Rica hotel is centrally located, but there's more.
We took the overnight train from Oslo to Bergen, arriving rather early into the station. We hustled with our luggage around the city's pond to Rica Hotel. Walking briskly in the cold, wet weather the trip was about 15 minutes. Due on the early arrival, we were worried the hotel wouldn't have a room available. So we were pleased when we got a room to have a quick nap in a real bed and freshen up before our tour around Bergen.
The room was more worn than dated. Very quickly we knew it needed a little TLC. The furniture had a few noticeable marks and holes. The wooden floor had permanent boot marks, looked and felt unclean. The bathroom was bland and bare, but functional. All in all, the room as okay but it needed work.
That being said, it was clear that Rica knew this property needs work because in clear view of our window was a construction site. They were working on a huge expansion project for the hotel. We weren't bothered by the noise, but we were exploring most of the day. I hope that once the expansion is complete, that the older rooms are updated and equal care is given to all rooms.
The breakfast is one of the main reasons we booked at Rica. Rica's breakfast was extensive and expensive. The morning we arrived, we were told we couldn't partake in the breakfast even though we were departing early the next morning. From reading other reviews, we were worried the breakfast wouldn't be ready by the time of our departure. The staff assured us the breakfast will start early, so that we could have a quick bite before heading back to Oslo. If you're taking the first morning train back to Oslo, you will have decent amount of time to enjoy breakfast at Rica. You will have time to chew your food slowly, but just lounge around like it's Sunday brunch. Breakfast included different versions of eggs, freshly squeeze orange juice (the machine is the dining room), lots of caviar and lots of caviar.
Overall, Rica is a great location. It's not in the dead center of the city, but a bit off to the side and easy to reach for those taking the train in from Oslo. Rica hotel is in the midst of renovations, so be mindful of the possible noise. Make sure you don't miss the breakfast to take you through the day. Everything is so pricey in Norway, so this is your time to fuel up! read more