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Top 5 Scandic Hotels for Location and Experience in the Nordics
The Nordic countries are celebrated for their breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, making them a must-visit destination. Whether you’re seeking the northern lights in Norway, exploring the historic sites of Denmark, or immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Sweden, selecting the right accommodation can significantly enhance your trip. Scandic Hotels, the largest hotel operator in the Nordics, offers a variety of options that combine prime locations with exceptional experiences. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top five Scandic Hotels to consider for your Nordic adventure and introduce you to Scandic’s revamped loyalty programme, designed to offer even more value and personalised experiences.
1. Scandic Grand Central, Stockholm, Sweden
Location: Heart of Stockholm
Scandic Grand Central is ideally located in the heart of Stockholm, making it perfect for exploring the city. Situated just steps from Stockholm Central Station, this hotel offers easy access to the city’s main attractions, including the historic Gamla Stan, the bustling shopping district of Drottninggatan, and the stunning Royal Palace. Everything you need for a memorable stay in Stockholm is within walking distance.
Experience: Historic Charm Meets Modern Comfort
Housed in a historic building dating back to 1885, Scandic Grand Central artfully blends classic architecture with modern amenities. The hotel boasts stylish rooms with a mix of contemporary and vintage decor, a vibrant restaurant serving Swedish and international cuisine, and a cosy bar perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Its central location and unique ambience make it a top choice for travellers seeking both convenience and character.
2. Scandic Vulkan, Oslo, Norway
Location: Trendy Grünerløkka District
Located in Oslo’s trendy Grünerløkka district, Scandic Vulkan offers a chic and vibrant stay. This area is known for its eclectic mix of cafes, boutiques, and street art, providing a unique urban experience. The hotel is also close to the Akerselva River, ideal for scenic walks and exploring the city’s green spaces.
Experience: Urban Chic with a Focus on Sustainability
Scandic Vulkan is a modern hotel that places a strong emphasis on sustainability. The hotel’s design is sleek and contemporary, with eco-friendly practices integrated into its operations. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, or relax in the hotel’s bar with views of the vibrant neighbourhood. For those who appreciate modern design and sustainability, Scandic Vulkan is an excellent choice.
3. Scandic Copenhagen, Denmark
Location: Central Copenhagen
Situated in the heart of Denmark’s capital, Scandic Copenhagen offers easy access to the city’s top attractions, including Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and the iconic Little Mermaid statue. The hotel is also close to the city’s main shopping streets and a variety of restaurants and cafes, making it a convenient choice for both leisure and business travellers.
Experience: Spacious Comfort with Stunning Views
Scandic Copenhagen features spacious rooms with panoramic views of the city skyline or nearby lakes. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a fitness centre, a restaurant serving delicious Danish cuisine, and meeting facilities for business travellers. Its central location and comfortable accommodations make Scandic Copenhagen a favourite among visitors to the city.
4. Scandic Ishavshotel, Tromsø, Norway
Location: Gateway to the Arctic
Scandic Ishavshotel is located in Tromsø, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Arctic.” This hotel offers unmatched access to Arctic adventures, including northern lights tours, whale watching, and dog sledding. Its waterfront location provides stunning views of the harbour and surrounding mountains, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts.
Experience: Cosy Luxury in the Arctic
The hotel offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with cosy rooms that provide a perfect retreat after a day of Arctic exploration. Guests can enjoy a meal at the hotel’s restaurant, which features locally sourced Arctic ingredients, or relax with a drink in the bar while taking in the breathtaking views. Scandic Ishavshotel combines luxury and adventure, making it a top choice for those seeking an unforgettable Arctic experience.
5. Scandic Paasi, Helsinki, Finland
Location: Cultural Hub of Helsinki
Scandic Paasi is located in the lively Hakaniemi district, a cultural hub of Helsinki. The hotel is within walking distance of the city’s major attractions, including the Helsinki Cathedral, the National Museum of Finland, and the bustling Market Square. The nearby metro station also provides easy access to the rest of the city.
Experience: Unique Design with a Creative Flair
Scandic Paasi stands out for its unique design, inspired by the history and culture of Helsinki. Each room is individually decorated, offering a creative and artistic atmosphere. The hotel features a cosy lounge, a vibrant restaurant, and a well-equipped gym. Its distinctive design and central location make Scandic Paasi a favourite for travellers looking for a unique and memorable stay in Helsinki.
Scandic’s New Loyalty Programme: More Rewards, More Value
Today, Scandic has unveiled its new loyalty programme, which aims to strengthen the company’s commercial offering, boost member loyalty, and create more relevant experiences for guests. The existing programme, Scandic Friends, has been completely revamped to provide more beneficial, personalised, and digital experiences.
