Albatros Hotel

The location worked really well for our Antarctica trip, just five minutes from the expedition meeting point, and the oversized double bed was very comfortable. The room itself was much more worn and rustic than the hotel's Google photos, including the small, old-style bathroom. Most of our group was staying there through the Quark expedition package, and their third-floor rooms looked similarly tired. I suspect Quark guests are assigned a lower room grade. Had I known, I wouldn't have paid around USD 150 for an extra night. The walls were so thin we could clearly hear normal conversation next door. Breakfast was sparse, with instant coffee rather than machine-brewed, so we went elsewhere for a second breakfast. Our first night was included in the package fee.

The staff were terrific, and the restaurant and bar have lovely views. The room and bathroom were comfortable and attractive, though the shower floor felt slippery despite having a grab bar. Be aware that cars race along the main street around 02:00. They woke me every night, even with the window shut, so I'd choose a room away from the street.

The port is right nearby, with luggage drop-off just a short 200 m walk away. Our room was nice, the staff were friendly, and the WiFi worked well. Breakfast was included at the restaurant, where I also had delicious crab ravioli for lunch.

Breakfast was nice, but the rooms were a letdown after the lovely-looking entrance and front desk. Mine smelled of drains, and the walls might as well have been paper. At 7:30, people taking luggage out for boat collection made so much noise that I was awake, since sound carries through the doors and walls. Then at 8:15 a.m., some woman let herself into my room without knocking, apparently to offer towels.