Our Stay at Hotel Brosundet: Where History Meets Cozy Charm
We knew Norway's reputation for being pricey, but that didn’t stop us from searching for a hotel with a captivating interior—something we always prioritise in our stays. Hotel Brosundet stood out immediately, and the decision was sealed when we saw its stunning lobby. With its massive fireplace at the center, an open-space design, and decor featuring warm wood tones and inviting seating areas, the hotel exudes charm and comfort.
A Historic Setting
Hotel Brosundet is steeped in history. The building originally served as a seafront fish storage and treatment warehouse, constructed after a devastating fire in 1904. Today, it has been beautifully transformed into a boutique hotel while preserving its historical character.
A Home Away From Home
From the moment you step inside, Hotel Brosundet welcomes you with a cozy, homelike atmosphere. The thoughtful design and warm ambiance make it feel less like a hotel and more like you’ve walked into someone’s inviting living room.
Convenient Location and Stunning Views
The hotel is conveniently located near the heart of Ålesund, making it easy to explore the charming town. Some rooms even offer breathtaking views of the bay, adding a touch of magic to your stay. For those travelling by bus from the airport, the hotel is just a short distance from the bus station.
If you’re driving, keep in mind that Hotel Brosundet doesn’t have a designated parking lot. However, you can find free parking in the surrounding streets, which is a convenient alternative.
Hotel Brosundet blends history, style, and comfort effortlessly, making it an excellent choice for anyone visiting Ålesund. Whether it’s the unique design, the warm ambiance, or the proximity to local attractions, this hotel offers an experience you’ll remember long after your stay.
Our Mixed Experience at Hotel Brosundet: Style vs. Service
While the aesthetic of Hotel Brosundet captured our hearts, our overall experience was marred by several service shortcomings that left us feeling disappointed.
A Disappointing Welcome
Our check-in process was surprisingly impersonal. A simple, “Your room is on the 4th floor; enjoy your stay,” was all we received. Without any further information, we had to discover breakfast times from a board in the elevator and follow arrows in the lobby to learn about the fitness and wellness areas. Oddly, there were no signs or mentions of the restaurant or the complimentary afternoon tea and cake, and the room lacked the usual information booklet to guide us.
The Sauna Letdown
One particular frustration came when we inquired about the sauna. We were told it needed to be turned on for us, so we booked a time for the evening and headed out. However, upon returning, there were no bathrobes provided in our room, forcing us to head there in our regular clothing. Worse, the sauna was locked and hadn’t been turned on as promised. The changing rooms and shower area were uninspired and lacked the stylish design seen throughout the hotel. When we brought this up at reception, we were met with indifference, leaving us feeling ignored. Only the next morning, after a polite complaint, did we receive a brief “I’m sorry,” which felt far from adequate.
A Beautiful Space with Potential
Despite these frustrations, there were aspects of our stay that we did enjoy. The hotel’s interior design is undeniably stunning. The lobby, with its warm tones and elegant materials, set the tone, and our room continued this theme with its thoughtful details and exceptionally comfortable bed.
Breakfast was another highlight. The variety included organic and locally sourced items, such as strawberries from the Valldal region, fresh fish, and a selection of breads. The ambiance, complete with candlelit tables and bay views, created a delightful start to the day.
Our Verdict
While Hotel Brosundet excels in its design and ambiance, the lacklustre service and operational missteps left us feeling let down. For the price we paid (this was a personal trip, not a press stay), we expected a more attentive and well-rounded experience.
Unfortunately, we cannot wholeheartedly recommend Hotel Brosundet at this time. While it offers a visually beautiful space and great breakfast, the service and attention to detail need significant improvement. For now, it’s a place we admire for its style but one we are unlikely to revisit.
I must say that the interiors are really lovely and it does have the home-away-from-home kind of vibe. Sorry that it didn't turn out that way in terms of service. I think they need to work on maintenance and train the staff to be more customer friendly and efficient.
The hotel itself looks lovely. Shame he service didn't live up to your expectations :-(