Norway’s second-largest city has many unique hotels, big and small, for travelers who want to explore major highlights like the UNESCO-listed wharf and nearby fjords. A step above standard, these seven mid-range options are well located in central Bergen and offer modern rooms, free breakfasts, and comfy lounge areas or restaurants. Read on to learn more.
## A Deeper Dive into Bergen’s Best Mid-Range Hotels
Bergen, a city nestled amidst stunning fjords and vibrant cultural experiences, offers a range of accommodation options. For travelers seeking a balance of comfort, style, and affordability, Bergen’s mid-range hotels provide an excellent base for exploration. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best, each with its unique charm and appeal.
## Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret
The name might be a bit of a tongue-twister, but the Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret is a popular choice, and for good reason. Housed in a magnificent neoclassical building dating back to the 1920s, this hotel commands a prime location directly overlooking the harbor, placing guests right next to the historic Bryggen wharf. Its enviable position also makes it incredibly convenient for those arriving or departing by air, as the Flybussen conveniently stops right in front of the hotel’s entrance.
While the interiors have been updated with a contemporary sensibility, the Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret retains numerous original details that whisper tales of its rich past. Guests can admire the elegant murals adorning a lounge that is often used for private Champagne receptions, adding a touch of exclusivity. A particular highlight is the rooftop lookout tower, which offers panoramic views of the city and harbor and is freely accessible to all hotel guests. This vantage point provides a unique perspective and a memorable experience.
The hotel offers 113 well-appointed rooms, each designed with comfort and functionality in mind. The rooms feature wood-style floors, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Blackout shades ensure a restful night’s sleep, while the inclusion of kettles allows guests to enjoy a comforting cup of tea or coffee at their leisure. Minibars are also provided for added convenience. The bathrooms are modern and well-equipped, offering either walk-in showers or bathtubs; guests can request their preference upon check-in. The hotel provides Rituals bath products in eco-friendly pumps, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
For those seeking the best possible views, the deluxe category rooms are highly recommended, offering stunning vistas of the harbor. For an even more luxurious experience, consider splurging on the large suite, which has become a favorite among visiting celebrities, including the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Rihanna, and Sting. A lobby display proudly showcases a complete list of the hotel’s famous guests, adding a touch of glamour to the ambiance.
The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret also offers a range of complimentary perks that enhance the overall guest experience. A generous breakfast buffet is included, providing a delicious and satisfying start to the day. In the afternoon, guests can indulge in complimentary waffles, a delightful Norwegian tradition. A light evening buffet, which changes nightly, offers a selection of soup, salad, and a hot dish, providing a convenient and cost-effective dining option. An all-day bar offers a variety of beverages and snacks for purchase, and guests are welcome to relax and enjoy their refreshments anywhere in the spacious lobby, particularly when the fireplace is lit, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. On the lower level of the hotel, guests will find a small but well-equipped fitness center, complete with a sauna and steam room, providing opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.
## Hotel Oleana
Occupying a beautifully restored 20th-century building, Hotel Oleana offers a unique and vibrant experience. The hotel’s concept is deeply inspired by the street it resides on, Ole Bull, named after the renowned local Norwegian violinist and composer who was born nearby. This connection to music and local heritage is evident throughout the property, with violin motifs incorporated into the branding and musical notes playfully splashed across some of the interior design elements.
While the bold and colorful aesthetic may not appeal to every taste, the rooms are meticulously maintained and designed with comfort in mind. Blackout shades and double-paned windows effectively minimize external noise, ensuring a peaceful and restful stay. Guests can choose between rooms with either carpet or herringbone wood floors, adding to the variety of options. All rooms are equipped with minibars for added convenience, and the silvery mosaic bathrooms are a striking feature, offering local bath products in eco-friendly pumps, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to sustainability.
Deluxe and superior rooms offer more space than the standard rooms, providing an enhanced level of comfort. Some suites even boast balconies with the potential for stunning views of the surrounding area.
When not relaxing in their rooms, guests are encouraged to explore the bright and cheerful lobby, which serves as a social hub throughout the day. The lobby offers an all-day menu featuring small organic plates, a selection of wines by the glass, and signature cocktails, providing a tempting array of culinary options. Each morning, a breakfast buffet is served in the lobby, featuring a variety of healthy choices and gluten-free items, catering to diverse dietary needs. The friendly and helpful staff members are always on hand to provide local recommendations, including treatments at a spa located across the street and complimentary passes to a nearby fitness center, ensuring that guests have access to a range of leisure activities.
## Clarion Hotel Admiral
The waterfront Clarion Hotel Admiral boasts what is arguably the best direct view of the colorful Bryggen wharf of any hotel in Bergen. This enviable location is a major draw for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The hotel’s upscale restaurant, located in the lobby, takes full advantage of this stunning setting, offering a menu designed by the acclaimed Swedish-American celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. The focus is on showcasing the freshest local seafood, ensuring a memorable culinary experience. Breakfast is also served in this space, and seasonal outdoor dining is available during the summer months, allowing guests to savor their meals while soaking in the picturesque surroundings. It is highly recommended that guests bring their cameras on every occasion to capture the beauty of the setting.
All 209 guest rooms offer a simple yet contemporary décor, creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Guests can choose between rooms with carpeting or hardwood-style floors. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, kettles, minibars, and walk-in showers with Rituals bath products, providing a range of amenities for a comfortable stay. Standard rooms located in the rear of the hotel may feel somewhat dark, but the superior and deluxe rooms offer seating areas and large windows with balconies, either shared or private, providing the potential for stunning views of the harbor and surrounding mountains.
