Ålesund is an atmospheric town in western Norway with plenty of charm, and it was the starting point for our fjord adventures. An overnight stay at this low-key accommodation on the northern waterfront was included in our vacation package. As part of the global Choice Hotels chain, it didn't feel as charming as the town probably because it functions equally as a business hotel. That became obvious to Jamie W. and me at the breakfast buffet when we saw more suits than Bermuda shorts in the dining room.
At an economic rate around $120 per night, our Standard Double room was still on the spartan side with awkwardly slanted walls as we were on the top floor (photo: https://bit.ly/3dODARR). I bumped my head more than once when I got out of bed in the dark. Basic necessities were handled well by the front desk, for example, they willingly kept our luggage while we waited for our midnight Hurtigruten cruise to Bergen. In fact, the hotel's location was a huge benefit because it was within rolling distance of the cruise port.
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