Scandic Sørlandet

The morning buffet was lovely, and there was very little to wish for. Dyreparken is within walking distance, and getting to the hotel from the main roads is easy. The hotel has plenty of services and offerings we didn’t get to try. Expect lots of children, plenty of noise, and people walking around in swimwear. Our room was fine for sleeping, since we weren’t planning to spend time in it, but it felt very small. The bathroom and toilet were the tightest parts, with the sink outside the stall and shelves separating it from the rest of the room. There was space for a table in the corner, but no room for its chair because we had an extra bed, three beds in a room meant for two. A travel cot or bed would have fit, but taken up most of the room. The evening buffet was disappointing, especially for the price, with dry meat and soft vegetables.

The room we ended up in was cramped and uncomfortable, with a flimsy roll-away bed awkwardly tucked under a sloping ceiling. It was smaller than a standard double and nowhere near adequate for our family of four. We had booked a family room that morning and paid the full rate, but on arrival the hotel said it was overbooked because of a “system issue.” When we complained at reception, they said there might be a refund, but couldn’t say how much because it still had to be calculated. That doesn’t change that we were charged the full family room price for a much worse room. It was deeply disappointing and unprofessional. A confirmed booking should be honored, rather than downgraded to substandard accommodation. Our experience was unacceptable, and I’d advise others to think twice before booking here.

The breakfast selection was outstanding, and the dining room was pleasant. Public areas were spacious and had free coffee, though our room was small. Desk service was adequate. Dyreparken and Sørlandsenteret are both about a 10-15 minute walk away. I’d certainly stay here again.

The pool was nice, and the service was nice too. The room was clean and cozy, and the location in the centrum worked well, close to the citymall and everywhere I needed to go.