Usually I need a hotel in Stockholm only in weekends but now I had a business trip in midweek. Most hotels were sold out, I chose Crystal Plaza because the location is perfect and the feedback was mostly positive among Tripadvisor members. Room rate for single room was SEK 1450 (EUR 157) with breakfast. For that rate you could stay at a double room in Hotel Diplomat (only weekends) which is one of the most beautiful hotels I have seen.

The hotel clearly informs in their website that most rooms are extremely small, which is fair to tell in advance. The most negative thing was the bathroom. It looked like 1970's toilet in the student campus. I found that unacceptable in a city like Stockholm. Bed was OK, ironing machine did not work, TV set was at least 10 years old. Positive thing was a small balcony
overlooking the busy Birger Jarl street. Also it was nice to have free internet access (max 15min) in the lobby.

Reception staff was very kind and helpful. I did not eat breakfast - they are usually very good in Sweden. This hotel could deserve 4/5 if they quickly start renovating bathrooms. Today, the value and quality does not meet. If you visit Stockholm, stay there from Friday to Monday (if possible), rates are very good at quality hotels.

I stayed for 4 nights at the Crystal Plaza Hotel in late April 2005. I was on vacation, traveling alone. I'm single, and 30, from Los Angeles. I've done a lot of traveling and been in hotels throughout the US and Europe. Here's what I liked about Crystal Plaza:

1) Great location. All the good clubs are nearby, and a great restaurant, Sturehof (expensive but worth it, good music upstairs). Key tourist sites are easily accessible due to subway, bus and walking distance. This is a key benefit, but it is easy to travel throughout Stockholm, if not a little expensive though.

2) Great service. The attendants were totally cool and helpful for directions and sightseeing. They really made the stay enjoyable.

3) Free Internet. I was able to check email whenever I wanted, except if others were waiting. That was helpful.

Here's what I didn't like:

1) The room was tiny. I got a single standard room, and man was it small! Smaller than a NY studio. If you are traveling alone, upgrade and get the double so you don't get claustrophobic. Or maybe the Deluxe?

2) Small beds. Mine was a double, and you don't get sheets, but rather a wrap around comforter. The comforter was surprisingly nice, but the bed was just too small for an enjoyable night's sleep.

3) Construction. If you are going anytime soon, I'd recommend calling ahead to make sure the construction has been completed. Looked pretty minor (windows upgrades), so it should be fine.

4) Loud outside. Don't get a room facing the Birger Jarlsgatan, if possible. It gets kinda loud with traffic. Tough for a good night's sleep.

Bottom line: If you are with your family and get a large room, off the main street, Crystal Plaza will be a great value for you (good free breakfast too!). If you're single and looking for a nice hotel to call your weekend perch, look elsewhere. All in all, I would stay at this hotel again, but only in a bigger room, and off the main street.

I went on a girlie weekend with my friend and this was perfect as it was right next to all the shops and round the corner from all the bars and restaurants as well! We had a small twin room, probably not good for 2 big blokes but for us was fine, the beds were v narrow but also very comfy, we had an attic room with a skylight so we could see the snow falling! Breakfast is fab, and definitely good that we could lie in bed until 11ish before going to breakfast.

We stayed in this hotel for 3 nights in August 2004. The location of the hotel is fantastic, very close to the shops and only a short walk to the ferries and to the other islands nearby (Djurgarden and Gamla Stan). Not only was the food at breakfast great we also didn't need to get up at the crack of dawn to make the breakfast buffet. The staff were also incredibly pleasant and friendly (even when we checked in at about midnight). The only minor disappointment was the age and pressure of the showerhead in the bathroom (it was about 20 years older than the rest of the bathroom), but it is by no means the worst hotel shower I've ever experienced. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay and would recommend the hotel to anyone, especially if you manage to get a good internet deal - it's great value for money.