I am not going to write much here as I have kept you updated via daily emails.
Hotel Reviews
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz
Bergen
Room much too small for two people. Lack of storage space; one chair. Other than that, it was centrally located. Breakfasts outstanding. Helpful staff.
Authenticity & Character
It is what it is -
Staff
Always helpful and attentive.
Cleanliness & Comfort
See comments
One of the best hotels we stayed in -
Location
Short walk to everywhere -
Staff
Helpful, attentive, friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Only problem, since we were in the "old" section was the lack of electric outlets. Staff loaned us an extension cord -
Hotel Aurlandsfjord
Aurland
Central location. Most helpful and responsive staff we encountered which is saying a great deal and all staff at all hotels would qualify.
Authenticity & Character
Don't know what to add, here. Sorry
Location
As older clients we appreciated being in a central location and near transportation. This qualifies
We would give this hotel mixed reviews only because it was so luxurious and we are not that kind of people. I, Maury, was uncomfortable in the dining room as I did not have a sport coat with me and certainly not a suit! The rooms were as one would expect in such an hotel though we had to navigate stairs which was impossible for me to carry with heavy luggage. As the hotel was booked full, the receptionist took it upon herself to carry our two large cases down the stairs. She also arranged to have them carried up when we departed. We returned a couple of days later and had been given a room minus the stairs. Hotel staff seemed a bit aloof but when personally engaged, were full of smiles, stories and helpful directions. Stairs into hotel and a ramp would have been appreciated. We left before breakfast one morning and were told a box breakfast would be waiting; it was not and we had to leave before it could be put together as the taxi was waiting. Central location was great.
Authenticity & Character
Regal.
Location
What can I add? Easy to get to all sights and transportation as well as additional trips we took -
Staff
Once they "unbent" a bit, all were blessedly human
Cleanliness & Comfort
Plenty of towels, WARM bathroom floor! Large desk for our daily blogs to write and send. Comfortable chairs. Lots of storage space. Coffee and tea in the room. Great breakfasts with a regal setting - almost discomforting to us "simple" folk.
By the time we arrived at our final hotel, we were acclimated to a great breakfast, lift for luggage, helpful staff, central location. Once again, though, we were faced with stairs into the hotel and this continued to be a problem for those, like us, who are 80+ and burdened with luggage and legs no longer spry.
Authenticity & Character
OK - did not explore much. I only rated them as 3 stars because of the lack of interaction with staff and time in Skien. We had no complaints or suggestions and would probably rate them higher if we had more time there.
Location
Can't write much here as we did not take in any sights the short time we were there. We asked this trip to be included in our itinerary because I wanted to meet with paternal cousins whom I'd never met in the past.
Staff
Receptionists; staff in dining room
Cleanliness & Comfort
No. I think previous reviewers were turned off by roadside noise and maybe that could be a problem. We were absent most of the time and there was also some raining which no doubt decreased loud noise outdoors!
Activity Reviews
Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Bergen
Personable. Adjusted the program for our age , walking speed and distance. It was raining and he did the very best he could and, in fact, based on his suggestions, we went back over the same area when the sun did come out.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Far too many to write about here. Once again, I refer you to our daily updates and give you permission to use the non-personal parts of them for your future clients -
Transport
They were there as arranged which lessened our anxiety as the trip went on.
Mostraumen Fjord Cruise from Bergen
Bergen
At the time, it was amazing but, thanks to your planning, we had even better parts of the fjord tours later!
Quality of Experience
Please refer to our daily write-up
Guides, Drivers and Staff
On time. Helpful. Not pushing and not intrusive, either.
Lifestyle: Balestrand Fjord Angling & Trolling Excursion
Balestrand
The guide made it everything! And we both caught fish! Small but still Norwegian fishes!
Quality of Experience
His knowledge, humor. On the negative side, part of the trip over water was in heavy fog which he sped over at high speed. However, he made sure we understood he grew up there and knew the area very well. Still, we came upon an electric ferry in the mist which he easily avoided but was still a surprise to him! I was a bit anxious because of his speed and the worry about there might be another equally knowledgeable boatman out there also traveling fast.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide provided ware gear, arranged for great photo opportunities, encouraged my wife to pose and fish, told us stories, etc.
Transport
Well, we just walked from hotel to his business -
Explore Oslo's Hidden Gems with a Local Expert
Oslo
Stieg made it all so very good. Like the other guide in Bergen, he adapted his idea of a walking tour to our age and walking abilities.
Quality of Experience
Read and look at our daily texts and pictures
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledge. Humor. Insights. Adaptable.
Nærøyfjord Cruise & Viking Valley Tour
Norway
In the all day rain, darn it. What we could see and enjoy, it was amazing!
Quality of Experience
Again, probably nothing and the people did the very best they could considering they were also in the rain and doing everything they could with a wet group of tourists!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They did not allow the rain to "dampen" our spirits -
Transport
Again, we just walked from hotel to ferry.
Really did not find this of interest and, given the opportuntity, would not have gone on it.
Quality of Experience
Nothing. It is what it was.
Food
Well, at our ages, not all that tasty. We have traveled a bit and are open to new food experiences but, still . . .
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They were very good at what they did.
Transport
As I wrote, a slow cruise around a harbor was not something we enjoyed. The 5-course meal was unique but not terribly tasty to us - maybe to others. This experience seemed to be more of a romantic and relaxing excursion than anything at all related to sight-seeing.
Local specialist: Christina Wang
