Trip of a life time
Norway | Mar 28 - Apr 7, 2025

Kathryn
Kathryn J.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2025

Thanks to Katie, we had such an amazing trip that we will remember forever. My mom always wanted to see Norway, her father’s home, and Katie made it possible. She created a plan that accommodated our different ages, needs and desires for the trip. We had a busy season prior to the trip and I would not have had the time or knowledge to plan this myself. Communication was great and the process was collaborative, in that we were asked about our preference every step of the way. We received a detailed plan, including ready-to-print/save tickets, itineraries, and essential information. Everything went smoothly and we really enjoyed all of the activities planned as well as the selected accommodations. It was also nice knowing that there was a local contact person in case something went wrong. We are grateful to Katie and KimKim for such an unforgettable experience.

Hotel Reviews
Thon Hotel Cecil
Oslo

Super friendly staff and best breakfast in history! Location was in a beautiful neighborhood and central to the other activities we were doing (harbor, fjord cruise, walking tour, museums). The train station was close by and the local transportation stops were also plentiful there. They were lots of nice places to eat nearby too.

Authenticity & Character
Older building/neighborhood, real food breakfast
Location
Central to other activities, beautiful architecture, good places to eat, close to the train station, tram and bus stops nearby, giving us access to other areas we wanted to visit
Staff
All the staff were incredibly accommodating, friendly and helpful. I forgot to print something important and they helped me sort that out, as well as a good care of our luggage when we needed to leave it for a porter service
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perfect
Bergen Børs Hotel
Bergen

This was one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever seen in terms of the architecture and the interior design of the room.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel has been updated, but they left the beautiful bones of the building, showcasing its unique architecture
Location
This was very close to the train station that we arrive from, across the street from the harbor, which is so beautiful, a short walk to the cable car that takes you to the most beautiful viewing spot… the hotel is walking distance from everything.
Staff
Very friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was very beautiful as was the bathroom. The beds were comfortable.
ÆRA
Krokelvdalen

This place is amazing. I wish we could’ve stayed longer. Unfortunately the weather did not allow us to see the aurora borealis, however, we were still happy that we came to stay here. Just watching the water, mountains, and snow falling through the big glass window was incredible in itself. I would love to come here again and stay a few days as a retreat. The design of the cabin was so well thought out. It was very aesthetically pleasing, but also very functional.

Authenticity & Character
The unique design of the place made it very special. I’ve never stayed anywhere like this.
Location
While the location isn’t central, it is perfect for getting away from the city light pollution to provide the best chance of seeing the northern lights. Additionally, although it is further out, it was very easy to access. There is a bus that goes directly to it. We were also able to take a taxi there from the airport. The drive itself has stunning views of the water and mountains. The Sami reindeer camp is also close by.
Staff
The staff were great here. They helped us figuring out things such as the bus, how to find things on our phones! They also helped us get our luggage from the cabin to the bus stop when we left, which was especially helpful since my boots had lost some of their waterproofing.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bathroom was amazing and had a heated floor. The whole place was squeaky clean.
Scandic Ishavshotel
Tromsø

The hotel was well designed, perfectly located, had a wonderfully helpful staff, an excellent breakfast, including a real barista, (who was extremely nice and she made great lattes!), and an amazing view of the harbor from our room and the dining area.

Authenticity & Character
This hotel had more modern, Scandinavian design, and we really enjoyed it. The location was right on the harbor and within walking distance of quaint historic buildings, which housed museums, restaurants, cafés, and shops.
Location
Amazing views and walkable to everything
Staff
All the staff are very accommodating and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was perfect
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardemoen
Gardemoen

This was such a great place too stay prior to catching our flight out of Oslo. The hotel was so nice that we wish we could stay a bit longer. It was very beautifully designed, especially in the dining room. The room was the largest we stayed in during our trip, with comfortable beds, a couch, and a soaking tub in the bathroom. The breakfast was excellent as well.

Authenticity & Character
While the construction was not historic or anything, the interior design was on point.
Location
The location was amazing for its proximity to the airport. We stayed there on our last night to make it easier to catch our plane. This would also be a great place to rest after a late arrival.
Staff
Friendly and easy check in process
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was completely comfortable. The bathroom was great.
Local specialist: Katie Acheson-Gray