Miss HappyFeet: WAKING UP IN: Scandic Parken Hotel, Alesund, Norway

Scandic Hotel is the largest Nordic hotel operator. With such a high reputation in mind, I’ve set a high standard of my highly anticipated stay. From the moment I push the door of my superior room, the Scandic Parken hotel was destined to be one of my favorite properties in Norway.

BOOK SCANDIC PARKEN HOTEL, ALESUND NOW!

Checking In

As I made my way to the reception, the staff seemed to be expecting me. Yes, off course, since they’ve emailed me this morning to check on my arrival time. My room was ready and there waiting for me was a phenomenal view with a beautifully presented, freshly-cut welcoming fruits platter.

Love this sunset view at @parkenhotel after a quick hike up #Aksla, conveniently located behind the hotel! #scandicparken @visitalesund #alesund #visitalesund #visitnorway #sunset #fruitplatter

A post shared by Vivian Dominique Lee (@littlemisshappyfeet) on Jul 27, 2017 at 4:32am PDT

The Room

My room is a Superior room featuring all the amenities one would expect of a hotel of this caliber: bathrobes, hairdryer, kettle with coffee and tea, well-stocked minibar, and ample space to store our luggage. There is a bathtub in the sheer size bathroom with all the FACE Stockholm products available. For digital nomads, don't you worry because the free WiFi is strong throughout the property.

A hand-written welcome note was neatly laid out on the table with a refreshing plate of fresh fruits. The thoughtful welcoming treat was full of surprises especially the waffles coated with chocolate and popping candy. I startled as soon as I felt something popping against my teeth and soon enough, been told it was the popping sugar in action. Apart from that, there are also 2 packs of Face Stockholm’s lotions on the table, which is great against the strong wind in Scandinavia.

Dinner Experience at Brasserie Normandie

Dinner was indeed a highlight in the property’s restaurant, Brasserie Normandie, recognized as one of the best restaurant in Alesund. Just a look at our appetizer, we were already amazed. It is such a pleasure to see a restaurant putting their best effort to keep customers entertained by aesthetically satisfying plating on top of high-standard dishes. Having the chef’s choice dessert was the best way possible to end our indulgence. Right after our dessert was served, our waitress set our chocolate ball on pretty blue fire and the aroma of chocolate blew our minds as it melted…

The restaurant is located on the second floor featuring a huge glass window overlooking the Art Nouveau town of Alesund. With no compromise to quality, freshest ingredients of Sunnmøre region, excellence table-waiting service, not to forget the skills of the highly innovative chefs, it is no doubt, a splendid place to dine.

If you are down for a drink and perhaps a light meal, you are most welcomed to hang out at Galleri Flora on the ground floor.

Breakfast Experience

Starting as early as 7 am, breakfast here in Scandic never ever disappoints. No matter which diet you are following, Scandic nails it. Arranged invitingly, the lavish buffet spread at Scandic will impress even the most experienced buffet-foodie.
On top of the common favorites, the breakfast buffet at Scandic Parken boasts a full-fledged Nordic cuisine and an endless array of desserts, pastries, and fresh fruits. Also, the hotel made it a point to prepare several gluten- and lactose-free products so that our vegan or dairy-allergic friends wouldn’t miss out.

Eat healthy, live healthy. The buffet items at Scandic Parken are organic, certified by KRAV in Sweden and Debio in Norway. Don't miss their coffee as it is Fairtrade™ or UTZ Good Origin certified.
To gear your stomach to pile on more food, I highly recommend starting off with a small cup of homemade fruit-vegetable smoothies. These smoothies are rich in fibers and vitamins, hence they are not only delicious they are also very healthy.
The family sitting at the next table commented that they would happily return to Scandic Parken for their breakfast. I couldn't agree more. Obviously they are on top of the breakfast game!

Around and Inside the Hotel

We were disappointed at the fact that Scandic do not provide free parking space for their guests as the garage is managed by a private company (15 NOK per hour, 250 NOK per day). However, the staff was more than happy to provide some local tips on where and when to park for free.
It doesn't mean you have to skip training while you are on holidays! Guests are welcomed to hit the gym and use the sauna during their stay. For an extra spike of adrenaline, head to the back of the property and hike to the Fjellstua Viewpoint.
Comfortable beds, incredible views, top-notch breakfast experience, matched with the unbeatable location in front of Fjellstua Viewpoint, Sandic Parken is the hotel to stay for your next weekend getaway to Alesund. Believe me, after the 800+ (up and down) steps hike, you would be delighted to see the welcoming sight of your hotel right at the gate of the park.

BOOK SCANDIC PARKEN HOTEL, ALESUND NOW!