Quality Hotel Sogndal

Pros

• Enjoy a large, renovated hotel with stylish decor in a small town close to hiking, glacier tours, and fjord excursions.
• Rooms in the new wing (completed as of 2019) have floor-to-ceiling windows and the superior category and above often have French balconies.
• There is a modern fitness center, plus three restaurants and room service, providing nice options after a long day of traveling or exploring the fjords.
• The breakfast buffet is included for all guests and features organic produce, and takeaway boxes can be prepared for early departures. 

Cons

• Renovated standard rooms in the older wing might have smaller windows and older bathrooms (though many come with bathtubs).
• Bath products are limited in the standard room categories (i.e. no conditioner). 

Authenticity

This six-story building—said to be the largest hotel between Bergen and Trondheim—is easy to spot along the Sogndalselvi river with its white modern facade and glass and cube design. Though it lacks the charm and history that other fjord hotels in the area are known for, it’s a reliable option for those seeking modern conveniences and stylish decor. Part of the Nordic Choice Hotels, the group completed a major renovation and expansion in 2019 with new rooms, dining options, and amenities making it a more urban-style option in an area surrounded by natural attractions. You can also expect some business travelers during the week due to its conference center that accommodates 500+ attendees. 

Location

The Quality Hotel is located in the small town of Sogndal, home of around 4,000 residents, along the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. The hotel is set back from the waterfront, about 10 minutes on foot, and is close to the main intersection that leads towards either Balestrand or Fjærland. Many guests will have rental cars in order to get to area attractions, including fjord excursions, hiking trails, and glacier tours, and the hotel offers 126 parking spaces and four charging stations for electric vehicles (fees apply). There is also a ferry terminal in Sogndal with service to and from Bergen, and a bus station with numerous departures to both Bergen and the Sogndal regional airport every day. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel has 226 rooms in several categories that are either renovated or located in the new wing that was completed in 2019. That said, all rooms have stylish, contemporary decor with neutral tones and Scandi-style furnishings. The standard rooms offer hardwood floors, flat-screen TVs, and working desks, though the design of the bathrooms might show their age. On the plus side, many of these bathrooms have bathtubs. Superior and deluxe rooms have more space, as well as modern bathrooms with walk-in showers, and many come with either French balconies or seated balconies. Family rooms offer sofa beds for additional guests, and suites have separate living rooms and extra large bathrooms with dual sinks and bathtubs. 

Other Highlights

The hotel offers three restaurants that are open to the public, providing some of the best dining and drinking options in the area. The restaurant in the lobby has billiards and shuffleboard, as well as seasonal outdoor dining in the spacious garden. An Italian restaurant serves pizzas, pasta, salads, and grilled meats with warm wicker furnishings and potted olive trees. A third more trendy restaurant serves a range of gourmet burgers, gin cocktails, as well as steak and vegetarian dishes.