Opus XVI
For a splurge, the polished 65-room hotel, Opus XVI, is housed in a former bank from 1876, which happens to be one of Bergen's most famous historical buildings. The hotel is owned by relatives of the renowned Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, and they pay homage to his life and work with an in-house exhibit based on his celebrated piano concerto that gave the hotel its name.
Sophisticated rooms have warm tones and luxe amenities, and each is individually designed due to architectural elements depending on where the room is located. All rooms have tall ceilings and windows, wood floors, marble bathrooms with heated floors, and are equipped with upscale amenities like Nespresso machines, French tea from Damman, and Molton Brown bath products, as well as bathrobes and slippers. Superior and deluxe rooms offer extra space, while junior suites offer sofa beds for two more guests.
The spacious lobby has a lounge and brasserie with arched windows and marble columns serving French-inspired dishes using local ingredients and seafood. Don't miss live jazz performances during the afternoon tea service on Saturdays. Guests will also dine in this space each morning for breakfast, with a complimentary a la carte breakfast menu, eschewing the typical breakfast buffet that most hotels in Norway provide. Learn more
Villa Terminus
LUXURY
Another luxury option in central Bergen is Villa Terminus, housed in a private 18-room property with a manicured lawn. Right next door to its much more prominent sister hotel, the popular mid-range Grand Hotel Terminus, each room is named after a historical, literary figure in Western Norway. They have a unique layout due to the historic architecture, with possible oblique angles, sloping ceilings, and/or original details like wood-beam ceilings. They all have a clean and minimalistic look with quality Nordic furnishings and luxe minibars (for a fee).
Guests have exclusive access to their own common spaces inside the villa, including a few stylish seating areas, providing a quiet respite for working and reading. There's also a gourmet chef's kitchen and dining area where an elegant breakfast is served daily (no need to walk next door to the busy buffet). That said, helpful amenities are available next door, including a fitness center and self-service laundry (free). Other services can also be arranged by calling the front desk from the landline in each room. Learn more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Hotel Oleana
MID-RANGE
In a restored 20th-century building, Hotel Oleana's concept pays homage to its street location, Ole Bull, named after a local Norwegian violinist and composer born near the hotel. Look for nods to the musician throughout the property, with violin motifs in the branding and musical notes splashed across some of the interiors.
The bold colors may not appeal to everyone, but rooms are well-kept, and blackout shades and double-paned windows keep external noises at bay. Rooms have either carpet or herringbone wood floors, minibars, and silvery mosaic bathrooms with local bath products in eco-friendly pumps. Deluxe and superior rooms are bigger than the standard size, while some suites have balconies with possible views.
When not in the rooms, head for the bright and cheerful lobby that has an all-day menu featuring small organic plates, wines by the glass, and signature cocktails. Each morning a breakfast buffet is served here with a variety of healthy choices and gluten-free items. Friendly staff members are happy to assist with local recommendations, including treatments at a spa across the street and free passes to a nearby fitness center. Learn more
Bergen Harbour Hotel
MID-RANGE
The Bergen Harbour Hotel is a few blocks behind Bryggen wharf and has a more intimate vibe than some of the more prominent hotels in the area. Though the lobby is compact, it has a charming little gastropub decorated with soft lighting, black and white photography, and tufted leather booths—perfect for sipping a Belgian beer. Guests also receive a discount at the modern Asian restaurant next door, pictured here. Other perks include loaner bikes, laundry machines (for a fee), and free access to a fitness center.
Meanwhile, 50 rooms are accessed by walking up the winding staircase or using the elevator. The decor is similar throughout, with bright and contemporary furnishings, blond wood floors, tall ceilings, and large windows that open for fresh air. They are equipped with Chromecast, minifridges, and kettles for coffee and tea. Bathrooms have walk-in showers and basic bath amenities in dispensers (guests may want to bring their own). Standard rooms are compact, while superior rooms offer more space and a better chance of snagging views of Bergen from the front of the building. Learn more
Hotel No13
MID-RANGE
The eclectic Hotel No13 is situated on Bergen's main pedestrian plaza, a few blocks from the waterfront and top attractions. Though it's a bustling location, the lobby is an oasis of calm with black and white tiles and a stunning stained glass ceiling purchased at an auction from Amsterdam. Guests can help themselves to the bookshelves and cozy seating areas topped with candles and order an espresso or something stronger from the front desk.
An elevator and stairwell reach the 34 modern rooms with hardwood-style flooring, white walls, and accents in a rainbow of bold colors. Though the decor scheme, like its sister, Hotel Oleana, may not appeal to everyone, the rooms are clean and well taken care of. Standard rooms face the rear courtyard and have minifridges, while superior rooms have plaza views and kettles for coffee and tea. Deluxe rooms have additional seating areas and might include bathtubs and/or seated balconies facing the street for people watching on the plaza below.
Complimentary breakfast is served each morning on the French-inspired lower level, with thoughtful presentations and quality pastries baked in-house; there are also options that appeal to a range of dietary restrictions. Ask the friendly staff for free passes to a nearby fitness center. Learn more
The Hanseatic Hotel
MID-RANGE
The Hanseatic Hotel is housed in an 18th-century building next to the Hanseatic Museum. Each of the 37 rooms is unique with original details, like timber walls and wood-beamed ceilings, which are complemented with rich contemporary tones, patterned wallpaper, thick textiles, and carpet or parquet floors. They all come with coffee makers and minibars. Families and friends can choose the standard twin bedrooms, while couples may opt for the deluxe rooms with more space and bigger bathrooms with showers and claw-foot tubs.
For the size of the hotel, it's surprising that there are two restaurants and bars on-site. The FG Restaurant & Bar serves continental fare like mussels and filet mignon, while a more casual Tex-Mex restaurant (said to be the only one in Bergen) offers traditional Tex-Mex food like fajitas and burritos. Both restaurants can accommodate vegetarians and kids. A breakfast buffet with a range of healthy options and espresso drinks is included in the room price. Learn more