Hotel 1904 takes its name from the year that shaped Ålesund, when the fire destroyed the old wooden town and led to the Art Nouveau rebuilding. It is a four-star property with a free continental breakfast and rainfall showerheads, and the name itself signals that the hotel embraces the town's story. For travelers who want to sleep inside the history they have come to see, it is a natural choice.
The location in the center means that the Art Nouveau district is your doorstep. You can walk to the harbor, the museum and the park without a second thought, and the climb to the Aksla viewpoint is an easy morning outing. Evening strolls along the channel and through the lit streets are part of the appeal. The atmosphere of a smaller hotel, as opposed to a large chain property, adds a personal feel.
Who it suits
Couples, history lovers and anyone who prefers character to scale. The continental breakfast starts the day without fuss, though if you want a large hot breakfast, check what is available nearby. Rainfall showers are a small luxury after a day outdoors. Light sleepers should ask about quieter rooms, as central streets can be lively in summer.
Planning notes
Reserve early for summer, particularly July. Winter rates are lower and the town is peaceful, with a different charm. Ask about parking and luggage storage if you are arriving or leaving on a ship or ferry schedule. The airport at Vigra is a short transfer away.
As a base for day trips, the hotel is well placed for tour pickups in the center, and staff can usually advise on ferries and road conditions. If you plan to visit Geiranger or the Atlantic Road, ask about early breakfast arrangements. Overall, Hotel 1904 offers a stay with a sense of place at a price that sits comfortably between budget and luxury.
Because the hotel is small compared with chain properties, availability can vanish quickly in high season, and the best rooms go first. Message the hotel with any special requests, such as a room away from the street or a late arrival. If you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary, a short note at booking sometimes leads to a small gesture. Pair your stay with a guided Art Nouveau walk on your first morning, and you will return each evening with a better eye for the details on the buildings around you.
The small scale also suits solo travelers, who often find a boutique hotel easier to settle into than a large one, and staff can usually suggest the best café for a quiet evening coffee after dinner.
Why stay here
- ✓Four-star hotel
- ✓Free continental breakfast
- ✓Rainfall showerheads
- ✓Art Nouveau district location
- ✓Walk to the harbor
- ✓Walk to the Aksla climb
- ✓Cafés and restaurants nearby
- ✓Short ride to Ålesund airport
Good questions
What does the name refer to?+
It refers to the year of the fire that led to the Art Nouveau rebuilding of the town.
Is breakfast included?+
The hotel offers a free continental breakfast. Confirm your rate.
Is it near the sights?+
Yes. It sits in the center, close to the harbor and the Art Nouveau streets.