The standard rooms are very small room with thin walls. OK to stay in for a few nights. Nice feature with windows that opens! There's a mini fridge but no minibar. Everything you need, can be bought in the reception when the bar is closed. If the mini shop is closed ask in the reception, they probably have all the drinks there.
Onsite activities and eating:
There's a sauna and small gym with good enough equipment in the basement facing the water. There are no ice-machines anywhere even though the signs say so. Ask for ice in the bar or reception. The hotel restaurant is open 7 nights a week, we never tried it though. Draft beer (60cl) in the bar is 93 NOK.
Breakfast room is a bit crowded at times, try to get there before 9 at weekends and 8 on weekdays. The buffet is plentiful with good choice of selection.
Neighborhood:
Ålesund is a small town so it is walking distance to all restaurants and activities but the aquarium. When returning from 62 Nord Tour on Hurtigruten on Sunday evening at 7 pm only 2 restaurants were open. We chose Anno and they closed the kitchen at 8. (see separate review)
Transportation:
We arrived by plane and there is an airport bus that takes you to Ålesund Sentrum in 20 minutes. Three stops and the bus driver announce the nearby hotels so you'll know when to get off. Even if you would miss it, it is still not a long walk from any of the stops. Skateflukaia is the first stop when returning to the airport, try to use this stop to get a seat because the buses get crowded. The buses are coordinated to the flights.
Activities: Definitely book a tour with 62 Nord on Hurtigruten - a one day tour. Can be booked at Tourist information.
Staff: The only staff that actually said good morning or hello were staff in the bar and reception... Not the maids, not the breakfast hosts/hostesses, not anyone you met in the hallway actually. Not very welcoming staff that is.
If you are not a Scandic loyalty member there is actually no reason for staying here, before other hotels. We have nothing against it, but do not expect anything extraordinary.
Definitely ask for a room with sea or harbor view. There seems to be many different varieties on the same room types. The rooms on floor 5 seem to have ceiling windows only!
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