The Grande Fjord Hotel, situated in the breathtaking natural beauty of Geiranger, Norway, stands out as a prime destination for travelers seeking a stunning and serene escape. Nestled at the starting point of Eagle's Way and mere kilometers from the cruise pier, this hotel offers unparalleled views of the Geirangerfjord from most rooms and public areas. Guests consistently commend its balance of convenience and tranquility, making it an ideal base for exploring the area's hiking trails, kayaking spots and other attractions.
A standout feature of the hotel is its exceptional breakfast, highly praised for its variety and quality. The extensive buffet, including freshly made omelettes and waffles, is often described as the best guests have experienced in their travels. The breakfast is beautifully presented and served in a room with stunning fjord views, earning high marks for delighting diverse tastes with fresh and high-quality ingredients.
Dinner at the hotel also earns accolades for its delicious and high-quality cuisine. Many guests liken the food to Michelin star standards with particular dishes such as carpaccio and the three-course dinners receiving special mention. However, some guests noted that the menu could be more varied and less expensive and expressed a desire for more local fish and vegetarian options. Nevertheless, the restaurant's ambiance and the service provided by the attentive staff contribute to a memorable dining experience.
The rooms at the Grande Fjord Hotel are lauded for their cleanliness, comfort and breathtaking views. Spacious and modern, the rooms are well-equipped with comfortable beds and tasteful decor and many feature private balconies or terraces facing the fjord. While a few guests found some rooms smaller than expected and noted the outdated bathrooms in certain cases, the overall comfort and magnificent views far outweigh these minor issues.
Cleanliness is a strong point for the hotel with guests frequently praising the spotless common areas and well-maintained rooms. Despite occasional reports of minor cleanliness issues, the general consensus is that the hotel maintains a high standard of hygiene and comfort.
The staff at the Grande Fjord Hotel receive consistent praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor. Guests often highlight specific staff members for their exceptional service and attentiveness, enhancing the overall hospitality experience. From the cheerful receptionists to the engaging managers, the staff’s warm and welcoming nature ensures guests feel valued and well cared for.
The hotel’s free Wi-Fi is generally seen as reliable and fast, although a few guests noted minor connectivity issues in specific areas. The gym, while small, is appreciated for its essential equipment and useful amenities, providing a convenient fitness option for guests.
Parking, though free, can be challenging due to limited and tight spaces, particularly during peak times. The hotel has made efforts to expand parking, but it remains an aspect needing improvement. However, the availability of several EV charging options is a positive feature, adding convenience for guests with electric vehicles.
Overall, Grande Fjord Hotel offers a luxurious and comfortable four-star experience amid one of Norway’s most scenic landscapes. Its excellent service, high-quality amenities and remarkable views make it a highly recommended stay for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquil ambiance of the Geirangerfjord.
Havila Hotel Geiranger stands out for its exceptional location, ideally positioned on the edge of the Geirangerfjord. Guests frequently praise the breathtaking views from most rooms and convenient proximity to local attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the stunning landscape of Geiranger. The serene and picturesque setting ensures an immersive experience in nature's beauty.
The hotel's breakfast offerings receive high marks, featuring an extensive and varied buffet that caters to a wide range of dietary preferences. Guests enjoy the delicious and ample options in a spacious, scenic breakfast room with views over the fjord. Friendly and helpful staff further enhance the dining experience.
Dinner reviews are mixed with some guests appreciating the delicious dishes and harbor view, while others note limited menu options and occasional issues with food quality and temperature. Despite this, standout dishes like the fish cream soup and lamb shank receive praise and the dining experience is elevated by the charming restaurant setting.
Rooms at the hotel offer spaciousness and comfort, especially those with balconies showcasing stunning fjord views. Although some rooms feature modern renovated bathrooms, the overall decor is dated with worn-out furnishings and mechanical keys. Cleanliness is generally acceptable, though some improvements in thoroughness and updates are needed.
The staff at Havila Hotel Geiranger are predominantly praised for their friendliness and attentiveness, contributing positively to guests' stays despite occasional reports of less favorable interactions. The overall sentiment about the service remains positive.
While the free wifi is available, it suffers from frequent connectivity issues, resulting in a poor and unstable internet experience for guests. The family experience is mixed with the hotel lacking dedicated family rooms and some amenities, but it remains a feasible option for those traveling with children due to accommodating concierge service and connecting room availability.
The beds receive varied feedback; many guests find them comfortable, while others experience issues with narrow, hard or saggy mattresses. Updating the older beds could significantly enhance guest comfort.
Rated as both a four-star and a three-star hotel, Havila provides pleasant accommodations with spacious, clean rooms and beautiful views, though it's clear that modernization and refurbishment are needed in several areas to meet higher expectations. The hotel is also dog-friendly, allowing pets in guest rooms but not in common areas, catering well to dog owners.
Overall, while Havila Hotel Geiranger excels in location, breakfast and scenic views, there is room for improvement in room updates, dining consistency, wifi stability and family-specific amenities to fully meet guest expectations.