I thoroughly enjoyed the Grand Hôtel Nordic Spa & Fitness. When you check in, you'll get flip…read moreflops, a robe and disposable underoos if you're getting a massage.
Treatments: I got a classic Swedish massage, which was really relaxing. I had just finished listening to the Moth podcast about Russian massages, which can be bonecrushing. So I was a little nervous. However, my massager was strong, but gentle. I was relaxed and refreshed afterwards. Totally recommend it! I also got a mani/pedi with varnish. I didn't realize that either you get no nail polish, or they sell you the nail polish bottle! It was a funny surprise to get some nail polish to go! The Day Spa is free with any treatment, so I stayed from 9am to 4pm, and emerged glowing and joyful!
Facilities: They have fantastic facilities. They were really clean - their staff were constantly cleaning and refreshing towels, water, fresh apples and slices of orange. Coed area: They have a beautiful little pool, hot tub with bubbles and a waterfall, steam room. In the women's area, they have a sauna, freezing cold pool with a waterfall, spacious changing room with big lockers. They also have lots of showers, WCs and extra towels, flip flops and lotions and soaps. Loved it!
Fitness Bar: They also have a fitness bar upstairs, complete with smoothies and a food menu. Tip: wear real clothes, not your robe. Also, call the phone in there if there's nobody there to serve you. I got confused by all the members serving themselves, and wondered if they were staff members who were just ignoring me! Turns out, I should have just called downstairs.
Fun Times: When most people left around 3pm, I had fun playing with all the buttons Harry Potter style, to turn on waterfalls and bubbles in the in the pool and hot tubs. Most of the time, there were people in each area on a Sunday. However, I noticed that there was a slight dip around 2-4, but more people were coming in around 4 when I left.
Staff: The staff were all really friendly, polite and helpful. I tend to ask a lot of questions, and sometimes I don't get the best response. But in this case, they were quite happy I chatted them up, and even offered me some tips for where to visit in Stockholm.
Reservations: I emailed them 3 days before I arrived and they offered me their only reservation for the Sunday I requested. They even called me later to say that they had two back-to-back openings open up for the other treatments I requested. They emailed back promptly and answered all my questions.
Prices: I found the prices to be fair considering it's in the middle of Stockholm and in such a nice hotel.
Final Verdict: This has been one of my favorite spas because it's quiet, clean and not overrun with tourists. Their staff is professional and friendly.