Scandic Haugesund

The hotel's central location is a significant draw, placing guests within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, the harbor, and the bus station, making it an ideal base for sightseers and business travelers alike. A standout feature is the breakfast buffet, consistently praised for its extensive and delicious selection. While many guests commend the friendly and helpful staff, some experiences with reception service have been inconsistent. Room conditions receive mixed feedback, with some finding them clean and comfortable, while others report issues with cleanliness and wear. The hotel is also noted as suitable for families due to available family rooms and its pet-friendly policy. To ensure a restful stay, it is advisable to request a room away from the elevators, as some guests have experienced noise disturbances from them. Additionally, guests should be prepared for potential parking costs and consider bringing their own pillow for enhanced comfort.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities receive mixed feedback from guests. A significant point of concern is the fitness center, which is not on-site; guests are directed to a partner gym a 10-15 minute walk away, and some have experienced issues with access or staff unhelpfulness regarding this arrangement. Wi-Fi connectivity is inconsistent, with some guests reporting it did not work during their stay. While some rooms are equipped with a mini-fridge, many guests note its absence or issues with its placement and noise. Rooms generally include a kettle for hot beverages, though some lack accompanying coffee or tea supplies. An iron and ironing board are typically available. Guests also mention the presence of elevators, which, while convenient, can be a source of noise for adjacent rooms. Some rooms have issues with lighting, including broken fixtures or harsh illumination. It is noted that the hotel does not offer a pool or spa.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably varied. While some guests report clean and tidy rooms, others express significant disappointment, citing dusty surfaces, stained furniture, and general lack of thorough cleaning, including unemptied bins and unreplaced towels. The beds receive mixed reviews; some find them comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, with some rooms featuring adjustable beds, while others describe them as hard, squeaky, or having thin mattresses and lumpy pillows. Duvets are frequently mentioned as being thin, leading to coldness. Noise levels are also inconsistent; some rooms are noted as quiet, but many guests report disturbances from elevators, street noise, or thin walls allowing sounds from adjacent rooms and hallways. Room condition varies, with some rooms appearing newly renovated and spacious, while others are described as worn out, having broken lights, or lacking sufficient plug sockets. Bathrooms are generally spacious, but some guests note cold floors, poor water pressure in the shower, or non-handheld showerheads.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is consistently highlighted as a major strength, receiving widespread praise for its extensive selection and high quality. Guests frequently describe it as "good," "great," "fantastic," and "delicious," offering a wide array of hot and cold dishes, including fresh bread, eggs, bacon, cereals, salads, and fruit. Many appreciate the availability of gluten-free options, such as bread, cakes, cookies, and pancakes, as well as various smoothies and a proper coffee machine. While most experiences are positive, some minor issues reported include occasional coffee machine malfunctions, cold eggs, or temporary shortages of specific items like apple juice. In contrast, feedback on dinner and the hotel's restaurant facilities is less favorable, with several guests noting a limited selection or that it was not available for regular guests. The bar area is described as functional rather than cozy.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it a significant advantage for guests. It is situated within short walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants, the harbor, and the local bus station, providing convenient access to the city's main attractions and transit options. Guests appreciate its proximity to a supermarket and cinema. Parking is a recurring topic, with the hotel offering a parking garage in the basement. However, feedback on parking is mixed; while convenient, it is often described as expensive and the garage entrance can be narrow. Some guests have also reported issues with paid parking not guaranteeing a space, leading them to seek alternative street parking. Despite its central position, some guests note occasional street noise, particularly during weekend nights.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is quite varied. Many guests commend the friendly, helpful, and welcoming staff, highlighting their attentiveness and willingness to assist with requests like extra pillows or duvets. The check-in process is generally described as quick and easy, with some guests appreciating the option for early check-in. However, there are notable instances of negative experiences, with some receptionists being perceived as unprofessional, unpleasant, or unresponsive to guest concerns, particularly regarding room issues or gym access. Housekeeping service is a frequent point of contention, with numerous complaints about rooms not being cleaned, towels not replaced, or trash not emptied, even when requested. Despite these issues, the hotel is praised for its pet-friendly and family-friendly service, including the provision of travel beds. The availability of free coffee in the lobby and borrowable bikes are also appreciated amenities.

Additional Information
Guests note that the hotel generally adheres to typical Scandic standards, offering a functional and utilitarian experience. A specific no-after-party policy is enforced, contributing to a quieter atmosphere, particularly beneficial for working guests. Some visitors have experienced issues with rewards program points not being registered or difficulties obtaining proper invoices. A recurring complaint pertains to the strong, unpleasant smell of the soaps provided. Guests should be aware that the hotel does not always have a direct phone line to reception from the rooms, and some have found early morning SMS notifications for check-out apps to be intrusive. There are also complaints about smoking outside the main entrance, with smoke sometimes entering nearby rooms. The hotel is often fully booked due to limited capacity in the area and does not operate waitlists. For dining convenience, Wolt delivery is an option for in-room meals.