Hotel Norge by Scandic, Bergen

Pros  

• Enjoy a trendy hotel with sleek, Nordic design within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and attractions.
• All renovated rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, blackout shades, and upscale bath products.
• The extensive lobby offers chic dining and drinking options and hosts occasional DJs and events.
• Book a range of treatments at one of the only hotel spas in Bergen, which offers nine treatment rooms, including one for couples.
• An optional breakfast buffet offers a large spread of hot and cold items including healthy options.

Cons

• The pool requires a daily fee, and kids under the age of 16 have restricted morning-only hours (until 10 am).
• Guests are requested to book the pool in advance due to the limited capacity of 15 guests at a time. 

Authenticity

Hotel Norge dates back to 1885 but you would never guess that when arriving today. In 2018, the Swedish hospitality brand Scandic completed a major revamp. Guests now enter the glass exterior to find a bright café on one side and an event space with built-in bleacher seats and a DJ booth on the other. In the center of the first floor is a set of escalators leading to the front desk, surrounded by more lounge areas, cushy booths with outlets, and a low-lit bar serving signature cocktails. In some ways, the entire three-floor lobby space feels like a private social club or swanky coworking space serving a global clientele.       

Location

Hotel Norge by Scandic has a prime location just steps from the Torgalmenningen pedestrian plaza and the Byparken city park. Guests will find that many of Bergen's attractions are within a 15-minute walk from the hotel, including art museums, the Fish Market, the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, and the Fløibanen Funicular for panoramic views of the city. As for transfers, the location is also a 10-minute walk to Bergen's central train station, as well as bus and tram transfers to the airport. Drivers can park at the on-site car park for a daily fee, with three paid electric vehicle chargers. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are 400+ rooms in different categories, all decorated in modern Nordic design, with light wood floors, neutral furnishings, and the occasional deep-red accent. The floor-to-ceiling windows include 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. Some rooms (like Classic Doubles) face the atrium, while the highest room category, called the Hotel Norge Suite, has a wraparound balcony and an outdoor private Jacuzzi.

Amenities

A major component of this hotel is its buzzy lobby scene, taking up multiple floors accessed by escalators. On the street level is an 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 booths and lounge seating for sipping signature cocktails. The stylish Restaurant Nova offers more relaxed dining, and room service is available 24/7. You can book treatments at the hotel's Artesia Spa, complete with a heated pool, sauna, and steam rooms, but there's a daily fee to access the facilities. A free fitness center and loaner bikes are also available. 

Family-Friendliness

Families are welcome, though there's not much in the way of child-focused amenities on offer. Ages 12 and under stay free with adults, and kids under the age of 16 have restricted morning-only hours at the pool (until 10 am). There are plenty of room options for larger groups; some Grande rooms include an extra sofabed, while the spacious Junior and Master suites sleep up to four with extra bunk or sofa beds. Cribs and extra beds are available upon request.