Hotel Oleana, Bergen

Pros  

• Enjoy a cheerful lobby restaurant and seasonal terrace serving breakfast (included), lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner central Bergen.
• The colorful guest rooms have soundproof windows, blackout shades, and bathrooms with mosaic tiles and local bath products.
• Upgraded rooms and suites add options for balconies and soaking tubs. 
• Guests have free access to a fitness center nearby and discounted rates at a nearby parking garage; staff can also arrange appointments at a spa across the street.

Cons

• Standard rooms feel cramped; upgrade to a Superior or Deluxe for more square footage and a roomier bathroom.
• Some bathrooms are open-plan with glass walls, so privacy is minimal.
• The bold pink and purple decor may turn off traditionalists. 

Authenticity

Hotel Oleana's exterior from the early 20th century is a charming fixture on the treelined side street off of Bergen's main pedestrian plaza. Today, the restored hotel concept is inspired by the street's name, Ole Bull, named after a local Norwegian violinist and composer who was born near the hotel. Look for nods to the musician throughout the contemporary, colorful interiors, with violin motifs in the branding as well as musical notes splashed across some of the rooms. 

Location

You'll stay in a prime location on a more peaceful side street just off the central Torgalmenningen pedestrian plaza. There's a pretty park next door, and many of the city's attractions are within a 15-minute walk from the hotel, including art museums, the Fish Market, the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, and the central train station, along with easy bus and tram transfers to the airport. A taxi stand is just across the street (you can also order taxis from the touch screen at reception), and a nearby parking garage offers hotel guests discounted daily rates.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 97 rooms are located on seven floors with an elevator. All feature ostentatious color schemes with fuchsia and purple accents, and either carpet or herringbone wood floors. The bold colors may not appeal to everyone, but the interiors are well-kept, with blackout shades and double-paned windows to keep out noise. The silvery mosaic bathrooms have local RÅ Organic Skincare products in eco-friendly pumps, but many are open-plan, with glass partitions, so privacy can be an issue. Standard rooms feel small even by European standards—Deluxe and Superior rooms are more inviting, and larger suites have balconies with possible views of Mount Fløyen.

Amenities

The bright and cheerful lobby restaurant has a trendy vibe with soft music, flickering candles, and an all-day menu serving small plates alongside wines by the glass and signature cocktails. During warmer months, there's a seasonal terrace, which pulls in some locals on lunch break. Each morning, a breakfast buffet is served for free for guests, with a variety of healthy choices and gluten-free items. Friendly staff members are happy to assist with local recommendations, including free passes to a nearby fitness center and treatments at a spa across the street. 

Sustainability

Hotel Oleana is part of the Nordic Choice Hotels and Resorts group, and the company operates an extensive sustainability program called WeCare, with initiatives at each property that aim to reduce environmental impact. In 2019, all of the hotels stopped using unnecessary plastic products. Future initiatives will focus on reducing food waste and powering hotels with renewable energy.