Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz stands on Rosenkrantzgaten, a short street running up from the harbour, and describes itself as right by Bryggen, which it is. It is a mid-range hotel in a well-known Norwegian chain, with 157 rooms and eight room types, a complimentary buffet breakfast, a bar and lobby lounge, a coffee lounge and an evening meal option. Facilities include a fitness room for guests aged fifteen and over, free Wi-Fi, laundry service, baggage storage, a 24-hour front desk, lifts and wheelchair access, as well as meeting rooms and video conferencing for business guests. It is not a luxury address, but it is an honest, well-placed and dependable one, which is exactly what many visitors to an expensive city want.

Location is the draw. Bryggen is on the doorstep, the Fish Market and the Fløibanen station are a short walk, and the main sights of the old centre sit within ten minutes on foot. The railway and bus stations are a bit further, but the walk is easy, and the light rail to the airport can be reached from the station area. If you want to see Bergen on foot and return to your room between outings, this is a practical base. For anyone arriving late or leaving early, the 24-hour desk is helpful.

The rooms are modern and functional. As with most chain hotels, there are several categories, so check the room types when you book and consider a quieter room if you are a light sleeper, since the streets around Bryggen are lively at weekends. Breakfast is a complimentary buffet, which in Norway is a significant money-saver and a good way to start a day of walking in the rain.

There is an evening meal available, plus a bar and lobby lounge, so you can eat in without going out on a cold or wet evening. The gym is a small bonus.

It is less suited to those who want a boutique feel, a view or a spa. Compared with the waterfront hotels, you trade harbour views for a lower price, which for many travellers is a good bargain.