Eilert Smith Hotel, Stavanger

Pros 

• Enjoy one of Norway’s best boutique hotels, slightly removed from Stavanger’s tourist crowds, yet still within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and a notable wine bar.
• The individually-designed rooms have handcrafted Danish furnishings, kitchenettes, and Malin + Goetz bath products.
• Guests have complimentary made-to-order breakfast served in the rooms and can make advance reservations at a two-Michelin-starred restaurant conveniently located onsite (one table is reserved for hotel guests).
• Hospitality is a stand-out with personalized service in every aspect of the stay. 

Additional Notes From Lilly

I arrived at the hotel for a tour and was met by the friendly and impeccably-dressed general manager named Stina. She gave me a tour of the property and finished on the first floor where a formal server meeting was taking place in the gorgeous restaurant that felt straight out of Copenhagen or New York. Then, Stina offered to show me one of the guests’ favorite places: a wine bar, which is said to be one of Norway’s best, one block away. The owner knew Stina (this is a small city) and poured us a sip of champagne while he chatted with several passers-by on the cobblestone street in front. As Stina and I parted ways, she offered to make me a reservation at a bistro for dinner nearby. When I arrived, the host seated me at the kitchen counter so I could see the action, and the owner (again, thanks to Stina’s pull) chatted with me several times through the evening, sharing the history of Stavanger and its booming oil industry. 

Authenticity

Though the hotel looks brand new, the original building was designed in 1937 by a local architect named Eilert Smith. It was then used as an office building, showroom, and warehouse, and finally, in 2019, a boutique hotel after new owners saw potential in its heritage. After a major renovation, the white minimalist design, new clocktower, and curved corners are certainly eye candy. It continues to impress once inside, where you’ll find a palette of wood, marble, natural stone, and brass, as well as hallways lined with extensive media coverage of the hotel and restaurant that opened right before the pandemic. The GM, Stina, sends each guest personalized emails in advance for special requests or reservations, and follow-up emails asking for tips or areas of improvement. The hotel is a hidden gem in the heart of Stavanger—many visitors to the city won’t even know it's there unless they are the lucky few who are either staying or dining there.

Location

Eilert Smith is located on a quieter street in Stavanger across the street from the harbor with views of boats and occasional cruise ships docked nearby. Though slightly off the beaten path for most visitors, guests are within a 10-minute walk to the city’s best shopping and restaurants in nearby cobblestone streets. Other attractions a short walk away include Norway’s oldest cathedral, several museums dedicated to the maritime, canning, and oil industries, as well as Old Stavanger’s 18th-century wooden houses. Boat excursions in the Lysefjord depart from the harbor, and staff can assist with private excursions and guides to famous hikes like Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), which is less than an hour away by car. Guests with a car can park at the hotel for a daily fee. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are 12 magazine-worthy rooms that have luxury amenities and hand-crafted wood furnishings from a Danish company. The single rooms have Nespresso machines, complimentary minibars, and Malin + Goetz bath products, while the deluxe rooms with queen-sized beds add more space, as well as kitchenettes and seating areas. There are also two junior suites with king-sized beds and one residence on the upper two floors with a panoramic view of the harbor. All rooms have turndown service and a pillow menu.

Other Highlights

Each morning, guests receive a made-to-order breakfast in the rooms based on a seasonal menu, which helps minimize food waste. For dinner, reservations are required at the restaurant RE-NAA, open year-round from Wednesday through Saturday. It offers 22-26 courses with a focus on natural and local produce and it received a two-Michelin star rating right before the pandemic. Though it’s very hard to get into, guests have a little pull since one table in the restaurant is reserved for in-house guests. Hotel staff can provide assistance with RE-NAA and other restaurant reservations, plus in-room spa treatments and private excursions to nearby attractions. Guests also have complimentary access to a gym a short walk away.