Norway’s second-largest city has a growing hotel scene for travelers who want to explore major highlights like the UNESCO-listed wharf, hiking trails, and nearby fjords. We’ve hand-picked a few options in each category—standard, mid-range, and luxury—that are located in the city center with some unique perks, like a tranquility pool and a communal guest kitchen, to name a couple. Read on to learn more.
## Bergen’s Finest Stays: A Guide to Memorable Hotels
Bergen, a city nestled amidst breathtaking fjords and vibrant culture, offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s taste and budget. From luxurious havens to charming mid-range options and comfortable standard hotels, Bergen ensures a memorable stay for all who visit. Let’s delve into some of the city’s most exceptional hotels, each offering a unique experience and a gateway to exploring the wonders of Bergen.
## Bergen Børs Hotel
This stunning luxury hotel, the **Bergen Børs Hotel**, welcomes guests with a grand red-carpeted entrance, hinting at the elegance that awaits within. Housed in the city’s former stock exchange building, a historical landmark dating back to 1862, the hotel seamlessly blends its rich heritage with modern sophistication. The new owners have meticulously modernized the interiors, ensuring contemporary comfort while preserving the original architectural details that lend the property its unique character. Every corner whispers tales of Bergen’s past, creating an atmosphere of timeless charm.
The **Bergen Børs Hotel** enjoys a prime location on a pedestrian plaza, placing it at the heart of Bergen’s vibrant energy. Directly across the street lies the bustling Fish Market, a sensory feast of fresh seafood and local produce. A few steps away, the main harbor beckons with its picturesque views and maritime activity. For those seeking further luxury, the **Opus XVI** hotel, another exceptional option, is also within easy reach, offering a compelling alternative for discerning travelers.
Dining at the **Bergen Børs Hotel** is an experience in itself, with a range of culinary delights to tantalize the taste buds. The hotel’s newest gem, **Fresco Hall**, is an impressive bi-level seafood restaurant that showcases the freshest catches from the surrounding waters. This dining space is a visual masterpiece, adorned with restored murals painted by Alex Revold in the 1920s, adding a touch of artistic grandeur to the culinary experience.
For those seeking Michelin-starred gastronomy, **Bare**, located on the hotel’s third floor, is Bergen’s only restaurant to hold this prestigious accolade. Here, guests can indulge in multi-course Nordic menus, expertly crafted with seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques. Caviar upgrades add a touch of opulence to the dining experience. Each morning, an elegant breakfast is served, providing a delightful start to the day.
Adjacent to **Bare** is the **Chamber of Commerce Bar**, a dimly lit sanctuary with mirrored walls and Tudor-style windows. This sophisticated space is renowned for its exceptional cocktail program, said to be the best in Bergen. Expert mixologists craft innovative concoctions, using premium spirits and fresh ingredients to create unforgettable libations.
The **Bergen Børs Hotel** boasts 127 rooms and suites, each designed with bespoke furnishings and meticulous attention to detail. Guests can choose between rooms with soft gray carpeting or elegant herringbone wood floors. High ceilings and soundproof windows ensure a peaceful and comfortable stay, while minibars, Nespresso machines, and plush bathrobes add to the luxurious amenities. The bathrooms are equipped with heated floors and feature natural bath products from the Norwegian brand, Fitjar, presented in eco-friendly pumps.
For those seeking more space and breathtaking views, the superior, deluxe, and suite options are worth the splurge. These upgraded rooms offer ample living areas and potential vistas of Bergen’s colorful harbor and the surrounding forested mountains, providing a truly unforgettable backdrop to your stay.
## Hotel Norge by Scandic
A more modern and trendy option, the **Hotel Norge by Scandic** offers a sleek Nordic design and a vibrant atmosphere. Opened in 2018, this hotel has quickly become a popular destination for both guests and locals.
A major draw of the **Hotel Norge by Scandic** is its expansive and bustling lobby, which spans three floors and is accessed by escalators. This space feels like an upscale coworking club, offering a dynamic environment for socializing, working, or simply relaxing. On the street level, a bright and spacious all-day café serves upscale Scandinavian fare, perfect for a casual meal or a quick bite. An adjacent event space and DJ booth add to the lobby’s lively atmosphere.
The front desk is located on the second floor, offering comfortable lounge seating where guests can sip signature cocktails. Open meeting spaces are available on the third floor, providing a convenient setting for business gatherings or collaborative work.
Another unique feature of the **Hotel Norge by Scandic** is its indoor tranquility pool and full-service spa, located on the lower level. This oasis of calm features nine treatment rooms, including one designed for couples. Due to limited capacity, guests are requested to book the pool in advance. A daily fee applies for swimming pool access, and children under 16 have restricted morning hours (until 10 am only), ensuring a tranquil environment for all.
