Bergen Børs Hotel
With an entrance accessed via red-carpeted steps, the Bergen Børs Hotel resides in the city's former stock exchange building dating to 1862. This is a prime location on a picturesque pedestrian plaza that holds the Fish Market across the street from the main harbor. New owners have modernized the interiors while paying attention to the original details that have been thoughtfully preserved throughout the property.
Dining is a highlight, and the hotel's newest gem is an impressive bi-level seafood restaurant called Fresco Hall, with restored murals painted by Alex Revold in the 1920s. Meanwhile, on the hotel's third floor is Bergen's only Michelin-starred restaurant, Bare, with multicourse Nordic menus and caviar upgrades that change with the seasons (an elegant breakfast is also served here each morning). Next to the restaurant is the Chamber of Commerce Bar in a dark-lit space with mirrored walls and Tudor-style windows, which is said to have the best cocktail program in the city.
The hotel has 127 rooms and suites in various categories with bespoke furnishings and either soft gray carpeting or herringbone wood floors. What they do have in common are high ceilings and soundproof windows, as well as minibars, Nespresso machines, and bathrobes. Bathrooms have luxury touches like heated floors and natural bath products from the Norwegian brand, Fitjar in eco-friendly pumps. The superior, deluxe, and suite options are perhaps worth the splurge for more space and potential views of Bergen's colorful harbor and forested mountains. Learn more
Opus XVI
The polished 65-room hotel, Opus XVI, is housed in a former bank from 1876, one of Bergen's most famous historic buildings (across the plaza from the above hotel). Today, the building is owned by relatives of the famous Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, and they pay homage to his life and work with an in-house exhibit based on his famous piano concerto that gave the hotel its name.
Sophisticated rooms have warm tones and luxe amenities, and each is individually designed due to architectural elements depending on where the room is located. All rooms have tall ceilings and windows, wood floors, marble bathrooms with heated floors, and are equipped with upscale amenities like Nespresso machines, French tea from Damman, and Molton Brown bath products, as well as bathrobes and slippers. Superior and deluxe rooms offer extra space, while junior suites offer sofa beds for two more guests.
The spacious lobby has a lounge and brasserie with arched windows and marble columns serving French-inspired dishes using local ingredients and seafood. Don't miss live jazz performances during the afternoon tea service on Saturdays. Guests will also dine in this space each morning for breakfast, with a complimentary a la carte breakfast menu, eschewing the typical breakfast buffet that most hotels in Norway provide. Learn more
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Hotel Norge by Scandic
Opened in 2018, the Hotel Norge by Scandic is a trendier option on this list with a sleek, Nordic design. A major perk for guests and locals is the buzzy lobby taking up three floors accessed by escalators that can feel like an expensive coworking club. On the street level is a bright and spacious all-day café serving upscale Scandinavian fare, with an adjacent event space and DJ booth. The front desk is on the second floor and offers lounge seating for sipping signature cocktails, while open meeting spaces are available on the third floor.
Another unique feature of the hotel is the tranquil indoor pool and full-service spa located on the lower level with nine treatment rooms, including one for couples. Keep in mind that guests are requested to book the pool in advance due to the limited capacity of 15 guests at a time. The swimming pool also requires a daily fee, and kids under 16 have restricted morning hours (until 10 am only), hence the tranquil environment.
There are 415 rooms in 13 distinct categories decorated in modern Nordic design with light wood floors and furnishings and neutral tones, save for the occasional deep-red accent. The floor-to-ceiling windows have blackout shades, while mosaic tile bathrooms have Swedish bath products in eco-friendly pumps. All rooms have mini-fridges and kettles with coffee and tea, while higher categories come with Nespresso machines. Room service is available 24/7. Learn more
Villa Terminus
Villa Terminus is a private 18-room property in central Bergen housed in a historic villa with a manicuredIt'sn. It's right next to its much more prominent sister hotel, the mid-range Grand Hotel Terminus, where guests check in and out. Each room is named after a historical, literary figure in Western Norway, and they have a unique layout due to the historic architecture, with possible oblique angles, sloping ceilings, and/or original details like wood-beam ceilings. What they do have in common is an overall clean and minimalistic look with quality Nordic furnishings and luxe minibars (for a fee).
Guests have exclusive access to their own common spaces inside the villa, including a few stylish seating areas, providing a quiet respite for working and reading. There's also a gourmet chef's kitchen and dining area where an elegant breakfast is served daily (no need to walk next door to the busy buffet). That said, helpful amenities are available next door, including a fitness center and self-service laundry (free). Other services can also be arranged by calling the front desk from the landline in each room. Learn more