A Timeless Icon of Hospitality Celebrating 150 Years

13 August 2024

For 150 years, Grand Hôtel in Stockholm has been home to celebrities, renowned events, and everyday bon-vivants. This iconic establishment offers guests a luxurious stay blending classic charm with modern amenities, alongside a variety of gastronomic experiences that will delight your plate. In the midst of their 150-year celebration, we had the privilege to interview Pia Djupmark, CEO of Grand Hôtel Stockholm, delving into a world of luxorious comfort and hospitality perfection.

“We are so proud to celebrate our 150th anniversary, and our hotels’ rich history is filled with remarkable events and milestones,” says Pia, in charge of the hotel, which offers 279 rooms and suites, each floor adorned with a unique touch from different interior designers. 

Grand Hôtel in Stockholm was established in 1874 by the French chef Régis Cadier. His ambition was to create Sweden’s first hotel that could measure up to the grand European hotels. Situated in a prime waterfront location overlooking the Royal Palace and Stockholm’s old town, he undoubtedly chose the right location to create the renowned hotel that it is today. 

150 years of memorable moments 
With 150 years in business, Grand Hôtel has welcomed countless guests through the grand entrance, such as well-known names as Martin Luther King, Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco, Frank Sinatra, and Greta Garbo. And, with numerous lush events that have been held, the list of milestones is long. One event Pia mentions is that the very first Nobel banquet was held at Grand Hôtel in 1901, and took place in the Spegelsalen (The Mirror Hall) until 1929, when the event moved to Stockholm City Hall due to its growing size.

“However, Nobel laureates and their families still stay with us. As part of a cherished tradition, they are woken up on 13 December with coffee, saffron buns, and youthful voices performing Sankta Lucia.”
In 1968, a significant chapter in Grand Hôtel history began when the Wallenberg family assumed ownership of the hotel. Their stewardship continues to this day, and to mark the hotel’s 100th anniversary in 1974, they transformed the beloved summer veranda into a permanent fixture. The Veranda restaurant allows guests to experience the charm of summer - or any season - regardless of the weather. “These milestones are just a few examples of the rich history that defines Grand Hôtel, and we eagerly anticipate creating more memorable moments in the years to come,” says Pia. 

A green night’s sleep 
Craftsmanship and innovation have been guiding principles steering Grand Hôtel’s trajectory. “These principles also drive our ongoing efforts towards a green and sustainable hotel experience, both now and in the future,” Pia explains. 

In their operations, they aim not only to be aware of sustainability issues, but also to drive progress by collaborating closely with suppliers to develop new sustainable solutions and choices. Their comprehensive sustainability initiatives encompass every aspect of their operations, from energy consumption and material selection, to digitisation and social responsibility.

A whole year of celebration 
The celebration covers all different kinds of areas and will go on through the duration of 2024. 

“We are celebrating throughout the entire year. Our festivities began with the launch of our first beer, named ‘1874’, followed by a limited section in our cocktail menu paying homage to our 150 years,” says Pia. For instance, guests can savour cocktails such as ‘54 750 days’ featuring Grand Hôtel’s honey, collected from their in-house bee hives.

“Our newly released coffee table book serves as a tribute to our past, present, and future, encapsulating the essence of what Grand Hôtel looks like in 2024.” Additionally, they have partnered with the Skåne-based ice cream company Otto Glass to create their exclusive cloudberry ice cream flavour. Their official anniversary on 14 June was marked by a celebration for Stockholmers at the harbour next to the hotel. 

A membership that led to partnerships and collaborations
Grand Hôtel has been a member at the SCC since 1993. Pia says that the SCC provides a platform for forming relationships both within Sweden and internationally. “The people and organisations we have met through the SCC have led to wonderful partnerships and collaborations during our time as a member. In particular, access to the SCC’s UK network has been invaluable to us, as this region is one of our most important markets.”

As Grand Hôtel in Stockholm celebrates 150 years of luxury and history, it continues to welcome new guests and create unforgettable experiences. From its founding by Régis Cadier to its sustainable future, Grand Hôtel remains a timeless icon of hospitality. Here’s to the next 150 years of excellence!

Three expert tips on hospitality: 

1. Offer a personal touch - As technology advances, many hotels may be tempted to automate certain aspects of the guest experience, such as check-in kiosks, for efficiency. However, at Grand Hôtel, we firmly believe in the value of personal interactions to enhancing the guest experience. For instance, we would never trade our concierge service, as these human-led moments are indispensable in creating the bespoke experience our guests expect.

2. See the uniqueness in each guest – Respect all guests’ differences and their privacy.

3. Lead by example - The hospitality of every staff member contributes to a guest’s experience. Fostering a team of perfect hosts is made possible by senior team members leading by example. Telling staff how to act is never as effective and inspiring as showing them.

Photo: Andy Liffner