View from the Room: Scandic Stavanger City, Norway
A return to a Scandic, a modern hotel brand first encountered in Trondheim in 2022.
A smaller city means a smaller hotel although it still has a suite of events rooms for its slice of the business market. For us, it’s strictly chill time. We were the ‘last western’ guests to arrive at the large lobby area gone 11pm and so welcomed by name.
It’s here we found the complimentary drinks machine that subsequently served up hot chocolate every night. Other hot drinks are available but why would you have them? There’s also a little shop to buy forgotten essentials, the bar, where we enjoyed said hot chocolate when the lobby seats were taken and the steps to the breakfast room.
Our room had the customary 2 duvets on the double bed, a desk and chair, a small sofa and a coffee table.
Refreshments
Complimentary refreshments are available in the lobby 24 hours.
Empty mini fridge
Kettle
2 mugs
Instant coffee/tea.
We had the luxury of ample luggage space so took coffee beans, a portable grinder and an aeropress to enjoy our morning coffee.
The breakfast buffet that is always included in the Scandic hotels has plenty of choice of hot and cold foods. There’s no sign stating it is the best breakfatst in Norway as in Trondheim, but it is still fantastic and the seating area is lovely.
Amenities
TV on wall
Recycling bin
Iron/board
Fridge
USB points and sockets
Long mirror by the door and one on the desk
Good lighting including above bed, over desk and the sofa
Storage
A small open wardrobe by the front door with 5 assorted wooden hangers
Hooks by the wardrobe
No shelves or drawers so yet another hotel with nowhere to put underwear or folded-up clothes. I stored it in a small PacMate bag. Ok for 3 nights but far from ideal. I'm still trying to understand why hotels have stopped putting drawers in rooms.
Bathroom
Blissful underfloor heating
Our requested bathtub is small but welcome with an overhead shower.
Ample sink with plenty of surrounding space and, mercifully, a towel rail attached. I think I have only seen this once before in a hotel.
Full-sized shower gel, shampoo and conditioner.
2 glasses
Hairdryer.
A towel shelf with 2 bath and 2 hand towels. No bath mat - it’s a wet room. However, my tendency is still to use a small towel instead as no slippers are supplied. (I keep a stack of theses that have only been worn a few times from previous hotel stays)
Stavanger being a small city, we were well located with everything on our doorstep including the train station just a few minutes walk away.
A lovely stay and a great first half of our Norwegian adventure.
August 2024
