Home Hotel Havnekontoret, Bergen

Pros  

• Enjoy a personable hotel in a prime location steps from the historic wharf, and within walking distance of more attractions like museums, the fish market, and the Fløibanen funicular.
• The hotel offers great service helmed by a long-standing management team, along with extras like free breakfast, treats in the afternoon and evening, and coffee and tea.
• The spacious lobby provides various rooms and seating areas for relaxing and working remotely.
• Rooms are contemporary and may have historic details and balconies, while family options offer sofa beds.

Cons

• Rooms can be on the small side, so upgrade to a Deluxe if space is a priority.

Authenticity

Home Hotel Havnekontoret (formerly the Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret) occupies a grand neoclassical stone building from the 1920s just across the street from Bergen's waterfront. Though the interiors are contemporary, you'll find original details throughout the property, from the elegant murals in the lounge used for private Champagne receptions to the rooftop lookout tower. Though the hotel caters to a mid-range crowd, the enormous suite attracts a steady stream of VIPs. Just look at the wall in the lobby highlighting all the celebs who have stayed there while in town for a show at the nearby concert venue. The female management team has been at the helm for years, and they add an additional dose of hospitality, hence the frequency of repeat guests. 

Location

This waterfront hotel is adjacent to the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, with easy access to museums, shops, dining, and nightlife. You can also take a short walk to hiking trails and the funicular, which takes you up to the top of the city, or head into the heart of Bergen's more modern city center—so this is a great location for those looking to explore on foot. Getting to and from the airport is also easy thanks to the Flybussen, which stops right in front of the hotel. As for parking, guests can reserve one of four spaces at the hotel for a daily fee, otherwise there are more car parks in the neighborhood for a daily fee. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are 116 rooms accessed via two elevators. All room categories have dark-hued contemporary decor with bold pops of color and wood-style floors, and come with blackout shades, kettles, and minibars. Bathrooms have either walk-in showers or bathtubs (request upon check-in) and offer Rituals bath products in eco-friendly pumps. Standard and Superior rooms have views that face the city or the backyard. For harbor views, the Deluxe category is your best bet, unless you decide to splurge on the large suite where celebs often stay, with a small private terrace. 

Amenities

There's no restaurant on the property, but a dining area offers free breakfast buffets with a range of hot and cold options. Guests also have access to free baked goods in the afternoon—along with coffee and tea—and a free light evening buffet that changes nightly with soup, salad, and a hot dish. There's also an all-day bar and snacks for purchase, and you can sit anywhere in the lobby and enjoy, which is especially cozy when the fireplace is on. On the lower level of the hotel is a small fitness center with a sauna and steam room. At the top is a historic rooftop tower for 360-degree photos; non-guests who want to see the views will have to pay a fee at reception.

Family-Friendliness

Families are welcome at Home Hotel Havnekontoret. Children 12 and under stay free when sharing a room with a parent or guardian, and cribs are available for an additional fee. The Family unit sleeps four comfortably, but you'll want to book well ahead as it fills up fast.