Opus XVI, Bergen

Pros  

• Enjoy a sophisticated family-owned boutique hotel with personal touches and a photogenic lobby adorned with marble columns and historical details.
• Individually designed rooms have Nespresso machines and stocked minibars, while bathrooms have heated bathroom floors and Molton Brown bath products.
• The daily a la carte breakfast is included (instead of the usual buffet) but requires reservations.
• Don't miss live jazz performances on Sundays during the afternoon tea service. 

Cons

• This is a historic hotel, and you won't find modern amenities like a pool or spa (though there is a small fitness room available to guests). 

Additional Notes From Lilly 

The stately brick exterior demanded attention upon arrival, and I entered the door flanked by Norwegian flags, wondering if I might be underdressed. The expansive lobby reminded me of a hotel I'd seen in Florence, and I was happy to have to wait to talk to staff so I could absorb the space on my own for a moment longer. It was a surprise learning that there are only 65 rooms here, as the building felt like a much bigger hotel. A staff member, Thomas, gave me a tour and explained key elements of the hotel, including the non-buffet breakfast approach, to help make the vibe feel more personal. Though I didn't stay here, I made a point to return to the lovely brasserie for a drink.

Authenticity

The building's history dates back to the 19th century when it housed Bergen's largest bank, Bergens Kreditbank; there's even an underground tunnel connecting to Bergen Bors across the street, the former stock exchange building. Today, the building is owned by relatives of the famous Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, and they pay homage to his life and work with an in-house exhibit based on his famous piano concerto called Opus 16. The sweeping lobby is classy thanks to granite walls and marble columns, and the lounge seating near the front desk transitions into the bar and brasserie lined with arched windows for glimpses of the street and nearby waterfront. The hotel does a nice job of invoking the past but looking to the future, and the family-owned and operated vibe is apparent with personal touches.

Location

No doubt about it: this is a prime location in Bergen's city center, just steps from the waterfront and Fish Market and a short 5-minute stroll to Bryggen, the UNESCO-listed harbor lined with colorful wooden buildings harkening back to its days in the Hanseatic League. A short walk away is the Fløybanen funicular, which takes you up to the top of Mount Fløyen in 10 minutes (or opt for the hiking trails). Guests are surrounded by shopping and dining in every direction, as well as key museums and cultural institutions. Bergen's Central Station is accessible on foot in under 15 minutes, as are the tram and bus with service to and from the airport. Valet parking is available for a nightly fee.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Opus XVI offers 65 luxurious rooms and suites, each individually designed thanks to unique architectural elements depending on the room's location. This allows for a selection of layouts and views that might look out over a charming street, the Fish Market, or the backdrop of Mount Fløyen. Classic rooms have tall ceilings and windows, wood floors, marble bathrooms with heated floors, and are equipped with upscale amenities like Nespresso machines, French tea from Damman, Molton Brown bath products, and bathrobes and slippers. Superior and Deluxe rooms offer extra space, while the spacious suites offer sofa beds for two more guests plus separate soaking tubs and showers.  

Amenities

During weekends, traditional afternoon tea is offered with live jazz music on Sundays in the hotel's lobby-level brasserie and bar. Offering a wide selection of French-inspired dishes using local ingredients and seafood, along with options suitable for vegans and vegetarians, guests can choose between a la carte options and multicourse set menus. Guests will also dine in this lovely space each morning for breakfast, with a complimentary a la carte breakfast menu, eschewing the typical breakfast buffet that most hotels in Norway provide.

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome at Opus XVI. Cribs are available for an added fee, but no extra beds can be added to rooms, so families are limited to the larger suites with additional sofa beds or adjoining options.