Heimen Hotel, Bergen

3.6 (10 reviews) · Mid-range
Historic hotel with modern design, Norwegian art, free breakfast, and central access to Bergen's attractions

Overview

Family-owned Heimen Hotel is a historic property in central Bergen, offering an impressive collection of local artwork and sculptures. Recently renovated, it offers guests easy access to major attractions such as the Bergen Aquarium, the Fish Market, and the Bryggen wharf. The hotel features a variety of room sizes adorned with contemporary Norwegian art, and some come with Juliet balconies and/or partial views of the harbor. There's also free breakfast, a small bar at reception selling drinks and light fare, a separate kitchen for guest use, and a laundry room.

Kimkim's Take

Lilly
Lilly Graves kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, August 2022 (Learn more)
Pros  
  • Spacious rooms have tall ceilings, minibars, and local bath products (including conditioner) in eco-friendly pumps.
  • Dine at a historic cellar restaurant next door with steaks, seafood, and an impressive wine list featuring over 1,000 labels.
  • Enjoy a prime location in Bergen within walking distance of Bryggen wharf, the Fish Market, and the city's best shopping and dining.
  • The hotel's common spaces are inviting with free coffee and tea and a notable art collection.
  • Enjoy the convenience of a homemade breakfast included with your stay, along with the option of a separate guest kitchen.
  • Snacks and drinks can be purchased from the front desk, including beer and half-bottles of wine. 
Cons
  • Not all rooms come with a (partial) view; some look out to a neighboring office building.
  • The ventilation system can be noisy in some units, but the hotel is accommodating in providing quieter room alternatives upon request.

Authenticity

Though Heimen's modest white exterior might detract attention, the interior offers special surprises. It's a historic hotel dating back to 1918, that has undergone extensive renovations. You'll find a wide array of contemporary Norwegian art throughout the hotel, from guest rooms to common spaces, giving the property splashes of color and sophistication.   

Location

Heimen Hotel is located in central Bergen across from the waterfront on the side of the Vågen Harbor that faces the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf. Though the location is slightly removed from the heart of the action, it's less than a 15-minute walk to the famous wharf, as well as to the Fish Market and other major attractions, including the Fløibanen funicular. Guests can easily walk to nearby restaurants, including Altona, a 400-year-old cellar restaurant next door, and the Flybussen stop for regular trips to and from the airport. Parking is available for a daily fee at a local garage called CityPark. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 100 updated rooms are done up in warm hues, sage green, and creams, with gray textiles and/or carpets and hardwood floors, complemented by original artworks. The hotel is clean and well taken care of, and it attracts repeat visitors, especially business travelers who prefer their favorite room type (there are seven). For instance, rooms facing the peaceful courtyard are ideal for catching shut-eye, while those in the front may include Juliet balconies with possible water views. All rooms have mini-fridges and upscale bath products.

Amenities

Guests also have access to MOVA, a fitness center behind the property, and the hotel's daily breakfast buffet comes highly praised. It offers a wide selection of options that also cater to dietary restrictions. The lobby provides a pleasant space to relax with complimentary coffee and tea, as well as beer, wine, and light fare like sandwiches and yogurt for purchase. There's also a kitchen reserved for guest use.

Family-Friendliness

Heimen promotes itself as family-friendly, catering to groups with 3-4 members with its Family Room, Junior Suite, and Superior Plus rooms. Additionally, the hotel provides practical amenities such as extended check-in and a laundry room, along with the option of a guest kitchen for self-catering.

Other Highlights

Behind Heimen Hotel on Strandgaten is Altona, a restaurant located in a 400-year-old stone cellar with original cave walls, tiny doorways, and flickering candles after dark. The menu offers steaks, seafood, and an extensive wine list, and due to its popularity with locals, you'll want to make reservations in advance.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +47 55304000
Hotel address icon C. Sundts gate 18
Free wifi

Traveler Reviews

10 total ratings, 8 with reviews
3.6
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
3.3
Location
4.3
Staff
3.9
Cleanliness & Comfort
3.9
Zina
Zina G.
Mount Juliet, TN | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024
This hotel is in a good location, close to lots of dining options and the fish market. Walk to Bryggen is about 15 minutes. The room was clean and a good size. The included breakfast was excellent. We liked this hotel, but it was not exceptional. Read more

This hotel is in a good location, close to lots of dining options and the fish market. Walk to Bryggen is about 15 minutes. The room was clean and a good size. The included breakfast was excellent. We liked this hotel, but it was not exceptional.

