Grand Hotel Terminus, Bergen

Pros  

• Enjoy one of Bergen’s best historic hotels with beautiful common spaces, including Bar Amundsen, boasting hundreds of whiskeys, drawing guests and locals. 
• The peaceful location is across the street from the city’s main train station and within walking distance of Bryggen’s historic wharf and the Fløibanen Funicular.
• All rooms except for the standard option have Nespresso machines.
• Free perks for guests include the breakfast buffet served in the brasserie, self-serve laundry (guests can purchase detergent at the front desk), a 24-hour fitness center, and loaner bikes.

Cons

• Standard rooms and their bathrooms are quite compact, though superior rooms offer extra floor space (perhaps better for couples).

Authenticity

Grand Hotel Terminus dates back to 1928, and many of the details have been kept intact, thanks to the current owners who spent over a decade returning the hotel to its original glory with a refurbishment completed in 2019. Guests will notice the building’s historic roots as soon as they enter the lobby with black and white tiling that contrasts against the dark-paneled wood walls. Across from the lobby is another wood-paneled room with stained glass windows that could have been plucked from an Ivy League university—great for reading a newspaper in the morning or sipping a drink at night. Further inside the hotel is a restored conference and event space drawing occasional groups, while a hidden garden, off to the side of the property, provides a quiet escape during the warmer months. 

Location

Grand Hotel Terminus has a central location in Bergen, directly across the street from the city’s train station. This transportation hub also connects to the main bus station, as well as the light rail with easy access to and from the airport. It’s not all about transportation though—guests will find unique local shops and charming cafes in the surrounding streets, while the waterfront area, including the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, can be accessed on foot in about 10 minutes. It’s also an easy walk to the Fløibanen Funicular for spectacular views of Bergen and its seven mountains. Parking is available at a nearby garage for a daily fee where guests receive a discount. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

All 131 rooms in the Grand Hotel Terminus were fully refurbished as of mid-2019 and come with a serene color scheme and quality wood furnishings. There are four room categories that come with either parquet wood floors or fresh carpet, as well as stocked mini-bars and local bath products in eco-friendly pumps. The standard rooms and bathrooms are compact, but they have tall ceilings and windows for natural light. For more space and amenities, opt for the superior rooms that offer additional seating areas, bigger bathrooms, and Nespresso machines. Family rooms with sofa beds can sleep up to four guests, while junior suites are spacious corner units with sofa beds, rain showers, and bathtubs. 

Other Highlights

You can relax in a beautiful room across from the lobby with a fireplace, reading materials, and a small menu of burgers, salads, and the local catch, not to mention hundreds of whiskeys on offer. During warmer months, the outdoor garden has tables where you can order drinks and appetizers.