Hotel Victoria, Stavanger

Pros  

• Enjoy a stylish boutique hotel located just a short stroll from fjord boat tours, restaurants, shops, and museums.
• All rooms have luxury bedding, bathrobes, upscale bath products, and mini-bars; deluxe rooms and suites have views of Vågen Bay.
• An elegant breakfast buffet is included in the price, while a trendy restaurant next to the lobby has indoor and outdoor seating.
• The lobby sells clothing and beauty products, while staff members can help arrange excursions to the fjord and Pulpit Rock.

Cons

• A cruise ship port is directly in front of the hotel and may obscure views and add daytime crowds. 

Authenticity

Stavanger’s oldest hotel dates back to 1900 and its Neo-Renaissance red-brick exterior is noticeable from all areas of the harbor. The hotel has undergone an extensive renovation and offers much more modern interiors than it did before when it was a traditional business hotel with a steakhouse. Today, guests have access to velvet seating areas in the lobby with dark wood paneling, a fireplace, stacks of vintage books, and low lighting from Edison bulbs, plus bike cruisers with the hotel brand on them. Next to the front desk is a small gift shop with upscale clothing and products, while the chic restaurant has a see-and-be-seen vibe. 

Location

The hotel is located across the street from the harbor in Stavanger, with views of boats and occasional cruise ships that dock right in front. This is a central location within walking distance to shops, bakeries, restaurants (including Michelin-starred options), and a wine bar that is said to be one of Norway’s best. Other attractions a short walk away include Norway’s oldest cathedral and museums dedicated to the maritime, canning, and oil industries. Across the bay is a wooden housing development that dates back to the 18th century, which is worth a walk. There are also boat excursions in the Lysefjord that depart from the harbor. Stavanger is also a popular overnight base for famous hikes like Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and staff can assist with private guides. Guests with a car can park at a garage next to the hotel for a daily fee. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 107 renovated rooms have original tall ceilings and big windows, with new carpeting, textiles, and elegant furnishings in neutral tones. Bathrooms have new subway tiles and bath products in eco-friendly pumps. As far as categories, standard rooms have luxury bedding, mini-bars, kettles, and bathrobes, while superior rooms have Nespresso machines. The deluxe rooms have seating areas with sofa beds that can sleep an additional two guests. These rooms also face the harbor. 

Other Highlights

A large breakfast buffet, included for guests, is served in two adjacent rooms on the second floor with chandeliers and white-table-cloth service. This is an excellent spread with hot and cold items and many healthy options that can easily accommodate vegetarians and gluten-free guests. A modern restaurant off the lobby serves lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, and custom cocktails. During the warmer months, you can sit outside on a patio that faces the harbor.