Thinking of planning a city-getaway to Norway? With plenty to do in Stavanger and budget-friendly accommodation available such as Smart Hotel Forus, there’s no reason not to. Your search ends here for affordable accommodation in the city centre.
Hotel Name: Smart Hotel Forus
Star Rating: ***
Location: Luramyrveien 12, 4313 Sandnes
Rooms: 155 rooms
Top Tip: For breakfast, try out the natural yoghurt with mixed fruit, it’s delicious!
Smart Hotel Forus
If you’re wanting to visit Norway and take in the beautiful views, amazing attractions and incredible fjords, Stavanger is the perfect location. Smart Hotel Forus is situated not far from the city centre, a 14-minute taxi will get you there before you know it.
Whilst being a budget-friendly hotel, all rooms have everything needed for a comfortable and smart stay. Each and every room is equipped with a bathroom including shower, very (very) comfy beds, large pillows, work-desk, free WIFI and a flat-screen TV.
Other services available at the hotel include;
- Scandinavian breakfast and buffet dinners
- Free parking
- Free bicycle rentals (from June to September)
- Car rentals
- Late checkouts
Location:
Stavanger is well known for the incredible fjords and the popular Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen). With the beautiful city streets and attractions all close by, staying at Smart Hotel Forus gives you access to all major attractions within a short distance.
You’ll be able to relax and unwind in a quiet location with plenty of dining options nearby including Domino’s for those pizza lovers out there. The hotel is also situated right next to Kvadrat, Rogaland’s largest shopping mall with a total of 170 stores, 60 of which are clothes, shoes and fashion related.
After checking in at Smart Hotel Forus which was extremely simple and very quick, I proceeded to my room on the fourth floor, room 430. I was greeted with a very nice welcome gift which made the evening even better after a busy day at work and then, of course, the flight to Norway.
Due to the location of the hotel being situated a little out from the centre, you will be required to use transportation. The friendly and very helpful staff at Smart Hotel Forus are more than happy to help with booking a Taxi.
Smart Superior Room
For my visit to Stavanger, I stayed in the Smart Superior room at the hotel. This room accommodates up to two people with a 140cm queen-size mattress. After stepping into the room, whilst it was quite small, it certainly does have the basics for a comfortable weekend away. The hotel room consisted of the usual room facilities;
- Flat Screen TV
- Free WIFI
- Climate Control
- Minifridge
- Shower
The only thing that I was concerned with, just like any traveller would be, is that there was no safe in the room.
Other than that, I’m happy to report, the hotel came equipped with the basic needs for a short city break stay.
Dining at Smart Hotel Forus
The hotel offers both breakfast and dinner every-day of the week. For breakfast, it’s a Scandinavian buffet every day, Monday- Friday: 5.00 a.m. – 10.00 a.m and Saturday- Sunday: 6.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m.
The price of breakfast is 125 NOK, however, if you book directly with the hotel you will receive complimentary breakfast.
For dinner, it’s an evening buffet which is open from 5 p.m.- 9 p.m Monday-Thursday and on Sunday’s it’s a pizza buffet.
All facilities and services:
- Free WIFI
- Free Parking
- Car Rentals
- Free Bicycle Hires
- 24/7 Reception
- Free Late Checkouts
- Laundry
- Sporting Events
Pros:
- Quick and easy check-in and check-out
- Room included the basic needs for a budget hotel
- Beds were extremely comfy
- The hotel is located 10km from the city center of Stavanger, 4km from down town Sandnes and 10km from Sola airport
- Location is great, but will require transport to visit Stavanger
- Good choice of food for breakfast
- Free bicycle hire
- Free late checkout
Cons:
- No safe in the room
- Not many plug sockets available in the room (Usually one spare under the bed near the wall)
- WIFI can be a little slow when utilising in room
The wrap up:
If you’re looking to make the most of Stavanger, exploring the local attractions and not be situated directly in the centre with everything going on, then Smart Hotel Forus is the perfect hotel. With cheap accommodation, high quality, simplicity and comfort, you will be able to enjoy Stavanger on a budget and create memorable experiences. The staff at the hotel are very friendly and will do whatever they can to make your stay the best it can be.
Disclosure: My stay was hosted by Smart Hotel, but all views are my own and reflect my stay accurately.
Duration: 2 nights, Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th February 2018
