Zander K Hotel

We only stayed a short time, but the rooms were spacious and good quality, with comfortable beds and well-stocked bathrooms. Staff were very helpful and went beyond what we expected on several occasions. The train station is right outside, and the city's attractions are all within a 15-minute walk. Even with the station and roads so close, outside noise wasn't intrusive. Breakfast had plenty to choose from, though starting half an hour earlier would have helped with our early flight.

Being close to the city center and train station was a plus, but the stay at the Zander K really got to me. The room was too warm to sleep well, and we couldn't cool it down. Opening the window let street smoke into the room, so that wasn't workable. On the second night I took a sleeping tablet, which helped me fall asleep, but I still woke every 2-3 hours drenched in sweat. There was nowhere practical to put our suitcases. My husband and I had to shift the bed and bench just to make space. The bench runs along one wall, but it's too narrow for a suitcase, and the luggage stand isn't even large enough to open a carry-on on. The shower pressure was good, but the glass doesn't reach the floor, so water runs underneath. We had to use the bath mat and hand towels to keep things dry. I changed in the room itself, which could feel awkward if you're sharing with someone other than your significant other. They also charge 119NOK to take breakfast away. I don't usually leave negative reviews, but this stay really bothered me.

This was my first choice of hotel while I was in Bergen. I especially liked having a coffee machine and hot water dispenser by the elevator, with hot water available all day. That's very handy for travelers. The room air felt a little dry, though, and it would be nice if they offered small humidifiers in the rooms.

The buffet breakfast had a good range of options, and the hotel is handy for the train, tram, and bus stations, as well as nearby shops and a mall. They don't clean the rooms every day, unlike hotels in South Africa that I'm used to. They provide conditioner and body and hair wash, but not things like milk, moisturiser, or vanity kits that I'm accustomed to getting in South Africa.