MileHacker Logo
Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Bergen And The Western Fjords, Norway

Accommodation Types

Hotel Options

  • Full Spectrum Hotels

    From budget-friendly chains to upscale boutique and business hotels.

  • Breakfast Inclusion

    Many hotels in Norway include breakfast, offering good value.

  • Standard Amenities

    Private bathrooms, daily cleaning, and reception services are typical.

  • Service Standards

    Hotels maintain high service quality.

Alternative Stays

  • Hostels

    Dorm beds and private rooms for budget travelers, with shared kitchens and common areas.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Ideal for families or groups, with kitchen facilities and more space. Booking.com and Vrbo list many properties.

  • Camping & Outdoor

    Campsites outside the city offer cabins or pitches for tents and RVs.

  • Unique Local Options

    Traditional wooden houses in Gamle Stavanger are available as holiday rentals.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area is a distinct character, with considerations for location, atmosphere, and amenities.

City Center Sentrum

Benefits
  • Excellent transport access.
  • Most city attractions are walkable.
  • Lively atmosphere with many dining options.
  • Very safe, even at night.
Challenges
  • Can be noisy, especially on weekends.
  • Limited and expensive parking.

Gamle Stavanger

Benefits
  • Unique and tranquil atmosphere.
  • Very scenic and historic feel.
  • Close to city center attractions.
  • Very safe.
Challenges
  • Limited accommodation, mainly holiday rentals.
  • Few direct restaurants or shops nearby.

Nytorget/Fargegaten

Benefits
  • Lively nightlife and unique character.
  • Good dining options.
  • Bohemian vibe.
  • Generally safe.
Challenges
  • Can be noisy on weekends due to bars.
  • Typical urban precautions at night.

Storhaug/Vardheim

Pros:

Quieter atmosphere, potentially lower accommodation prices, good for longer stays.

Cons:

Slightly further from main attractions, may mean more public transport use.

Booking Strategies

Effective booking strategies help visitors find suitable accommodation.

Booking Guidance

  • Book well in advance, especially for summer (June-August) and major events like ONS.
  • Use reputable platforms such as Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia. For rentals, Airbnb is popular.
  • Negotiation for standard rates is not typical in Norway; prices are fixed. Walk-in rates may be higher.
  • Check deposit and cancellation policies carefully. Free cancellation options are often available for flexibility.

Seasonal Pricing

  • Accommodation prices increase significantly during summer, major conferences, and events.
  • Traveling during shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) can mean lower prices and fewer crowds.
  • The biennial ONS exhibition in even-numbered years draws many business travelers, raising accommodation costs.

Trusted Resources

Specialized Booking Sites
General Advice
  • Check user reviews and filter options on booking platforms.
  • Many platforms offer free cancellation, providing flexibility.
  • Always confirm terms and conditions before completing a reservation.

Important Note on Pricing

Fluctuations

Accommodation prices vary widely based on season and demand. Figures provided are representative examples.

Peak Season Impact

Expect higher rates during summer months and major events.

Booking Ahead

Early booking can often lead to better rates.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some representative accommodation options across budget levels.

Budget-Friendly Stays

Hostel e.g., St Svithun Vandrerhjem

Dorm beds and private rooms.

  • Social atmosphere.
  • Kitchen access.
  • Communal spaces.
  • Average Price: 300-600 NOK/night.
Longer Stays Apartments

Vacation rentals offer kitchens and more living space.

  • Cost-effective for a week or more.
  • Sense of local living.
  • Often better weekly rates than hotels.

Mid-Range Options

Comfort Hotel Square

Modern and centrally located, with efficiency.

  • Good value.
  • Central location.
  • Often includes breakfast.
  • Average Price: 1200-2000 NOK/night.
Thon Hotel Stavanger

Stylish, good service, frequently includes breakfast.

  • Modern design.
  • Comfortable rooms.
  • Good amenities.
  • Average Price: 1300-2200 NOK/night.

Higher End & Niche Stays

  • Clarion Hotel Energy

    Near Forum Expo, modern, business/event focused. Average Price: 1400-2500 NOK/night.

  • Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel

    Iconic city center hotel, premium amenities, harbor views. Average Price: 2000-4000+ NOK/night.

  • Eilert Smith Hotel

    Boutique, design-focused, exclusive experience. Average Price: 3000-5000+ NOK/night.

  • Cultural Significance

    Holiday rentals within Gamle Stavanger offer unique stays.

Traveler Specifics

  • Family-Friendly

    Hotels with family/connecting rooms. Rentals with multiple bedrooms and kitchens are excellent. Free breakfast helps budgets.

  • Solo Travelers

    Hostels foster social interaction. Central hotels offer safety and easy access to transport.

  • Long-Stay

    Vacation rentals are best for stays of a week or more, providing kitchen facilities and living space.

  • Exploring Gamle Stavanger

    Look for holiday rentals within this district for a truly memorable stay.

Considerations for Your Stay

Location vs. Price

Staying centrally offers convenience but typically higher prices. Areas outside the core city may mean better value.

Amenities to Seek

Many hotels offer free breakfast. Look for kitchen access in rentals to save on dining costs.

Important Notes

Early Booking

Securing your accommodation well in advance is highly advisable, specifically during peak travel times.

Event Awareness

Check for local events or conferences, as these can impact accommodation availability and pricing.

Flexibility

Consider flexible booking options, which may include free cancellation for peace of mind.