Brosundet Hotel
The elegant and peaceful Brosundet Hotel is located on the channel of the same name in the historic centre of Alesund. The Art Nouveau building was once a waterfront warehouse for storing and treating the catch of the fishing fleet on which the town's wealth was built, but don't worry, there's not a whiff of fish since the complete refurbishment.
The 46 rooms and suites were designed by well known Norwegian architects Snøhetta, who were also responsible for the Oslo Opera House, and no two of the rooms are the same. There are plenty of exposed beams around, and the bathrooms are contemporary with glass walls.
Appropriately enough, given the hotel's fishy forbears, the Brosundet features one of Norway's finest fish restaurants, Maki, in a lovely bright room right on the water. There is also an atmospheric bar with exposed brickwork walls just off a lobby full of comfy cushions and tealights.
There is a row of bikes for guests' use parked outside the hotel, which is perfectly located for exploration of the historic centre of Alesund, redesigned in Art Nouveau style following a fire in 1904 that destroyed the city. This is the ideal place from which to explore the fjords, and we recommend climbing the 418 steps up nearby Mount Aksla for a beautiful view of the fjordland scenery around the city.
Why We Love It
The hotel has 46 rooms, with 'Room 47' located in nearby Molja lighthouse at the entrance to Ålesund harbour.
Union Oye
Few hotels have a roll call of distinguished guests to match that at the Hotel Union Oye. Since 1891 the great and the good have stayed in this historic hotel in the heart of the Fjords, with each room now dedicated to one of the most famous guests, and themed accordingly.
There are 27 rooms in total, with some of the more colourful characters paid tribute to including Kaiser Wilhelm, Arthur Conan Doyle, Edvard Greig and Roald Amundsen.
If you can drag yourself away from the fascinating and antiquity filled rooms then you can enjoy delicious meals - including occasional five course dinners - served in the Sun Lounge and using local and seasonal ingredients.
Away from the hotel there are a number of walks, bike trails and drives around the breath-takingly beautiful local fjord scenery, past waterfalls and all with soaring peaks as a constant backdrop. Kayaking in the fjord is another serene way to take in the scenery.
Why We Love It
Every room is dedicated to a famous former guest, with antique interiors to match, and at least one item once owned by the person in question in each room.