Hotel Tre Sma Rum

We loved Tre Små Rum, a privately-owned guesthouse in a relaxed, residential part of Södermalm. This tiny, tidy spot is about a 10-minute walk south of the main Söder action, though close enough to shops and restaurants that walking isn't a pain.

Despite its name, which translates to "three small rooms," Tre Små Rum has seven rooms (the name reflects the size of the guesthouse when it opened in 1993). The mild-mannered and welcoming Christian, one of the two owners, gave us a tour.

Rooms—doubles and singles—are decorated with pretty artwork on the walls and homey curtains. Each has a writing desk and plenty of good lighting. Some have televisions, otherwise you can get your TV fix in the breakfast room. Tre Små Rum is a few steps below ground level, so windows are at the top of the walls.

The freshly-tiled bathrooms are located in the hall and have squeaky-clean shower stalls and nicely sized sinks. Plus, the bedroom-to-bathroom ratio is an impressive 2:1.

It's the little things that make this place so popular, as numerous other guidebooks will attest to. For instance, breakfast is "ekologiskt," or organic, and served in the quaint breakfast room that doubles as the reception.

Speaking of reception, hours are limited: guests get their own key to the front door, and late arrivals get an entry code for access. There are two bicycles for hire at 100 SEK a day. (We're big fans of touring on a bike.)