacious sleeping areas.
As well as the eye-catching industrial aesthetic, defined by vivid shades of pink and blue, Forenom’s location was its stand-out feature, with an abundance of shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars in the immediate vicinity.
18. Moment Hotels – a bright, cozy and cute accommodation featuring a terrace and garden
If you’re arriving in Malmö by train, this eclectic hotel is one of the first landmarks you will come across.
As you step through the traditional façade and into the spacious light-filled lobby, the property’s distinctive urban panache will wrap you in comfort and elegance.
This feeling radiates into the guestrooms, which are furnished in a contemporary, functional style, and topped with a handful of state-of-the-art amenities.
I loved having both the canal and the central railway station as the backdrop to my peaceful cocoon, and waking up each morning to a delicious homemade breakfast was the perfect start to an action-packed day.
To book, check prices or availability for Moment Hotels
19. Teaterhotellet – a modern, French-inspired and elegant accommodation ideal for those travelling on business
Centrally located by the Malmö Opera House, within a stone’s throw from Teaterhotellet you’ll discover the city’s largest shopping street and an abundance of eclectic restaurants.
Each day here begins with a varied assortment of hot dishes, home-baked pastries, and fresh juices, served in a quaint and cheerful breakfast room.
The corridors here are vibrant and adorned with exquisite pieces of abstract art, and lead you to the parquet-floored rooms where stylish furniture dominates.
Each unit boasts a substantial work space and a flat-screen HDTV with cable channels. I loved hanging out in the open-air patio space, where the noise of the city seemed to melt away.
To book, check prices or availability for Teaterhotellet
20. Grand Circus Hotel – a unique, themed and quirky accommodation where guest can experience a one-of-a-kind stay
I absolutely loved my stay at Grand Circus, a property uniquely set on a disused railway lot. The hotel consists of a series of circus wagons, and each one is decorated in a totally different theme.
I booked the Magician’s wagon, which was mystical yet elegant, and decorated with stars and comets. Each wagon comes with two bikes, free to use during your stay.
If you’re here as a family or a larger group, it may be worth opting for one of the more spacious guest caravans. Surrounding the property is a street food truck, as well as a supermarket and a pizzeria.
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
