Mary-Ann's Polarrigg

The room was a former miner’s cabin, so it was tiny and very basic. I’d give the room itself 2 stars, but the rest of the hotel earns 5. The place has such a distinctive, almost museum-like feel, as if you’ve stepped back in time. Breakfast had loads of choices, and the restaurant is beautiful. I also loved being able to get tea and coffee in the lounge by reception at any hour.

The shared bathrooms didn’t turn out to be a worry, since there are several and I can’t imagine much of a wait. The rooms do have thin walls, but réception has ear plugs if you need them. I found the common area cozy and roomy enough for plenty of people, and the restaurant had a great atmosphere and very good food. Breakfast was good too. It’s an easy walk into town, and the staff were extremely kind and helpful. I’ll definitely stay here again when I’m back in Svalbard.

You can enjoy some quiet and dark skies here while still being close to the town centre. The hotel sits right between the two polar bear signs marking the town boundaries. It’s a stunning place, hard not to love.

I left something behind and only noticed once I was at the airport. The staff brought it to me, which was incredibly kind of them. It’s a lovely place, with great breakfast and nice common areas.