Grand Hotel Terminus, Bergen

Pros  

• You'll experience one of one of Bergen's most historic hotels, founded in 1928 and beautifully refurbished in 2019
• Common areas include the atmospheric Bar Amundsen, which serves hundreds of whiskies and draws both guests and locals. 
• The hotel's 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.
• 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—opt for the Superior options for more floor space.

Authenticity

Grand Hotel Terminus dates back to 1928, and the current owners spent over a decade returning the hotel to its original glory with a refurbishment completed in 2019. You'll notice the building's historic roots as soon as you enter the lobby with its black and white tiling and paneled 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. 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—you'll find plenty of local shops and charming cafés in the surrounding streets, while the waterfront area (including the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf) is about 10 minutes away on foot. 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.

Rooms & Bathrooms

All of the hotel's 130+ rooms were fully refurbished as of mid-2019 with a serene color scheme and quality wood furnishings. All four categories come with either parquet wood floors or fresh carpet, as well as stocked minibars and local bath products in eco-friendly pumps. The Standard Rooms and bathrooms are compact, but they have tall ceilings and large windows for natural light. Opt for the Superior Rooms for additional seating areas, bigger bathrooms, and Nespresso machines. Family Rooms with sofa beds can sleep up to four, while Junior Suites are spacious corner units with sofa beds, rain showers, and bathtubs. 

Amenities

The hotel serves a complimentary breakfast in the 1st-floor Brasseriet (another atmospheric space full of historical details), and Bar Amundsen offers a small menu of burgers, salads, and the local catch, not to mention hundreds of whiskies. You'll find a selection of books and magazines to borrow, and the cozy space lays out complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day. During warmer months, the outdoor garden has tables where you can order drinks and appetizers. The hotel's self-serve laundry facilities are a real perk for active travelers spending their days hiking around Bergen's seven hills. There's also a well-equipped 24-hour fitness center on-site, and a fleet of loaner bikes available to guests.

Family-Friendliness

Families are welcome at Grand Hotel Terminus, with ages four and above charged as adults. Family Twins are the most spacious room options, sleeping up to four with an extra sofa bed.