Hotel Aurlandsfjord

The hotel offers a serene escape, distinguished by its stunning fjord views and a peaceful location in Aurland, providing a welcome contrast to the more bustling Flåm. Guests consistently highlight the comfortable accommodations, the exceptional dining experience, and the generally friendly staff as key features that significantly enhance their stay. This charming hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers seeking breathtaking natural beauty, couples desiring a tranquil and romantic getaway, and road trippers appreciating the convenient free parking and electric vehicle charging. To maximize your stay, consider booking a room with a balcony to fully immerse yourself in the scenic vistas, as many rooms offer spectacular perspectives of the fjord and mountains. Additionally, it is advisable to plan your transportation to and from Flåm in advance, as options like taxis and buses can be limited and costly, impacting ease of movement.

Facilities & Amenities
Most guests note the hotel's lack of an elevator to upper floors as a significant inconvenience, often requiring them to carry heavy luggage up multiple flights of stairs, though a luggage elevator is available to the second floor. Despite this, the hotel provides free Wi-Fi that works flawlessly throughout the property, ensuring guests remain connected. For those traveling by car, electric car chargers are a welcome addition, though parking spaces directly in front of the hotel can be limited, sometimes necessitating parking a few blocks away. A highly appreciated amenity is the self-service washing machine and dryer, available free of charge, which is a rare and thoughtful offering. Rooms typically do not feature air conditioning or televisions, which some guests find surprising given the hotel's overall quality, but others appreciate the opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness of the rooms generally receives high praise, with many guests describing them as fresh and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay. However, some isolated reviews mention issues such as dusty surfaces or unclean toilets and bed sheets upon arrival, indicating occasional inconsistencies. Most guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few note that the mattresses can be excessively soft, leading to discomfort. Many rooms boast a balcony offering stunning fjord views, which significantly enhances the guest experience. While rooms are often described as cozy, some are considered small, especially those with A-frame roofs. The presence of heated bathroom floors is a luxurious touch, and despite the absence of air conditioning or televisions, noise levels are generally low, allowing for a peaceful environment.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience is consistently lauded, particularly the breakfast, which is described as outstanding and varied. Guests appreciate the wide selection, including chef-prepared items like made-to-order eggs, fresh pastries, and local cheeses, ensuring a sumptuous start to the day. The dinner at the hotel's restaurant also receives high acclaim, often described as gourmet and exceptional, featuring local ingredients and offering a tasting menu that many consider Michelin-star worthy. The restaurant atmosphere is generally praised for being charming and welcoming. However, feedback on dinner portion sizes is mixed, with some finding them too small, and the kids' menu receives criticism for limited and unappealing options, such as dry pasta or waffles as a main course, which can be disappointing for families.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Aurland is a major draw, offering a peaceful alternative to the often-crowded Flåm, which is just a short drive away. Guests appreciate being able to avoid the tourist throngs while still having easy access to popular attractions. The hotel is conveniently situated for exploring the area, including the Stegastein viewpoint and the Aurlandsfjellet Tourist Road. While parking is available directly in front of the hotel, spaces are limited, and guests may need to utilize nearby public parking. Transportation between Aurland and Flåm can be a challenge; public transportation options like buses are infrequent and expensive, and taxi services are limited and costly, making a personal vehicle highly recommended for flexibility. A supermarket and ferry stop are within a short walking distance, adding to convenience.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, with many guests highlighting the attentive service provided by both reception and restaurant teams. Guests appreciate the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to assist with queries, provide local information, and even help arrange transportation. Housekeeping is often commended for maintaining clean rooms. However, there are isolated instances of negative feedback, with some guests reporting a cold or unhelpful demeanor from certain reception staff, particularly regarding luggage assistance due to the lack of an elevator. A few reviews also mention issues with restaurant staff regarding menu flexibility or handling of billing errors, suggesting some inconsistencies in service delivery.

Additional Information
A frequently mentioned point is the hotel's lack of an elevator to the upper floors, which can be a significant challenge for guests with heavy luggage, despite the presence of a luggage elevator to the second floor. This often means guests must carry their bags up multiple flights of stairs, impacting their arrival experience. The hotel's charming decor and tasteful interior design are consistently appreciated, contributing to a cozy and welcoming ambiance. A notable and highly valued amenity is the free self-service laundry facilities, which are a rare and convenient offering for travelers. While the hotel is generally well-regarded, some guests feel it is overpriced for the amenities provided, particularly considering the absence of in-room televisions and air conditioning.