Authenticity & Character
It is the oldest hotel in Bergen and has been well restored.
Location
Good restaurants are nearby. About 15 minutes walk to Bryggen.
Staff
Very helpful and pleasant staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean. The room was comfortable with a long couch that was good for naps.
Stayed in July 2024
Amanda
Amanda H.
Walnut Creek, CA | Reviewed on Jul 01, 2024
This hotel worked great for our family of 4. We had a top-floor room with views out over the cityscape. The location is good-- close to the water and the main activities of Bergen but a little outside of the tourist rush. The breakfasts were great but you had to get there earlier or you might have trouble finding a table. The staff was very helpful. Read more

This hotel worked great for our family of 4. We had a top-floor room with views out over the cityscape. The location is good-- close to the water and the main activities of Bergen but a little outside of the tourist rush.

The breakfasts were great but you had to get there earlier or you might have trouble finding a table. The staff was very helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2024
M
Mary S.
the Netherlands | Reviewed on Jun 25, 2024
Centrally located hotel near the harbour. Good breakfast although it does get crowded. Rooms are very very small. Not much in the way of public areas. Unfortunately there is building work right next to the hotel so woken at 7 am each day Read more

Centrally located hotel near the harbour. Good breakfast although it does get crowded. Rooms are very very small. Not much in the way of public areas. Unfortunately there is building work right next to the hotel so woken at 7 am each day

Authenticity & Character
Not much in the way of character- lots of grey
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ventilation system was noisy
Stayed in June 2024
ruben
ruben k.
Ireland | Reviewed on Jun 19, 2024
This is a fairly basic hotel but is very central. Decor is grey, very narrow corridors, some rooms are very small.The ventilation is noisy so.i could not sleep.the first night. However the staff were very responsive when I.mentioned this and they gave me a new room which was quieter. Read more

This is a fairly basic hotel but is very central. Decor is grey, very narrow corridors, some rooms are very small.The ventilation is noisy so.i could not sleep.the first night. However the staff were very responsive when I.mentioned this and they gave me a new room which was quieter.

Authenticity & Character
Everything is Grey..walls and, carpet
Location
Cental
Staff
Responsive
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms small
Stayed in June 2024
D
Dorothy N.
Wallingford Center, CT | Reviewed on Aug 28, 2023
A budget hotel with the most extensive selection of foods for breakfast. Comfortable and clean. Close to boats but a distance from the train station. Read more

A budget hotel with the most extensive selection of foods for breakfast. Comfortable and clean. Close to boats but a distance from the train station.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2023
Rich
Rich M.
Okolona, KY | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2023
Reception at check in was aloof at best. The rest of the staff were nice and helpful. We stayed 4 days at this hotel. I only saw the woman who checked us in one other time and she was equally as unpleasant. The rooms are tiny and filled with oversized furniture. I had to have a chair removed so my luggage could fit in the room. The hotel is dated and seriously needs updating. The hall carpets don't look like they have been vacuumed in weeks. The carpet on the side of the bed where the... Read more

Reception at check in was aloof at best. The rest of the staff were nice and helpful. We stayed 4 days at this hotel. I only saw the woman who checked us in one other time and she was equally as unpleasant. The rooms are tiny and filled with oversized furniture. I had to have a chair removed so my luggage could fit in the room. The hotel is dated and seriously needs updating. The hall carpets don't look like they have been vacuumed in weeks. The carpet on the side of the bed where the tiny table they placed to be used as a night stand was full of hair and stains that looked like mold. I wish I hadn't looked at it because it was too late to change our hotels. I don't mind small, but filthy is not an option. I would never stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
You know what they say about one bad apple spoiling the whole bunch. It applies here.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The places is filthy. I have pics.
Stayed in August 2023
Lisa
Lisa T.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on May 30, 2023
This is a good location because you are within a ten minute walk to anything you would want to see or do but it's a quiet street. We were there the weekend the local football team won the Norway cup and the town was going nuts but we couldn't here any of it from our hotel. Staff is helpful if not overly friendly. The lobby is nice to hang out in with tea and coffee available and the breakfast was high quality with lots of selection and good food. They do need to do a little bit of work on... Read more

This is a good location because you are within a ten minute walk to anything you would want to see or do but it's a quiet street. We were there the weekend the local football team won the Norway cup and the town was going nuts but we couldn't here any of it from our hotel. Staff is helpful if not overly friendly. The lobby is nice to hang out in with tea and coffee available and the breakfast was high quality with lots of selection and good food. They do need to do a little bit of work on their rooms. The furniture is in noticeably poor shape and there are no black-out shades which can make sleeping in the summer months a bit difficult.

Authenticity & Character
Location
A quiet street that is a ten minute walk from most areas of interest.
Staff
The staff is very professional and can answer any questions you may have.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2023
Rory
Rory B.
Coney Island, NY | Reviewed on Feb 27, 2023
Lovely place with charm and style. Great breakfast. Perfect location. Read more

Lovely place with charm and style. Great breakfast. Perfect location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2023

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +47 55304000
Hotel address icon C. Sundts gate 18
Free wifi