Radisson Blu Hotel Tromso

An entry from Norway - Aurora Cruise journal, by Helen Tanhaie

Arrival date:

11/02/2013

Departure date:

12/02/2013

Type:

Hotel

Rating:

Room number:

649

Telephone:

+47 77 60 00 00

Fax:

+47 77 68 54 74

Email:

sales.tromso@radissonblu.com

Website:

http://www.radissonblu.com/hotel-tromso

Journal timeline Journal articles

About the accomodation

A conveniently located business style hotel right next to the Hurtigruten Quay and very close to the main high street and city centre. The hotel is modern looking suitable for business visitors with all the usual facilities you would expect from a Radisson Blu without being too ostentatious

Bar and restaurant

There is only one main restaurant and bar in this hotel, although they advertise a Pizzeria (Yonas Pizzeria) and a Pub (Rorbua Pub) which are in fact attached next door and more open to the general public and hotel alike. However, within the hotel there is a main restaurant (restaurant Aurora) which serves the buffet breakfast in the morning and dinner in the evening. There is also a non descript lobby bar, which by virtue of its hidden location in a large corner of the lobby, is generally closed or empty.

The morning buffet is a typical business style fare with something for everyone, covering both local Norwegian fish, hot English breakfast and continental breakfast items. Generally, the buffet is very busy with the usual cruise making their stopover and all running to a firm timetable so their a heavy peak periods in the morning when it is best to let the crowds make their way through before you start a more slower morning. The breakfast is included in the room rate so it is good value.

In the evening the restaurant tries to promote as much Norwegian dishes as possible as part of their Norwegian Food Project but they also have the usual international dishes on the menu if you are not so enamoured with fish or reindeer! However, be ready to be shocked by the prices but this is Norway so you will be expecting this in any case.

Service

The reception staff are relatively efficient and polite but not particularly ready to go beyond. I feel this might be a very typical Norwegian character, firm and hard but at the same time efficient. I guess it comes from the harsh climate or even their Viking ancestry.

Building and facilites

The external architecture of the building is very modern with exposed metal girders and large glass windows; very unlike the old style charismatic wooden buildings which are seen throughout the town centre. Hence, you can easily forget that you are in an Arctic town but then that is what you expect when you book into an international hotel chain. The building is in fact two separate buildings linked by a corridor bridge on the second floor. The building itself is not very distinctive and is almost hidden among the other commercial buildings on the Hurtigruten Quay and its logo is difficult to find unless you are standing at strategic locations of the surrounding road. The building and it internal décor do not entice you hang around inside too long which is just as well as Tromso has so much to offer it is best to check in dump the bags and get out and explore.

The hotel has a fabulous fitness centre right on the top floor with views over Tromso. This includes a gym where you can sweat away in front of the view of the Arctic Cathedral which is spectacular both during the day or night in the winter with snow covered mountains in the background. Really gets the adrenaline going. There is also the typical Norwegian Sauna and a Solarium.

The rooms all include a TV, hairdryer, mini bar and a kettle with tea and coffee. Be warned though the water is expensive but the tap water seems to be safe, well a least it did me no harm! Apparently all the Norwegians drink their tap water so given the price….

There is also free internet WiFi in the rooms and elsewhere in the hotel. The hotel also offers optional excursions including; Alpine skiing, Cross-country skiing, Dog sledding, Golf, Hiking tours, Ice fishing, Ice skating, Sea rafting, Snowmobiling and Whale watching to name but a few.

Your room

The rooms are of reasonable size for sleeping and getting ready to go out with a very modern décor which includes wooden flooring and laminated modern furniture. The bedcovers and cushions are in prime colours with few patterns to excite the eyes. Everything is functional but there is no sign of Norway in this room unless you look out of the window.