Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret, Bergen

Pros  

• Enjoy a personable hotel in a prime location steps from the historic wharf, and within walking distance of more attractions like museums, the fish market, and the Fløibanen funicular.
• The hotel offers great service helmed by a long-standing management team, along with extras like free breakfast, treats in the afternoon and evening, and coffee and tea.
• The spacious lobby provides various rooms and seating areas for relaxing and working remotely.
• Rooms are contemporary and may have historic details and balconies, while family options offer sofa beds.

Authenticity

This Clarion property takes up residence in a Neoclassical stone building from the 1920s, which gives it the “collection” moniker. Though the interiors are contemporary, you’ll find original details throughout the property from the elegant murals in a lounge that is used for private champagne receptions to the rooftop lookout tower. Though the hotel attracts a mid-range crowd, the hotel’s enormous suite attracts a steady stream of VIPs. Just look at the wall in the lobby highlighting all the celebs who have stayed there while in town for a show at the nearby concert venue, like Jerry Seinfeld, Rihanna, Sting, and Kanye West, to name a few. The female management team has been at the helm for years and they add an additional dose of hospitality, hence the frequency of repeat guests. 

Location

This waterfront hotel is adjacent to the famous UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf with easy access to the area’s museums, shops, dining, and nightlife. Guests can also take a short walk to hiking trails and the funicular taking you up to the top of the city or head into the heart of Bergen’s more modern city center, so this is a great location for those looking to explore on foot. Getting to and from the airport is also easy thanks to the Flybussen, which stops right in front of the hotel. As for parking, guests can reserve one of four spaces at the hotel for a daily fee, otherwise there are more car parks in the neighborhood for a daily fee (no discounts). 

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are 113 rooms accessed via two elevators. All room categories have dark-hued contemporary decor with bold pops of color and wood-style floors and come with blackout shades, kettles, and mini-bars. Bathrooms have either walk-in showers or bathtubs (request upon check-in) and offer Rituals bath products in eco-friendly pumps. Standard and superior rooms have views that face the city or backyard. For harbor views, the deluxe category is your best bet, unless you decide to splurge on the large suite where celebs often stay, with a private little terrace. There are also family rooms that have sofa beds. 

Other Highlights

There is no restaurant on the property but a dining area offers free breakfast buffets with a range of hot and cold options. Guests also have access to free waffles in the afternoon—along with coffee and tea—and a free light evening buffet that changes nightly with soup, salad, and a hot dish. There’s also an all-day bar and snacks for purchase and you can sit anywhere in the lobby and enjoy, which is especially cozy when the fireplace is on. On the lower level of the hotel is a small fitness center, along with a sauna and steam room. On the top is a historic rooftop tower for 360-degree photos; non-guests who want to see the views will have to pay for fee at reception.

Sustainability

The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret is part of the Nordic Choice Hotels and Resorts group, which operates an extensive sustainability program called WeCare. There are several initiatives in place at each property that aim to reduce its environmental impact. This hotel does not use unnecessary plastic products and encourages guests to drink Norwegian tap water—a point of pride for locals. The extensive program also includes ways to reduce food waste. A plan is also in the works to power as many hotels as possible with renewable energy.