Scandic Friends, the largest loyalty programme in the Nordic hotel industry with 3 million members, has been redesigned with the goal of doubling its membership by 2030. In 2023, Scandic Friends accounted for about 38 percent of the total room nights sold, and the new programme is expected to further increase member bookings and overall revenue.
The new Scandic Friends features an expanded structure, growing from five to seven membership levels. Each level includes carefully selected benefits that cater to the diverse needs of guests, whether they stay frequently or less often. The programme has improved member and level-specific offerings, making it easier to earn and use points, access various benefits, and enhance their stay with add-on services like upgrades or pre-ordered refreshments.
According to Jens Mathiesen, President & CEO at Scandic Hotels Group, “Loyal and returning guests are central for us at Scandic. They drive our growth and create a strong and stable community around our brands. We now have a solid platform that will improve the member experience and have laid the foundation to continue developing the programme and add new exciting partnerships. This will enable us to continue building long-term relationships with stronger incentives to choose Scandic for future hotel stays.”
The development of the new programme involved in-depth interviews with existing and potential members, as well as extensive research within the travel industry and beyond. Built on these insights and Scandic’s customer data, the new programme aims to provide a more tailored and personalised membership experience, increasing member interaction and engagement over time.
Thérèse Cedercreutz, Chief Commercial Officer at Scandic Hotels Group, added, “Creating a guest-focused loyalty programme designed to make the most of every member interaction has been the fundamental focus during the entire development process. We have put a lot of emphasis on digital investments to enable and create an ecosystem we can develop over time. This is just the beginning, and I’m convinced that our members will appreciate the new features and offerings that we’ll gradually be adding.”
The new Scandic Friends programme will take effect on 27 August 2024. In the coming days, existing members will be gradually transitioned into the new programme. This launch marks the beginning of the next generation of loyalty programmes, with more personalised benefits and offerings to be added in the future.
Membership Levels in the New Scandic Friends:
- New Friend – 0 points
- Good Friend – 5,000 points
- Close Friend – 10,000 points
- Dear Friend – 25,000 points
- Loyal Friend – 100,000 points
- True Friend – 250,000 points
- Best Friend – 400,000 points or 100 nights
Choosing the right hotel is crucial to making the most of your Nordic adventure. Each of the Scandic Hotels featured in this post offers a unique combination of location, comfort, and experience, ensuring a memorable stay. And with Scandic’s newly enhanced loyalty programme, there’s never been a better time to explore the Nordics. Book your stay today and enjoy the best that Scandinavia has to offer with Scandic Hotels.
This autumn, step into the world of Downton Abbey as The Ivy Marlow Garden celebrates the cinematic release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with an elegant limited-edition menu. Launching on 3rd September 2025, the specially curated menu will be available across The Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*, inviting guests to dine like the Crawleys in true aristocratic style.
A Taste of the 1930s with an Ivy Twist
Inspired by the refinement of 1930s dining and the glamour of the Crawley family, the Downton Abbey at The Ivy menuis priced at £27.95 for two courses or £34.95 for three courses. Guests can expect dishes steeped in heritage, luxury and comfort, all reimagined through The Ivy’s signature touch.
Highlights include:
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Starters:
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Severn & Wye Smoked Salmon with brown bread, lemon and butter
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Salade Du Verger with figs, pecans, truffle vinaigrette and whipped feta
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Mains:
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The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie – slow-braised lamb and beef with Cheddar mash
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Grilled Lemon Sole on the Bone with beurre noisette, capers and lemon
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21 Day Aged Sirloin Steak with peppercorn sauce
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Braised Duck Curry blending British tradition and global flavour
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Garden Vegetable Curry – a vibrant vegetarian option
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Desserts:
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The Ivy Chocolate Dome with honeycomb and caramel sauce
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Orchard Apple Tart with Calvados – flambéed for a dramatic finish
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Caramelised Crème Brûlée – a comforting classic
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Raise a Glass to Downton Abbey
To elevate the occasion, guests can toast with The Ivy Guest Champagne or indulge in The Gilded Peach Cobbler – a 1930s-inspired cocktail crafted from sloe gin, Crème de Pêche, Beesou honey aperitif, pineapple syrup, and Champagne. A drink worthy of the grandest Downton dinner party.
Don’t Miss the Grand Finale
Sean Burbidge, Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection, shared:
“We’ve taken great joy in creating dishes that reflect the elegance of the era, inspired by the film’s characters, 1930s flavours, and even dishes once served at The Original Ivy. We hope each plate transports guests into the world of Downton – with all the charm, nostalgia and indulgence that entails.”
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Crawleys or simply seeking a luxurious dining experience, this limited-edition menu offers the chance to relive the grandeur of Downton Abbey — one plate at a time.
Book Your Downton Abbey Dining Experience
Available from 3rd September 2025 at The Ivy Marlow Garden and participating Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*.
