Hotell Refsnes Gods by Classic Norway Hotels

We had a wonderful two night stay in October. It’s like staying in an art gallery with original oils everywhere and every room has works by a single artist. The facility and grounds are elegant and immaculately maintained. The breakfast was excellent as was the meal we had in the restaurant.

As you pull up to the Hotel you will be impressed with the building. You can tell it is old, but has been kept up to date. Reception staff were welcoming and check-in was completed without any issues. As it was a Friday we asked if there was room in the dining room and we were duly booked in for dinner later that evening. We had two room booked, our room was old, but tastefully decorated, but the “kids” were not so impressed – it was an overload of wood décor and on the small side, just not to the taste of youth I guess. Once settled we retired to the bar, and the reception staff act a bar staff, once again excellent service and my wife commented on the Limoncello Spritz, apparently it was a winner. I must admit it was very quiet and lacked a bit of atmosphere for a Friday, but apparently it was heading to end of season (in early August?) On to the restaurant, very impressive views over the Oslofjord, and in keeping with the hotel it was more of an art gallery and suited the location. Menu was “limited” was an understatement – my son has an egg allergy and all 3 starters contained egg, and on speaking to the front of house all we got was a shrug of the shoulder, OK no starter for my son. Main course, again a choice of only 3 again – my wife ordered the vegetarian option, only to be told by front of house that it was “sold out” and no alternative was offered (that’s a no-no!). What food we did get was typical Norwegian, overpriced and distinctly average. We decided to avoid the deserts. We did leave hungry, but luckily enough there is a local supermarket so we loaded up on snacks – and we did meet other diners there doing the same, so I think it’s a common theme. To summarize, the hotel is good especially if you appreciate art, the reception staff are excellent, the location is wonderful, but will I return? No, done that and have the T-Shirt.

It’s a terrible shame that such a lovely hotel with a fantastic restaurant and super staff does not update it’s facilities. The poor placement/ lack of electrical outlets can be forgiven and worked around. BUT, the only real problem was the terrible bed. Might as well have slept in a hammock. The staff member we complained to told us many people had complained, but there were no plans to address it. If it weren’t for the bed, we would wholeheartedly recommend this gem to anyone! The balcony had an amazing view and we enjoyed the sunset from our room. Beautiful.