Dinogo Readers' Top 8 Nordic Hotels for 2024

Residents of the Nordic region are among the happiest people globally. There is a strong sense of community, and countries like Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden are frequently recognized as some of the happiest places on earth. It's no surprise that Dinogo readers are drawn to this region, enjoying a blend of historic retreats that embody classic Scandinavian minimalism alongside newer, more contemporary hotels.

How Voting Works

Each year, for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences worldwide, expressing their views on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, over 186,000 T+L readers participated in the survey, casting more than 700,000 votes across over 8,700 properties, including hotels, cities, cruise lines, and beyond.

Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically evaluated according to the criteria outlined below:

Room and facilities
Location
Service
Culinary experience
Overall value

For each attribute, participants were able to select a rating from excellent, above average, average, below average, to poor. The final scores are calculated as averages of these ratings.

What Readers Adored About Scandinavian City Hotels

A pair of iconic hotels from Sweden and Norway joined a trio of beloved Danish establishments on the readers' top list. The elegant 19th-century Grand Hôtel Stockholm (No. 2) offers much of what visitors cherish in the city, featuring a picturesque waterfront view of the historic Gamla Stan, exceptional Scandinavian dining, and a Nordic spa. Meanwhile, the 150-year-old Grand Hotel Oslo (No. 5), nestled between the modern Oslo Opera House and the Royal Palace, delights guests with classic afternoon tea and lively DJ performances on the rooftop — perfectly combining “comfort, luxury, history, and location,” as one admirer put it.

Copenhagen's historical gems, including Hotel d’Angleterre (No. 3), a landmark since 1755, and Villa Copenhagen (No. 4), a former post office built in 1912, also secured spots on the list. However, it was the relatively new Hotel Sanders that captured the top award. Keep reading to discover why.

Winner of Scandinavia City Hotels

Hotel Sanders, Copenhagen

The interior of Hotel Sanders in Copenhagen

wichmann+bendtsen/Courtesy of Hotel Sanders

At Hotel Sanders, co-owner Alexander Kolpin, a former ballet dancer, has designed a charming atmosphere with a passion for midcentury modern aesthetics that attracts both design enthusiasts and locals from the Nyhavn canal area. The hotel offers 54 rooms, ranging from snug, train-cabin-inspired singles to an expansive three-room suite featuring a freestanding tub, a cozy lounge with a fireplace, and a kitchenette. Guests can unwind in public areas like the garden, a cozy bar, or the rooftop lounge, enjoying drinks alongside dishes such as Iberico ham and Gillardeau oysters. Even with the cool temperatures outside, the ambiance at Sanders remains inviting. As one reader put it, “What a fantastic place. Truly authentic.”

Complete List of Scandinavia City Hotels

1. Hotel Sanders: Located in Copenhagen, Denmark

Reader Score: 93.11

2. Grand Hôtel Stockholm: Situated in Stockholm, Sweden

Reader Score: 91.48

3. Hotel d'Angleterre: Situated in Copenhagen, Denmark

Reader Score: 90.92

4. Villa Copenhagen: Located in Copenhagen, Denmark

Reader Score: 87.26

5. Grand Hotel Oslo: Found in Oslo, Norway

Reader Score: 86.89

Highlights from Reader Favorites: Iceland Resorts

All three resorts featured here are nestled in southern Iceland — two close to Reykjavík in the west, and the other near Skaftafell National Park in the east. While visitors are drawn to Iceland for its stunning volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and lava fields, it’s the welcoming accommodations that truly enhance the experience. Each of these resorts appeared on the 2023 list as well.

One voter remarked, “The wonderful food is one of the best aspects of staying here,” referring to Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (No. 2). With meals thoughtfully curated to reflect the surrounding nature, the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon Restaurant — situated beneath Iceland's tallest peak, Hvanndalshnúkur — offers guests an intimate dining experience in a space accommodating up to 180 people.

Silica Hotel (No. 3) stood out for its clever design and private lagoon. “The rooms are spacious and boast a clean, minimalist style typical of Nordic design. I found the thermal bath at the hotel to be more enjoyable than the Blue Lagoon itself,” shared a guest. Some visitors love it so much that they return multiple times: “I’ve visited three times in the last five years, and each experience has consistently offered decadent relaxation.”

The ultimate bucket-list destination is The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, which offers a 'fairy-tale ambiance' through its exceptional service, luxurious amenities, and a stunning spa experience.

Winner of the Iceland Resorts Award

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

helgala ufey/Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Iceland

Ascending from last year's No. 2 position, readers have chosen The Retreat at Blue Lagoon for its tailored treatments and exclusive amenities. This 60-suite hotel features its own lagoon, allowing guests to enjoy the same mineral-rich waters found at the Blue Lagoon, but without the hustle and bustle. Visitors particularly appreciate the subterranean spa, which offers in-water massages and float therapy among other indulgent treatments. One reader described the experience as making her feel 'centered, peaceful, healthy, and calm.'

Food enthusiasts will find delight at Moss Restaurant, where Michelin-starred Executive Chef Aggi Sverrisson serves seasonal and innovative Icelandic dishes. As one voter expressed, 'The Retreat at Blue Lagoon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The ambiance and surroundings reflect the property’s deep respect and admiration for its extraordinary location.'