Hotel Norge by Scandic, Bergen

Pros  

• Enjoy a trendy hotel with sleek, Nordic design within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and attractions.
• All renovated rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, blackout shades, and upscale bath products, while specifically-named rooms at every level (including standard) have seated balconies and/or views.
• The extensive lobby offers chic dining and drinking options and hosts occasional DJs and events.
• Book a range of treatments at one of the only hotel spas in Bergen, which offers nine treatment rooms, including one for couples.
• Free perks for guests include loaner bikes and a free breakfast buffet offering a large spread of hot and cold items including healthy options.

Cons

• The pool requires a daily fee, and kids under the age of 16 have restricted morning-only hours (until 10 am).
• Guests are requested to book the pool in advance due to the limited capacity of 15 guests at a time. 

Authenticity

Hotel Norge dates back to 1885 but you would never guess that when arriving today. In 2018, the Swedish hospitality brand Scandic completed a major revamp. Guests now enter the glass exterior to find a bright cafe on one side and an event space with built-in bleacher seats and a DJ booth on the other. In the center of the first floor is a set of escalators leading to the front desk surrounded by more lounge areas, cushy booths with outlets, and a low-lit bar serving signature cocktails. In some ways, the entire three-floor lobby space feels like a private social club or swanky coworking space serving a global clientele.       

Location

Hotel Norge by Scandic has a prime location steps from the Torgalmenningen pedestrian plaza and the Byparken city park. Guests will find that many of the city’s attractions are within a 15-minute walk away from the hotel, including art museums, the Fish Market, the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, and the Fløibanen Funicular for panoramic views of the city. As for transfers, the location is also a 10-minute walk to Bergen’s central train station, as well as bus and tram transfers to the airport. Drivers can park at the onsite car park for a daily fee, with three paid electric vehicle chargers. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are 415 rooms in 13 specific categories that are decorated in modern Nordic design with light wood floors and furnishings and neutral tones, save for the occasional deep-red accent. The floor-to-ceiling windows have blackout shades, while mosaic tile bathrooms have Swedish bath products in eco-friendly pumps. All rooms have mini-fridges and kettles with coffee and tea, while higher categories come with Nespresso machines. Rooms in every category are specifically named, (i.e. Classic Balcony or Spacious View) letting you know which rooms have seated balconies and/or views of Bergen. Some rooms (i.e. Classic Double) face the atrium, while the highest room category, called the Hotel Norge Suite, has a wraparound balcony and an outdoor private jacuzzi with a separate entrance leading to an enormous bathroom. Families, for their part, can choose the grand rooms that have sofa beds. 

Other Highlights

A major component of this modern hotel is its buzzy lobby scene taking up three floors that are accessed by escalators. On the street level is a bright and spacious all-day cafe serving upscale Scandinavian fare, with an adjacent event space and DJ booth. The front desk is on the second floor and offers booths and lounge seating for sipping signature cocktails, while open meeting spaces are available on the third floor. Room service is available 24/7.