ApartDirect Gamla Stan II

Family-owned aparthotel in the heart of Gamla Stan

ApartDirect Gamla Stan II is located at Stora Nygatan 13 in Gamla Stan, Stockholm's medieval city centre. The property is operated by ApartDirect, a family-owned company that according to its official website has been in operation since 2012 and offers furnished apartments for short- and long-term rental at several addresses in Stockholm and Linköping. Gamla Stan II is one of the chain's units in Gamla Stan – the other Gamla Stan units are called ApartDirect Gamla Stan and ApartDirect Gamla Stan III respectively and should not be confused with this facility.

The facility has no reception, lobby or common areas in the traditional hotel sense. The check-in system is based exclusively on key codes, which means guests obtain a code in advance and enter the apartment without personal contact with staff. Check-in is available from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00 at the latest. Early check-in can be arranged for an additional fee depending on availability, and late check-out can be booked subject to apartment availability.

The property has no lift, which ApartDirect states in its FAQ. This is a practical consideration to take into account when choosing accommodation, particularly for guests with heavy luggage or mobility restrictions. The building is of older character and guest reviews describe original features such as wooden floors and brick tiled stoves that have been preserved in the apartments. Breakfast is not served and is not included in the price – the apartment format assumes that guests prepare their own meals. ApartDirect states that they offer round-the-clock support for questions relating to your stay, which partly compensates for the lack of a staffed reception.

Location on Stora Nygatan and public transport connections

Stora Nygatan is one of Gamla Stan's wider streets and runs parallel to Västerlånggatan. The Royal Palace, the Nobel Museum and Storkyrkan are all within a short walk from the property. Riddarholmen and Riddarholmskyrkan can be reached on foot in a few minutes, making this address a natural starting point for those who want to explore Stockholm's medieval city centre without needing to use public transport for every excursion. The area around the property is lively with restaurants, cafés, shops and bars along Stora Nygatan and throughout Gamla Stan.

The public transport situation is straightforward: the official website states that Gamla Stan underground station is approximately 250 metres from the property and Stockholm Central Station can be reached on foot in 900 metres. From Central Station, the Arlanda Express runs to Arlanda Airport, which the official website states is 45 kilometres away. Streets and squares in Gamla Stan are largely car-free, and ApartDirect states in its FAQ that parking in Gamla Stan is not recommended. Guests travelling by car should plan for parking in one of the car parks outside Gamla Stan island.

The official website highlights the proximity to Gamla Stan's range of traditional shops and restaurants as part of the facility's location. For travellers wishing to move further around Stockholm, Gamla Stan underground station, with the red and green lines, provides quick connections to other parts of the city. Overall, the location means that most attractions in Stockholm's city centre are accessible without longer journeys.

Apartment categories – size, sleeping arrangements and equipment level

ApartDirect Gamla Stan II offers several apartment categories with different sizes and sleeping capacity. The official website lists, among others, Small One-Bedroom Apartment, Standard One-Bedroom Apartment, Superior One-Bedroom Apartment, Large One-Bedroom Apartment with Sofa Bed, One-Bedroom Apartment, Two-Bedroom Apartment and Three-Bedroom Apartment. The differences between categories relate to furnishing, layout and equipment level rather than size alone, which means that the price difference reflects comfort and function rather than number of rooms alone.

One-bedroom apartments vary in design and equipment in ways worth checking when booking. Superior One-Bedroom Apartment has a sofa bed in the living room but lacks an oven in the kitchen, which is relevant for those planning to prepare more advanced meals during their stay. Standard One-Bedroom Apartment lacks a washing machine, unlike most other categories. These differences affect suitability depending on the length of stay and individual needs.

For larger groups, there are multi-room options with separate bedrooms. The official website states that laundry is included in most but not all apartments. Breakfast is not included in any category. Cleaning is carried out weekly by staff, not daily – those wishing more frequent cleaning should check whether this can be arranged for an additional fee. Overall, the range of categories makes it possible to choose accommodation based on group size and need for kitchen equipment and laundry facilities, but it is important to check the specific category's equipment before completing your booking.

Self-catering as core concept – kitchen, laundry and available services

All apartments are equipped for self-catering. The kitchen contains in most categories a refrigerator, cooker, oven and microwave – the exception is Superior One-Bedroom Apartment where an oven is lacking. In addition, there is a coffee maker in the apartments. The kitchen is in most categories functional enough for preparing full meals, which makes the facility particularly suitable for longer stays or travellers who prefer to cook their own food rather than eating out every day. Grocery shops are within walking distance in and around Gamla Stan.

A washing machine is included in most apartments, but not all – Standard One-Bedroom Apartment is a confirmed exception. Bed linen and towels are included. Cleaning is carried out weekly by staff, not daily. ApartDirect states that they offer round-the-clock support for questions about, for example, public transport or restaurant recommendations in the area, which partly compensates for the lack of a staffed reception on site.

There is no room service and no restaurant in the facility. Guests wishing to eat out have a wide range of restaurants along Stora Nygatan and throughout Gamla Stan. WiFi is free and available in the apartments. The facility is non-smoking. Overall, ApartDirect Gamla Stan II is a pure self-catering option that suits travellers who prioritise their own kitchen, laundry and freedom of movement over traditional hotel services such as breakfast buffet, concierge or minibar. The concept is well suited for both shorter city stays and longer stays.