2_1_ScanMag_79_August_2015_Text.qxp_Scan Magazine 1 06/08/2015 16:46 Page 70
Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Norway
Hotel of the Month, Norway
A hotel that inspires fairytales – and top notch reviews Far into the Norwegian woods and forested hills you’ll find Kleivstua Hotel. Located only 45 minutes from Oslo, it is though it were taken out of a fairytale with the surrounding hills, forests and spectacular views. No wonder Norway's answer to the Brothers Grimm, Asbjørnsen and Moe were inspired… By Helene Toftner | Photos: Kleivstua Hotel
Kleivstua Hotel has been a tourist destination for centuries, emerging in 1845 as a hotel for people crossing the King’s Route from Oslo to Bergen. True to tradition, the hotel has continued to entertain guests crossing the important route through Norway, as well as establishing itself as a popular venue for meetings and special life events - weddings in particular. “People are mesmerised by the location, and come here to enjoy the complete calm offered by the hills and forests,” hotel manager Sjur Langslet says. While the hotel is fit for a fairy tale, it is only a 45-minute drive from Oslo, which caters to many city dwellers craving a tad of nature. “You will drive like
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a queen along the Queen’s Route to get here,” Langslet adds with a smile. Norway’s best on service Today the hotel consists of 18 houses, with 42 separate bedrooms. It is a popular venue for medium-sized conferences and meetings, as well as private parties and weddings. “On most occasions, the guests will have the hotel completely to themselves,” Langslet says, and adds that they are booked for weddings nearly every weekend of the year. “It gives the couple that added extra to their dream start.” While privacy is important, they also offer excellent skiing opportunities with the
lighted tracks starting literally outside their doorstep, and well-developed cycling routes surrounding the hotel. Kleivstua is surrounded by the county's finest viewpoints, only 1.5 kilometres away you will find the King's View, which is named after King Karl Johan, who visited Kleivstua in 1832. Beyond that, you will find the Queen's View from 1825 and Crown Prince View from 1992 only a few 100 metres away from the hotel. Add a top-notch kitchen, and you are on to a winner. Kleivstua Hotel is clearly appreciated by TripAdvisor’s users. In 2014, the hotel bagged the top place as Norway’s best hotel on service, and second place as Norway’s best hotel. Reviews recurrently read “fantastic view”, “brilliant service”, while one pleased guest names the place a pearl in the forest. “TripAdvisor reviews are the best kind of feedback, as they are completely independent and open for everyone