Scandic Alta, Alta

• The central location puts you steps from restaurants, shops, the bus station, and the Northern Lights Cathedral, and it's only about 10 minutes from the airport.
• Rooms are spacious with flexible options for families (including bunk beds and connecting rooms). Upgrade to the Presidential Suite for added room and top-floor views from the balcony.
• Past travelers rave about the breakfast. Expect a wide selection of high-quality buffet classics, including waffles and freshly prepared eggs, pastries, meats, and fruit.
• You'll have free access to a gym and pool opposite the hotel, plus practical perks like parking directly in front of the hotel and a 24-hour lobby "mini market" selling snacks, drinks, and coffee.
• The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.

• In-room amenities can be a little sparse; things like coffee and tea facilities aren't always included in rooms and can be purchased in the lobby, which feels like an odd omission for a standard hotel.
• Scandic Alta is a solid, comfortable hotel, but if you're after something with more personality, this might not be it.

Authenticity

You won't find original details or a strong design narrative tied to the culture. Instead, Scandic Alta (part of the Scandic Hotels Group) reflects its northern setting in more subtle, practical ways. The on-site restaurant serves a few Scandinavian dishes (alongside international options), and the expansive breakfast buffet highlights Nordic staples like fresh breads, cheeses, and yogurt. While the overall feel is more contemporary chain, Scandic Alta is a comfortable gateway to the area's more significant cultural experiences.

Location

Scandic Alta is in the newer, central part of Alta, putting you within a 5-minute stroll of the AMFI Alta Shopping Centre with indoor access to restaurants, supermarkets, paid parking, and shops. The Northern Lights Cathedral is just across the way at the back of the hotel, and the Nordlysbadet baths and leisure center (with complimentary pool access) is a minute walk, while the gym is in a separate building and is a 5-minute walk. It's a practical base for exploring the region, sitting only about 10 minutes by car or airport "Flybussekspressen" shuttle from Alta Airport. The central location and nearby bus station also make it easy to navigate without a car, though parking is available if you have one.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms are clean, spacious, and straightforward, with a functional, minimalistic design that prioritizes comfort over flair. Entry-level rooms are quite roomy, often including a small seating area, while Standard Family Four rooms add bunk beds or connecting options. Upgraded categories such as the Junior Suite and Presidential Suites introduce more space, separate living areas, and balconies with views over Alta, the street, or nearby park. White-tiled bathrooms are standard (clean and functional), though amenities are fairly basic, and common in-room perks like a coffee-maker or a teapot aren't always included (coffee can be purchased at reception).

Amenities

The hotel covers all the essentials. You'll find a generous breakfast buffet—often cited as a highlight—serving everything from fresh waffles to cold cuts, cheeses, and eggs prepared multiple ways. The ground-floor Restaurant Nordlys & Bar offers an a la carte dinner and drinks menu (regional and international fare), as well as a 24-hour lobby "market" for snacks and quick bites. There's a gym and pool located just across the street, which you'll have access to, and there's also a sauna available on request.

Family-Friendliness

Scandic Alta is well set up for families with room configurations that sleep up to four guests, including Standard Family Four options with bunk beds and connecting rooms. And while there aren't dedicated kids' facilities on-site, you'll have complimentary access to a pool across the street, and the buffet breakfast will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. 

Sustainability

As part of Scandic Hotels, the property benefits from the brand's broader sustainability commitment, including energy-efficiency initiatives and a focus on reducing food waste across its restaurants. Scandic is known across the Nordic region for its environmental standards and eco-certifications.