The **Hotel Norge by Scandic** features 415 rooms in 13 distinct categories, each decorated in a modern Nordic design. Light wood floors and furnishings, along with neutral tones, create a serene and inviting atmosphere. The occasional deep-red accent adds a touch of vibrancy to the rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample natural light and are equipped with blackout shades for a restful night’s sleep.
The mosaic tile bathrooms feature Swedish bath products in eco-friendly pumps. All rooms are equipped with mini-fridges and kettles with coffee and tea, while higher categories include Nespresso machines. Room service is available 24/7, ensuring convenience and flexibility for all guests.
## Hotel Oleana
For a mid-range option with a touch of personality, the **Hotel Oleana** offers a vibrant and memorable stay. Located in a restored 20th-century building, the hotel’s concept is inspired by the tree-lined street, **Ole Bull**, named after a local Norwegian violinist and composer born near the hotel.
Nods to the musician can be found throughout the property, with violin motifs in the branding and musical notes splashed across some of the interiors. The bold colors may not appeal to everyone, but the rooms are well-kept, and blackout shades and double-paned windows ensure a peaceful night’s sleep.
Rooms at the **Hotel Oleana** feature either carpet or herringbone wood floors, minibars, and silvery mosaic bathrooms with local bath products in eco-friendly pumps. Deluxe and superior rooms are larger than the standard size, while some suites have balconies with potential views.
The **Hotel Oleana** boasts a bright and cheerful lobby with an all-day menu featuring small organic plates, wines by the glass, and signature cocktails. A breakfast buffet is served each morning with a variety of healthy choices and gluten-free items. The friendly staff members are happy to assist with local recommendations, including treatments at a spa across the street and free passes to a nearby fitness center.
## Clarion Hotel Admiral
Offering stunning views of Bergen’s iconic waterfront, the **Clarion Hotel Admiral** provides a comfortable and convenient stay. Though located a bit farther from the UNESCO-listed wharf, the hotel boasts the best view of **Bryggen** from the other side of the harbor.
The lobby’s upscale restaurant takes full advantage of this setting, offering a menu designed by Swedish-American celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, which focuses on local seafood. Breakfast is also served in this space, and seasonal outdoor dining is available during the summer months.
All 209 guest rooms at the **Clarion Hotel Admiral** offer simple, contemporary decor, with either carpeting or hardwood-style floors, as well as flat-screen TVs, kettles, minibars, and walk-in showers with Rituals bath products. Standard rooms in the rear may feel dark, but the superior and deluxe rooms have seating areas and large windows with balconies (shared or private) with potential views of the harbor and surrounding mountains.
The spacious lobby offers seating areas for lounging and working remotely, as well as complimentary all-day coffee, tea, and water. A massage room is available for booking appointments, and a polished 24-hour front desk staff can assist with taxis, reservations, and special requests.
## Zander K Hotel
A newer addition to Bergen’s hotel scene, the **Zander K Hotel** offers a modern and convenient stay. With its deep-blue and glass facade, the 249-room hotel is located across the street from Bergen’s central train and bus station, making it easily accessible for arrivals and departures.
While on the eastern side of the city center and close to an indoor shopping center, the **Zander K Hotel** is only about a 10-minute walk to the **Bryggen** waterfront. While the hotel has a younger vibe, all ages are welcome, and it can even accommodate older tourist groups who appreciate modern rooms with moderate prices.
The hotel wins points for its Nordic-style rooms, tall ceilings, blond wood furnishings, tile bathrooms with heated floors, walk-in showers, and upscale bath amenities. Keep in mind that service is minimal, and rooms are cleaned every third day. The lobby is peaceful in the afternoon, with a long communal table and lounge areas for sipping local beers and wines by the glass. A photogenic restaurant space serves upscale food in the evening. This is also where the breakfast buffet is located but prepare for chaotic crowds during peak morning hours.
## Heimen Hotel
For a standard option with a personal touch, the **Heimen Hotel** is a popular choice among repeat guests. The hotel pulls in repeat guests thanks to personal touches, including an impressive collection of local artwork and sculptures by Norwegian artists in the common spaces.
The **Heimen Hotel** is also a short walk to the Fish Market and other major attractions, and guests can easily walk to the **Flybussen** stop for regular trips to and from the airport. The spacious rooms have tall ceilings, mini-fridges, and local bath products in eco-friendly pumps (including conditioner). You can also opt for higher room categories that offer Juliet balconies with partial views of the harbor. There’s also complimentary breakfast, a kitchen that any hotel guest may use, and access to a next-door fitness center.
Whether you’re seeking luxurious indulgence, modern convenience, or charming character, Bergen’s diverse range of hotels ensures a memorable stay in this captivating city. Choose the hotel that best suits your needs and preferences, and prepare to be enchanted by the beauty and culture of Bergen.
B-1875