The spacious lobby offers comfortable seating areas for lounging and working remotely, providing a welcoming space for guests to relax or catch up on work. Complimentary all-day coffee, tea, and water are available, adding to the convenience and comfort of the lobby area. A massage room is available by appointment, allowing guests to indulge in some relaxation and rejuvenation. The polished 24-hour front desk staff is always available to assist with taxis, reservations, and special requests, ensuring that guests have a seamless and enjoyable stay.
## Bergen Harbour Hotel
Located just a few blocks behind the iconic Bryggen wharf, the Bergen Harbour Hotel offers a more intimate and boutique-style experience compared to some of the larger hotels in the area. While the lobby is relatively compact, it exudes charm with its delightful little gastropub, decorated with soft lighting, black and white photography, and comfortable tufted leather booths. This inviting space is perfect for relaxing and sipping a Belgian beer after a day of exploring Bergen. Guests also receive a discount at the modern Asian restaurant located next door, providing a convenient dining option. Other perks include loaner bikes, allowing guests to explore the city at their own pace, laundry machines (available for a fee), and complimentary access to a nearby fitness center.
The hotel’s 50 rooms are accessible via a winding staircase or by using the elevator. The décor is consistent throughout, featuring bright and contemporary furnishings, blond wood floors, tall ceilings, and large windows that open to let in fresh air. All rooms are equipped with Chromecast, allowing guests to stream their favorite content, as well as minifridges and kettles for coffee and tea. The bathrooms feature walk-in showers and basic bath amenities in dispensers. Standard rooms are relatively compact, while superior rooms offer more space and a better chance of securing views of Bergen from the front of the building.
## Grand Hotel Terminus
Nestled between two sister properties – a standard hotel and a luxury hotel – the Grand Hotel Terminus occupies a comfortable middle ground, offering a blend of classic elegance and modern amenities. The hotel’s history dates back to 1928, and the current owners have meticulously preserved many of the original details. They invested over a decade in returning the hotel to its former glory, with a comprehensive refurbishment completed in 2019. Upon entering the lobby, guests are greeted by striking black and white tiling that contrasts beautifully against the dark-paneled wood walls. Across from the entrance is a sophisticated whiskey bar, complete with stained glass windows reminiscent of those found in an Ivy League university, creating a refined and atmospheric ambiance.
The hotel offers 131 rooms in four distinct categories, each designed with comfort and style in mind. Rooms feature either parquet wood floors or fresh carpet, and all are equipped with stocked minibars and local bath products in eco-friendly pumps. The standard rooms and bathrooms are relatively compact, but they benefit from tall ceilings and windows that allow for ample natural light. For more space and additional amenities, guests can opt for the superior rooms, which offer additional seating areas, larger bathrooms, and Nespresso machines.
The hotel’s location is particularly convenient for those arriving by railway, as it is situated directly across the street from the city’s train station. This transportation hub also provides connections to the main bus station and the light rail, offering easy access to and from the airport. The Bryggen waterfront is approximately a 10-minute walk from the hotel, making it easily accessible for guests wishing to explore this historic area.
## Hotel No13
The eclectic Hotel No13 enjoys a prime location on Bergen’s main pedestrian plaza, placing it within easy reach of the waterfront and the city’s top attractions. Despite its bustling location, the hotel’s lobby provides a tranquil oasis, featuring black and white tiles and a stunning stained glass ceiling that was acquired at an auction from Amsterdam. Guests are invited to browse the bookshelves, relax in the cozy seating areas adorned with candles, and order an espresso or something stronger from the front desk.
An elevator and stairwell provide access to the 34 modern rooms, which feature hardwood-style flooring, white walls, and accents in a rainbow of bold colors. While the décor scheme may not appeal to all tastes, the rooms are impeccably clean and well-maintained. Standard rooms face the rear courtyard and are equipped with minifridges, while superior rooms offer plaza views and kettles for coffee and tea. Deluxe rooms provide additional seating areas and may include bathtubs and/or seated balconies facing the street, perfect for people-watching on the plaza below.
Complimentary breakfast is served each morning on the French-inspired lower level, with thoughtful presentations and high-quality pastries baked in-house. The breakfast selection also includes options that cater to a range of dietary restrictions. Guests can also ask the friendly staff for complimentary passes to a nearby fitness center.
## The Hanseatic Hotel
The Hanseatic Hotel is housed in a beautifully preserved 18th-century building, conveniently located next to the Hanseatic Museum. The structure’s history extends even further back to the Middle Ages, but much of the original building was destroyed in the great fire of 1702 that ravaged this part of Bryggen. Nevertheless, the current centuries-old structure, combined with its location adjacent to the museum, makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the local history and culture.
Each of the 37 rooms is unique, showcasing original details such as timber walls and wood-beamed ceilings, which are complemented by rich contemporary tones, patterned wallpaper, thick textiles, and carpet or parquet floors. All rooms are equipped with coffee makers and minibars. Families and friends can opt for the standard twin bedrooms, while couples may prefer the deluxe rooms, which offer more space and larger bathrooms with showers and claw-foot tubs.
For a hotel of its size, it is remarkable that the Hanseatic Hotel boasts two restaurants and bars on-site. The FG Restaurant & Bar serves continental fare, including dishes such as mussels and filet mignon. For a more casual dining experience, guests can visit the Tex-Mex restaurant (said to be the only one in Bergen), which offers traditional meals like fajitas and burritos. Both restaurants are able to accommodate vegetarians and children. A breakfast buffet, featuring a range of healthy options and espresso, is included in the room price, providing a convenient and satisfying start to the day.
This expanded description provides a more detailed overview of each hotel, emphasizing their unique features and benefits, while retaining all place names and omitting website URLs. The word count is significantly higher than the original 1575.
B-1878