- Tech-powered hospitality operator to open 62-key aparthotel in Södermalm, Stockholm
- Deal marks Bob W’s third asset in the Swedish capital, all secured through hotel repositionings
11th February 2026 – Helsinki, Finland – Bob W, the tech-powered hospitality operator, has signed a long-term lease agreement for a former hotel property at Lundagatan 31 in Södermalm, Stockholm, marking its third asset in the Swedish capital.
The 1,300 sq m building will be repositioned into a 62-key Bob W property comprising exclusively design-led studio apartments. The new aparthotel is scheduled to open in Q2 2026.
Located in the heart of Södermalm, one of Stockholm’s most characterful and desirable residential districts, the property sits within walking distance of Zinkensdamm and Mariatorget metro stations, providing fast access to the central business district and the city’s major cultural destinations. The area is also home to Skinnarviksberget, one of Stockholm’s most iconic viewpoints, and is surrounded by cafés, bakeries, boutiques, and green spaces that define Södermalm’s strong local identity.
The building will feature a ground-floor lounge with a social kitchen for guests, alongside a restaurant space operated independently by a third-party food and beverage operator under a separate lease.
The deal sees Bob W partner once again with Classic Hotel Bjälken 20 AB, the same landlord behind Bob W’s first Stockholm opening in Gamla Stan. The landlord previously operated the asset directly and chose to exit day-to-day operations by bringing in Bob W under a long-term lease.
Niko Karstikko, co-founder and CEO of Bob W, said: “This signing underlines both the strength of our relationship with the landlord and the growing momentum behind modern hospitality operators in Stockholm. Repositioning existing hotels into Bob W properties allows us to preserve the fabric of the city while delivering a significantly better guest experience.”
Taavi Pettai, vice president of real estate at Bob W, said: “All three of our Stockholm assets have been former hotels, which speaks to a wider market shift. Conventional hotel models and outdated brands are increasingly struggling to compete, creating compelling opportunities for flexible, design-led operators like Bob W. Stockholm remains a core market for us, and we continue to actively explore opportunities both in the city and across other key locations in Sweden.”
The transaction was brokered by Nordic Growth Hub, with Fredrik Berlin advising on the deal. Bob W was represented legally by Osborne Clarke, with Linn Solholm and Clara Anzelone acting as counsel.
Michael Ghneim, representative of Classic Hotel Bjälken 20 AB, said: “Having successfully partnered with Bob W on our first Stockholm property, continuing that collaboration was a natural decision. Bob W has proven itself to be a reliable, value-adding operator with a clear vision for modern hospitality.”
The Södermalm signing further strengthens Bob W’s footprint in the Nordics and forms part of its wider European expansion strategy, as the company continues to secure long-term leases for hotel, office, and mixed-use assets suitable for repositioning.
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Victoria Ward
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About Bob W
Bob W is an award-winning tech-powered hospitality operator offering a slicker alternative to mainstream hotels and traditional short-term rentals. Our design-centric, full-service aparthotels and hotels combine the consistent quality and aesthetics of a lifestyle hotel with the flexibility, hosted experience, and amenities of a short-term rental. Sustainably operated and thoughtfully designed, Bob W’s properties are made for the modern traveler who expects both style and substance.
Backed by institutional investors and world-class entrepreneurs, Bob W has built technology to deliver an authentic 5-star hospitality experience at scale while leading the world’s transition to sustainable travel. With a portfolio of 90+ assets and 6,000+ apartment units and hotel rooms, Bob W delights leisure and business travellers in cities across Europe and the UK.
For more information and bookings, visit www.bobw.co
For supporting materials, visit https://bobw.co/press
