Many things come together to make an unforgettable vacation, but the hotels you stay at are among the most important. They are your home away from home, the places where you rest, relax, and recharge between adventures.
At Discover Scandinavia Tours, we have hand-selected hotels that provide an authentic Scandinavian experience while maintaining the luxuries you desire on an upscale vacation. As a US-based company that specializes in luxury Scandinavia tour packages, we know exactly what North American travelers appreciate while on the road, and we know where to find it.
Whether you seek a one-of-a-kind adventure or simply an escape to spend more time with loved ones in Scandinavia, our curated selection of hotels will enhance your trip as you make memories to last a lifetime.
But what can you expect from the hotels in Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden? Scroll down to find out more. And if any questions come to mind as you read, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What to Expect from Hotels in Scandinavia
As with any destination, Scandinavia has a broad spectrum of hotel options, from gorgeous heritage buildings to those carved out of ice! And, of course, we’re talking about multiple countries here, each with its own quirks and customs. But when it comes to hotels, there are plenty of commonalities across the board.
Throughout Scandinavia, you will see a clean, modern, and functional style, from the interior design of each hotel to the efficiency of the property management. Like many other European countries, most Scandinavians speak English, and a hotel’s front desk is no exception, helping to provide a seamless travel experience.
Like hotels in the United States, check-in takes place in the afternoon, and check-out is by noon. It is often possible to request an early check-in or late departure, though not guaranteed.
Other amenities include Wi-Fi (usually free, but not always), fitness centers, and laundry services. Some unique amenities commonly offered in Scandinavia include bike rentals and babysitting services.
Many travelers are eager to discover the local cuisine when they travel. Hotels in Scandinavia will not leave you disappointed. Discover Scandinavia Tours ensures that each hotel we work with includes breakfast for our guests.
Many hotels also have a restaurant or bar in the lobby, though some smaller properties might not have space. If that is the case, the concierge will direct you to local offerings. Some hotels with restaurants will provide a global selection of food. In contrast, others will have Scandinavian cuisine, such as the Brasserie du Sud restaurant in the Continental du Sud hotel (Ystad, Sweden), offering traditional Swedish dishes.
It’s not the norm for hotels in Scandinavia to have a porter to carry your luggage, so don’t expect this. Of course, you can ask for help, and staff will be happy to assist, but you may need to wait during busy periods.
Tipping at Scandinavian Hotels and Their Restaurants
Tipping service workers at hotels is not something that happens in Scandinavia. You also don’t need to tip for breakfast at the hotel restaurant. If your accommodation provides dinner and you feel the service was outstanding, feel free to round up the final bill.
Read our blog about tipping etiquette in Scandinavia for a closer look at this subject.
What to Expect from Rooms in Scandinavian Hotels
Rooms in Scandinavian hotels are typically smaller than those in the United States, especially those in capital cities, though larger rooms may be available as an upgrade. As such, there may be less storage space than you’re used to.
Bed sizes are also different in Europe, with a double (equivalent to a full) the standard size. It is common to adjunct two single (or twin) beds to make a double. Rather than Queen or King rooms, you can usually book single, double, triple, or family rooms at Scandinavian hotels.
When traveling with a friend, remember to request twin beds in a double room since double usually refers to the size of the bed rather than two separate beds. A family room is usually a larger double room with an extra single bed or a sleeper sofa, suitable for children.
Will this be your first trip to the Nordic region? Be sure to read our Guide to Scandinavia for First-Time Travelers when you have finished here for even more valuable tips and insights!
Scandinavian Hotel Room Features
After navigating the single, double, or triple room sizes at Scandinavian hotels, you will find that most room features are similar to hotels elsewhere. Rooms typically have hairdryers, irons, and a minibar. Some will have a shower or bath, but it is less common to have both. The smaller the room, the more likely it is to only have a shower.
Air Conditioning in Scandinavian Hotels
Depending on the time of year you travel, you might want to consider whether the hotel has air conditioning. Given the northern latitudes and the age of some of the buildings, some hotels have no air conditioning at all. However, others have installed systems in recent years.
Check out our blog about summer in Scandinavia to discover more about visiting the Nordic countries at this mesmerizing time of year.
Do Scandinavian Hotels Have Blackout Curtains?
If you are traveling in Scandinavia during the summer, you will notice that the days are long. If you are north of the Arctic Circle around the solstice, the sun won’t even set! Some hotels combat this with blackout curtains, but they are by no means ubiquitous. If you have trouble sleeping without complete darkness, we recommend bringing a sleeping mask just in case.
Read our blog Best Times to Travel to Scandinavia to find out more about what to expect throughout the year in the Nordic region as the seasons change.
Our Luxury Scandinavia Tours Make Travel Easy
Now you know what to expect from hotels in Scandinavia, it’s time to start planning your vacation! Browsing our luxury Scandinavia tour packages is the perfect place to start.
Discover Scandinavia Tours will be ready to accommodate you in the best hotels to fit your adventure. The hotels we partner with are in central locations, near major attractions and dining, with modern conveniences that provide a tranquil escape after a day of sightseeing. Some of the hotels are historical, giving you a glimpse of Scandinavian culture and history.
The Continental du Sud, located in Ystad, has hosted celebrities and tourists for the last 200 years as Sweden’s oldest hotel. Finland’s Park Hotel in Turku stands out for its Art Nouveau architecture and has served guests since 1902. The Britannia Hotel in Trondheim is one of the most luxurious hotels in Norway and is featured in our Stories of Norway escorted group tour.
If you have any questions about our tours or the hotels we have chosen, please feel free to contact us.
