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Situated on Torgallmenningen in the heart of Bergen is the charming 34-room Hotel No 13. Upon entry, the Art Nouveau-style stained glass ceiling will greet you with its colourful pattern.

This unique glasswork is over a century old, and was originally created for an English castle and later moved to a hotel in the US following World War II. It’s survived many decades and finds itself at home within No 13’s interior decor.

Rooms

Rooms are modern and sleek, containing a purple and black motif with wood floors, bold graphics, comfy seating and a coffee and tea area by the desk and mini bar fridge. Front rooms have small balconies that face the street.

There’s a safe below the open closet area, next to a fold-out suitcase rack that neatly integrates into the wall for easy access, as there aren’t any drawers to store clothes.

The bathroom is also smartly designed with a shower/bath combo, a low-lit mirror and a small space to the right of the sink for toiletries.

Note that the clothing rack hangs items from front to back, rather than side to side. This would be an easy fix for the hotel, in order to make it handier to see (and access) clothing!

Hair and skincare products are sourced from Norwegian organic line Grøde.

Windows don’t open, however there is room circulation that can be adjusted according to preference. As in much of Europe, twin beds are pushed together to make a queen. The mattress and bedding are both super comfy.

[Breakfast goodies]

Free wifi and a fully stocked buffet breakfast is included.

[Lobby lounge decorated for May 17, Norwegian Constitution Day 🇳🇴]

[Lobby bar/reception area]

Guests can enjoy nearby Actic gym free of charge and the hotel works with a local spa to offer a variety of massages (within walking distance).

[Bryggen’s famed UNESCO row houses date to the early 1700’s]

What’s in the Hood

As the property is right in the heart of the city center, you can walk to the main attractions, including Fløibanen (a funicular that soars to the top of town in six minutes), Old City, museums (Bergen Kunstall, Hanseatic Museum, Maritime Museum and others) as well as both Bergenhus Fortress and the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen.

[Stunning views from atop the city are easily accessible via the Fløibanen funicular system]

[Bergenhus Fortress]

From the hotel, it’s 12 km to Bergen’s international airport. Travel options include an airport bus, about 30 minutes to downtown and back to the airport. But there’s an even handier way to get to the airport.

Hotel No 13 is situated one block away from Bybanen, Bergen’s light rail system (45 minutes to the airport, including a few more stops – and more affordable at 40 NOK, approximately CAD $5 at the time of this writing). Taxis are also a (more expensive) option of course.

Opened in 2013, Hotel No 13, part of the Clarion Collection, is located at Torgalmenningen 13 in Bergen, Norway.

My stay was hosted by Hotel No 13 for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, remain my own.