OUR STAY: HOTEL OLEANA, BERGEN, NORWAY

Hotel Oleana
Address: Øvre Ole Bulls plass 5, 5012 Bergen, Norway
Phone: +47 55 21 58 70
Web: www.nordicchoicehotels.no/clarion/clarion-collection-hotel-oleana/

If we’re judging by first impressions, The Clarion Collection Oleana Hotel in downtown Bergen, Norway, makes a great one. As far as I’m concerned, it’s centered in the most ideal location for visitors looking to spend time in “The (beautiful) City of Rain.” With a colorful garden lining the street outside and the National Theater just steps away, pulling up to our new hotel proved to be a delightful surprise for all of us.

Getting settled inside, the swanky hotel’s staff was friendly and welcoming, and they gave us suggestions for things to do and see around Bergen. They also pointed out that there would be a complimentary dinner available to guests every night as well as breakfast each morning, and a bar full of (alcoholic) drinks available anytime for purchase. What the kids loved most, though, was that there was a make-your-own waffle bar every afternoon where we got to sample some local waffles, jams and cheese.

The lobby’s decor is nothing short of chic with dimly lit, funky chandeliers, tufted sofas, pink accent walls and chairs in shades of purple, gold, green and blue. As soon as you walk in, you’ll notice a large mural of a woman, including her naked backside, which really helps to set the tone for the contemporary and sexy style that the Oleana has gone for- and successfully achieved.

With a musical theme scattered throughout the building, the hotel is only one year new, and everything is visibly updated and fresh. This was evident in both of our suites, as we were lucky enough to test out two different rooms with two different views, during our stay. Our first room, a King Suite, had a great view of Mt. Floyen, including the Foylbanen, a train-like mode of transportation which carries you up a very steep path to the mountaintop. I said right away that I had zero interest in going on this petrifying-looking “ride”…but eventually did and while it definitely was petrifying, it was worth the trip.

The room also had a large bed and an open, but segregated, area for the bathroom, including two sectioned off stalls- one for the shower and the other for the toilet, which was nice. Since that particular room is most likely usually intended for couples looking for romance, there was abstract painting above the bed, of a man and a woman…uh…being romantic… Fortunately our kids are young enough that they didn’t notice or question what it was so we didn’t have to do any explaining! They did enjoyed the futuristic egg-shaped tub, though, and had fun splashing around in there for a half hour each night.

In our second room, a couple of nights later, we stayed in another glamorous King Suite. This room was just a bit smaller than the last, though equally as nice, providing a great view of The National Theater and a lovely cityscape, overlooking the housetops of Bergen. There was also a sweet portrait over the bed- this time completely PG- with two swans forming a heart with their long necks. The kids did comment on this one, but only because they thought it was so cute. I especially loved the shiny tile floors, the big cozy bed and the stand-alone glass shower, which all added to the poshness of the hotel.

Because we had a lot to see in the few short days that we spent in Bergen, we did not end up eating dinner at the Oleana, but I love that it is always included with one’s stay. I do know that every night, they offer an assortment of food, always having at least one vegetarian option, which is appreciated in my book! We did try the breakfast, where there were fresh breads, pastries, yogurt, cereals and fruit. This, along with the coffee, was a nice day to begin our days at the Oleana.

While there are so many beautiful neighborhoods throughout Bergen, including the ever-popular area of Bryggen, the Oleana is located in a quiet, but still lively, little nook. There you can be close to the crowds and still have somewhere to retreat to, off the main strip of activity. As always, we enjoyed a self-led exploratory walking tour of the pretty city and we lucked out getting to use The Oleana Hotel as our base.

A traveler since childhood, Juliana Fraioli Wilson has always had a love for exploring. She is a published writer and an accomplished business owner with a background in music and art. Join Juliana, her husband Ryan, and their two kids in Wanderland! Follow along as they share tips, tricks, recipes and reviews from some of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world.