Sturebadet is one of the nicest gyms and spas in Stockholm. It's no Equinox or mega-sized lifestyle "health club" gym complex like you see in the in the US, but it's pretty upscale and nice. It's a fantastic relaxation resource for Stockholm. It has a bit of history to it too, and I like that!
I really liked coming here! The area where the workout machines are is air-conditioned and nice--though, a little small for what your paying. You can choose from a wider array of memberships according to times of use, which I haven't really seen before. So, if you only go at night for instance, you can get your membership a little cheaper! You can also do the day "spa visit" which seems to be a bit more popular than a full out membership. There is a full schedule of nice classes that range from pilates and yoga to more active cardio, weight and dance style ones. Of course, you can also get a personal trainer (with a free consultation to start) as well, but that was a little on the pricey side.
I really made use of the pool on the middle floor along with the smaller hot tub to the side of it. You can also relax and lounge in that area, grab water and some free fruit. You'll also notice a little health food cafe on the upper balcony. I haven't tried it out, but it looks ok. Downstairs, there is the spa area for services, a bathroom, sitting area and "relaxation room" (that I think is a bit of a waste of space--It's basically a room that's warm, but not hot. It also smells like lavender or something.) I sat in it for a minute or two and got bored. Mehhhh.
On a better note, they have a full sauna and steam room in the shower section of the men's and women's locker rooms. In the showers they provide a nice brand of products that smell pretty good called Kerstin Florian. I also really liked that they have shower curtains in the women's locker room!!! That is huge plus for me. Privacy stalls in a gym bathroom are a bit of a rarity in Sweden for some reason. I'm a prude American and like my privacy... LOL! Some things are just no ones business and somethings are no business of mine. You know what I mean? Haha! In the women's room there's a makeup and hair station that carries a lot of styling tools and Bjorn Axen hair products. I was also excited to see a few privacy changing areas with curtains too!
There was only a few real downsides to this place. I think it's a bit overpriced, firstly. I also thought that the layout was a little confusing. The service desk people weren't always that super helpful either. I also had to buy one of their robes to avoid renting one each visit (gotta have a robe!) They were pretty stingy on towels too! You had to rent any extras if you wanted more! WTF!? Aren't I paying enough for you not to nickel-and-dime me to death? Also, my beloved shower curtains and changing room curtains kept dwindling down until there was only one of each left! =( The fruit was also a bit over ripe and not replenished in the evenings. I also had a hard time with all the women who thought it was fun to stand around naked for hours on end in the locker room. They'd be putting on makeup and standing around staring at themselves in the little mirrors, clogging up all the hall areas! I felt like I was surrounded by exhibitionists all the time! LOL!
Overall, nice place! I would have probably continued my membership for a longer period of time, but it wasn't worth the cost for me personally. I couldn't ever make it over there enough to justify it! Busy, busy, busy--Or, thats what I tell myself for not going to the gym enough, haha! I ended up signing up for a new smaller gym closer to my apartment. And, guess what!? It has a shower door. SOLD! We'll see how that turns out. ;)
Tip: Just got the email about a summer membership for 2,595kr for people staying in the Stockholm area! read more