Writers’ international guest rooms

Please note that the guest rooms are run independently and are not a part of the Writers’ Union (their office is on the same floor). The Writers’ Union can not answer any queries about the guest rooms, and can not book rooms there for you. You must contact the manager directly (see below).

The writers’ guest rooms at Drottninggatan 88 B in Stockholm are specifically meant for writers and translators from abroad (other guests accepted at the manager’s discretion, if a room is available). Some writers/translators come to work here for a few days, others are visiting publishers or libraries, or simply spending a few days in the capital going to theatres and museums... this is not a writers’ retreat but some of our guests (particularly translators from Swedish) do of course work here. Many Swedish writers and translators stay here too when visiting Stockholm.

Over the years, many literary translators from Swedish into English, Russian, German, French, Italian, etc have stayed here. The Swedish Institute used to arrange this, but nowadays translators must apply for a travel grant from Författarfonden (www.svff.se). - if Författarfonden approves their application, the grant will be sent directly to the translator who can then book a room and pay for this on arrival.

Quite often, publishers or cultural institutions place their foreign guests here, but we have many guests who make their own arrangements and pay directly to the Guest Home (for short stays of a few days it costs SEK 600:- per night for a single room; for longer stays a discount may be available).

We have three rooms in a flat in the very centre of Stockholm which can be booked for a short stay. The three rooms share a bathroom and a living room; there is a little kitchenette with fridge, microwave, etc. Sheets and towels are provided. In the hall, there is a free (to Swedish landlines) telephone for guests and a computer to access internet. Each room has is own internet connection and most guests bring a laptop with them. The entire flat is strictly non-smoking! The flat is on the first floor and leads out onto a large terrace which looks down upon the courtyard behind the Central Bath (www.centralbadet.se) building - this is one of the most attractive garden courtyards in Stockholm.  During the summer months it is very pleasant to sit on the terrace...

The street outside is a pedestrian precinct which leads straight to the Old Town. The National Library, City Library and the major publishing houses and cultural institutions are all within easy walking distance. The railway/coach (cityterminalen) station is very close too.

All enquiries about room availability should be made to Rod Bradbury at +46 70 292 10 35 (or simplest via e-mail:
bradbury[at-sign]bredband.net).

(updated Jan 2009)