Hotel Oleana, Bergen

Pros  

• Enjoy a cheerful lobby restaurant and seasonal terrace serving breakfast (included), lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner in the heart of Bergen.
• Bold guest rooms have soundproof windows and blackout shades, while bathrooms have mosaic tiles and local bath products.
• Guests have free access to a fitness center nearby and discounted rates at a nearby parking garage; staff can also arrange appointments at a spa across the street.

Cons

• The rooms’ bold pink and purple accents may turn off traditionalists. 

Additional Notes From Lilly

I entered the hotel through a clear set of wooden doors flanked by topiary trees next to a lovely seasonal terrace that had a light lunch crowd. The colorful decor inside was sort of a surprise given the more classic entrance, but it added some personality to the main lobby, along with plenty of sunlight from the floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as flickering candles on the tables. The front desk had a friendly buzz and an area where guests could donate money to Ukraine—and I immediately liked the vibe. A new manager at the time, named Camilla, showed me several room types and spoke about the staff’s commitment to hospitality, and I noticed guests of all ages and styles milling about.  

Authenticity

Hotel Oleana’s exterior from the early 20th century is a charming fixture on the treelined side street off of Bergen’s main pedestrian plaza. Today, the restored hotel concept is inspired by the street’s name, Ole Bull, named after a local Norwegian violinist and composer who was born near the hotel. Look for nods to the musician throughout the hotel with violin motifs in the branding as well as musical notes splashed across some of the rooms. 

Location

Hotel Oleana has a prime location on a more peaceful side street just off the Torgalmenningen pedestrian plaza in the heart of the city. There’s a pretty park next door, and 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 central train station, along with easy bus and tram transfers to the airport. A nearby parking garage allows hotel guests to receive discounted daily rates for parking.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel’s 97 rooms are located on seven floors with an elevator. Contemporary rooms have ostentatious color schemes with fuschia and purple accents, and either carpet or herringbone wood floors. The bold colors may not appeal to everyone, but the interiors are well kept and there are blackout shades and double-paned windows that keep the rooms quiet from external noises. Minibars are stocked with drinks and snacks, and kettles offer free instant coffee and tea. The silvery mosaic bathrooms have 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 of Mount Fløyen.

Other Highlights

The bright and cheerful lobby restaurant has a trendy vibe with soft music, flickering candles, and an all-day menu serving small plates alongside wines by the glass and signature cocktails. During warmer months there is a seasonal terrace, which pulls in some locals on lunch break. Each morning a breakfast buffet is served for free for guests, with a variety of healthy choices and gluten-free items. Friendly staff members are happy to assist with local recommendations including free passes to a nearby fitness center and treatments at a spa across the street. 

Sustainability

Hotel Oleana is part of the Nordic Choice Hotels and Resorts group, and the company operates an extensive sustainability program called WeCare with initiatives in place at each property that aim to reduce its environmental impact. In 2019, all of the hotels stopped using unnecessary plastic products. Future initiatives will focus on reducing food waste and powering hotels with renewable energy.