️ Book your table here: Downton Abbey at The Ivy
*Menu available at all Ivy Collection restaurants except The Ivy Dawson Street, Dublin. The Original Ivy (West Street, London) will offer a bespoke menu.
Follow The Ivy Collection on Instagram: @the_ivy_collection
Award-winning chef Carlo Scotto unveils his most personal project yet with BEAR – a daring 14-seat chef’s table opening this July at the Crazy Bear Hotel in Beaconsfield.
Launching on Wednesday 30th July, BEAR strips back fine dining to reveal something raw, refined, and deeply expressive. Set inside an immersive open kitchen, this intimate space offers diners an unforgettable front-row seat to Scotto’s innovative culinary storytelling.
Carlo Scotto’s Next Chapter
Following the success of Amethyst in London, Scotto’s newest venture draws on his global experience in the kitchens of Gordon Ramsay, Angela Hartnett, and the Galvin Brothers. At BEAR, his signature style evolves into something even more daring and personal — a stripped-back, ingredient-led experience that feels more like a private dinner party than a restaurant.
A Seasonally Driven, Emotionally Charged Menu
The menu at BEAR showcases Scotto’s fearless approach to flavour, technique, and presentation. It’s a culinary journey that spans continents while remaining rooted in seasonal British ingredients.
Expect dishes like:
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Langoustine with Pickled Attika Kohlrabi, jalapeño & purple shiso
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Hand-laminated brioche with Carlo’s unique three-layered butter
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Moroccan-spiced duck with morels poached in aged pickled rum
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British asparagus fermented in tempeh and wild garlic jus
Two Menus, One Exclusive Table
Guests can choose between two tasting experiences:
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Carlo’s Edit – A six-course seasonal snapshot
Available Tuesday to Saturday at 6pm -
The Full Experience – An eight-course immersive journey
Available Tuesday to Saturday at 7.45pm
Both menus are available with thoughtfully selected wine pairings.
A Unique Setting at Crazy Bear Beaconsfield
Located inside the iconic Crazy Bear Hotel, BEAR benefits from a setting as distinctive as its food. The hotel itself blends 15th-century charm with modern opulence, offering a lavish escape just outside of London.
With BEAR, Beaconsfield welcomes a new era of destination dining — one that’s sure to attract serious food lovers from far and wide.
TrendLife Will Be Visiting This Summer
We’ll be visiting BEAR by Carlo Scotto later this summer to experience the menu firsthand. Keep an eye out for our full review and behind-the-scenes look at one of 2025’s most exciting new openings.
The Stable Bar Opens at Tewinbury Farm Hotel in Hertfordshire
Just 30 minutes from London, Tewinbury Farm Hotel — Hertfordshire’s hidden gem — is now home to The Stable Bar, a striking new wine and events space that blends countryside charm with a touch of London cool.
Set on Tewinbury’s 700-acre working farm, The Stable Bar is more than a place to drink — it’s a destination. From the handpicked art adorning exposed brick walls (curated in collaboration with Common Room Projects) to its exclusive wine list from Humble Grape, every detail has been crafted to offer an experience that’s as stylish as it is soulful.
A Wine Lover’s Escape in the Countryside
The Stable Bar serves a thoughtfully curated collection of sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines from independent, family-run wineries around the world. Expect to find Old World classics from Bordeaux and Veneto alongside adventurous pours from the vineyards of North Macedonia, Bulgaria and beyond. Whether you’re discovering your new favourite orange wine or sipping on a familiar fizz, every bottle tells a story.
Paired with small plates, hand-stretched sourdough pizzas and seasonal sharing boards, the menu offers easy-going luxury in every bite — perfect for slow afternoons or intimate evenings.
Live Music, Riverside Views & Summer Events
The Stable Bar’s riverside terrace offers a scenic setting for every season — heated in the winter and open-air in the summer, with views over the tranquil River Mimram. Inside, deep sofas, ambient lighting and a warm welcome set the tone for weekend nights filled with live jazz and acoustic sets.
July brings a host of exciting events to the calendar:
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Acoustic Thursdays fill the bar with laid-back live music and summer vibes.
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Fizz Fridays invite you to toast the weekend with special sparkling wine offers.
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DJ Saturdays turn up the tempo as day turns to night with curated DJ sets.
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And for the early risers, Farmers Market Sundays feature local produce, artisan goods and fresh coffee to start your day the Tewinbury way.
One to Watch
Whether you’re a wine aficionado or simply looking for a refreshing countryside escape, The Stable Bar offers a unique blend of rustic charm and contemporary flair. With a packed summer schedule and an atmosphere that effortlessly bridges laid-back and luxe, it’s quickly becoming one of Hertfordshire’s most talked-about new openings.
TrendLife Magazine will be visiting The Stable Bar soon — stay tuned for the full review and inside look.
