10 Best Hotels in Southern Norway, Norway

Scenic views over the waterfront and marina are just one advantage of this centrally located hotel, named for the Norwegian International Film Festival (held in Haugesund), hence the film-named rooms. The other advantages are friendly service, spacious rooms with hardwood floors, modern decor, and comfy beds. You also get breakfast, afternoon treats, and dinner as a part of your stay.

Right on the harbor, this historic hotel (established in 1873) with a red-tile roof and white clapboard exterior has some of the best views in Lillesand. The sea-inspired guest rooms are classic yet modern, and no two are exactly alike. The common areas have the charm of a bygone era, especially the handsome library. The restaurant serves delicious seafood dishes. 

Built in 1900, Stavanger's oldest hotel retains both a modern and a Victorian style accented by antique furniture in every room. Stavanger's museums, Old Stavanger, and shopping hot spots are all within short walking distance. Ask for a room overlooking the harbor. You can explore the city with the hotel's retro-style bikes.

Centrally located and close to the city beach and main shopping area, this traditional city hotel opened in 1858. The staff at the reception desk will gladly tell you about local attractions and help you purchase tickets to attractions. Ask for one of the quiet rooms if you're there on a weekend.

This downtown business hotel has a contemporary design, and many visitors have named this their favorite hotel in town. The light simple interior is punctuated by the clean lines of Philippe Starck lamps, Erik Jørgensen chairs, and vibrant paintings by famed local artist Kjell Pahr Iversen. Take in the amazing city views from the Espier Skybar. The fitness facilities are on the same floor, so you can run with a view.

This maritime hotel has the sea at close quarters, a magnificent view of the fjord, and an award-winning breakfast. Splashes of brilliant blue in the well-appointed guest rooms make the hotel cheerful and bright.

Designed to appeal to children of all ages and appropriately located near Dyreparken i Kristiansand, this modern hotel was renovated in 2023 to focus more on the safari theme, and got more family suites and more balconies that will get you close to the animals. There are also several other options close to and inside the Dyreparken i Kristiansand: Juliusskogen, Dyreparken Safaricamp, Kardemomme By, and the pirate hotel, Abra Havn. 

A symbol of Stavanger, this classic hotel's white wooden wharf houses are common subjects for city postcards and photographs, and it has a well-deserved reputation for superb service. The blue-accented, wood-beam rooms tend to have somewhat irregular shapes, and only half the rooms face the harbor (the other half face the street). 

In the heart of downtown, the Radisson Blu Atlantic—one of Stavanger's largest hotels—overlooks Breiavatnet Pond. An iconic landmark that was completely renovated some years ago, it's still classic and modern at the same time. Enjoy a meal and a creative drink at Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar.

The modern, centrally located Scandic Haugesund—on the town's picturesque harbor near shopping, restaurants, and nightlife—meets all the criteria for a pleasant stay. Rooms have a pleasing streamlined decor, with hardwood floors and spotless modern bathrooms. The gym and in-hotel bar are nice pluses, as is the restaurant.