Hemmingodden Lodge

Our mini rorbu stood on stilts over the sea, right in the first row, with a great view through its two large windows. We had a great two-night stay at Hemmingoden Lodge.

The location is lovely and full of character, and turning the old rorbuer into tourist accommodation is a nice idea. But the buildings need much better insulation. We spent two nights downstairs and heard every conversation and footstep from the tenants above us. Whenever they walked, it felt as if the roof might come down. We asked the owner by message if we could move, but got no reply. The directions for finding our accommodation were also unclear, and both the assistant and owner seemed a little annoyed whenever we needed help.

The apartment was very nice and well cared for, and the bathroom was new. The location is ideal for exploring Lofoten, and the staff were friendly. We'd gladly return to Hemmingodden Lodge. A few things were frustrating, though. The kitchen lacked basic items like pot lids, a peeler, and spatulas. There was no closet or cupboard, so we had to put our clothes on a bed. The rooms were very bright, and doors opening or closing could be heard loudly throughout. One wash in the machine cost 120 NOK, which is far too much.

Do not stay here. The owner or manager seems to believe the whole place can run without anyone onsite. When we arrived, we found that the cramped bedrooms were in a tiny loft reached only by ladder. We're in our 70s and 80s, and even climbing it would have been hard. Carrying our luggage up to a low-ceilinged room would have been nearly impossible. There was no onsite management except at the restaurant, and that was only after 6 pm. When we finally reached the owner or manager by phone, she couldn't promise that we could switch to an accessible room once the restaurant employee who handles these things arrived at 6. We couldn't risk waiting until then in case no other lodging was available, so we hurriedly searched and found somewhere else in Ballstad with accessible rooms. The owner or manager put us in this situation by not disclosing the room's accessibility problem and then failed to provide another accessible room at the property. To make it worse, she refused to refund us. I suspect favorable reviews for this place may be paid and fraudulent. Take my advice and don't stay here.