Den Röda Båten

A botel moored at Riddarfjärden in central Stockholm

The Red Boat – in Swedish Den Röda Båten – is a combined hotel and hostel located on a vessel moored along Söder Mälarstrand at Riddarfjärden in central Stockholm. The facility is classified as a botel, that is, a ship permanently used as accommodation. The vessel is painted in Falun red and constitutes a well-known feature of Stockholm's shoreline, clearly visible from the Gamla Stan side of the water.

The location is one of the facility's clearest strengths. Gamla Stan lies within convenient walking distance, and Södermalm's restaurants, shops and nightlife are accessible without public transport. Slussen underground station is accessible on foot, which provides quick connections further into the city. Guests who wish to move about independently thus have good conditions without being dependent on taxi or bus from the facility.

This is not a conventional city hotel. Corridors, cabins and common areas are adapted to the ship's original construction, which means lower ceiling heights, narrower corridors and cabins that are noticeably more compact than an average hotel room on land. Guests who are sensitive to confined spaces or have mobility restrictions should consider this carefully before booking, as the facility lacks lift access and wheelchair adaptation. There is also no car park associated with the facility, which is relevant for those travelling by car. The maritime interior with wooden panelling and nautical details gives the vessel a distinct character that clearly distinguishes it from a standard hotel on land.

Cabin categories: shared or private bathroom

The facility has a total of 36 rooms divided into several categories. The economy cabins are the most compact, equipped with bunk beds and wooden interior, and share toilet and shower with other guests in the corridor. These cabins have city views rather than water views. Bed linen is included in the price for all rooms, whilst towels can be hired for a small fee at reception. For those travelling on a tight budget and not spending much time in their room, the economy cabins are a functional choice given the central location.

The hotel rooms have their own private bathroom, and several of them face the water with views towards Riddarfjärden. The fact that the rooms are compact is a direct consequence of the vessel's original construction and should be seen as part of the experience's character rather than a shortcoming. The facility's official website confirms that all hotel rooms have private bathrooms, whilst the hostel rooms share well-maintained bathroom facilities in the corridor.

In addition to private cabins, there are dormitories with four and ten beds respectively, making the facility an option for budget travellers who accept shared accommodation. Private rooms are available in categories from single rooms to four-person rooms. Pets are not accepted. Children are accepted, but all children pay the same price as adults, which should be considered by families comparing prices. The minimum age for check-in is 18 years, and children must be at least 10 years old to stay in private rooms or dormitories. Breakfast is not included in the base price but is added as a separate option at the time of booking.

Restaurant, bar and sun deck on board

On board there is a restaurant serving food and a bar. A breakfast buffet is offered daily for an additional charge. The restaurant is described on the official website as a cosy space on board where guests can eat together with a glass of wine or locally brewed beer. In addition to the indoor premises, there is a sun deck with outdoor furniture, which during warmer months functions as an attractive complement to indoor seating with direct views of the water and the silhouette of Gamla Stan. The sun deck is accessible to the hotel's guests and constitutes one of the facility's most characteristic social spaces, particularly during the summer months.

The restaurant is a separate operation from the accommodation, and food or drink ordered there is charged in addition to the room price. The facility does not offer breakfast free of charge as part of a standard stay – it is an optional extra that is booked and paid for separately. Guests who want breakfast included should actively add this at the time of booking to avoid misunderstandings upon arrival. There is no information about room service on the official website.

Near the quay there are restaurants within walking distance. Hotels.com indicates that MamaWolf is approximately seven minutes' walk away. Guests planning dinners outside the vessel have a varied selection available without needing to use public transport, which is a clear advantage of the central location along Söder Mälarstrand. The facility's location makes it easy to combine meals on board with excursions to Södermalm's nearby restaurant offerings.

Practical information: facilities and accessibility

The facility offers bicycle hire, which fits well with the location along Söder Mälarstrand where there are cycle paths along the water. Hiring a bicycle directly at the hotel means guests do not need to seek external hire shops, which is a practical advantage for those wishing to explore Stockholm independently. Luggage storage is available, as is a safe deposit box at reception for valuables. Free newspapers in the lobby and WiFi in all cabins and common areas are included at no extra cost. There are two lounge rooms on board that function as common social spaces in addition to the restaurant and sun deck.

Public transport connections are good: Slussen underground station is reached on foot, and from there there are connections to the city centre and the rest of Stockholm via the underground's green line as well as bus connections at Slussen. There is no car park associated with the facility, which guests with a car need to plan for independently.

The facility is non-smoking in all cabins and common areas, with a designated smoking area outdoors. There is no lift access or wheelchair adaptation, which means the facility is not accessible for guests with mobility restrictions. Cleaning takes place once per stay. Family rooms are available in the range. Those seeking central accommodation with a distinct maritime character and competitive pricing in relation to location will find in The Red Boat an alternative that differs significantly from conventional city hotels – provided one is prepared for the compact spaces that the vessel's construction entails.