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The new Hotel Rival, located in the heart of Stockholm's trendy Södermalm district, has sleek, minimalist bathrooms and beds (with fluffy white duvets) designed for a Sunday lie-in. Lest you wake up forgetting where you are, stills from Swedish films hang above the beds. Among them is Abba: the Movie, possibly because Benny Andersson of Abba is among the hotel's owners. Next door are the Rival Café and Rival Bakery, both hotspots in their own right.
THE DESTINATION
In the warmth of summer, Stockholm loses some of its cool, blooming with alfresco café life. Once, the appeal of the city - thanks to its cobbled town - was largely historical; now design-style is the big attraction and the interior furnishing shops are excellent. The reputation of Swedish cuisine draws gourmets to Stockholm, too. Others prefer to escape from the city, taking trips out to the islands of the Stockholm archipelago.
THE FLIGHT
Fly from London Stansted to Stockholm Vasteras or Skavsta with Ryanair (0871 246 0000; www.ryanair.com) from £59 return in September. Hotel Rival is 150km from Vasteras, and 100km from Skavsta. Hotel Rival, Mariatorget 3, Stockholm (00 46 8 545 78900; fax: 545 78924; www.rival.se). Doubles from SEK1,395 (about £105), not including breakfast.
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