Eilert Smith Hotel

The Eilert Smith Hotel in Stavanger, Norway, a Michelin Key One-Keys property, consistently receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, often described as an exceptional and memorable stay for its blend of luxurious comfort, thoughtful design, and unparalleled hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Eilert Smith Hotel is exceptional, with guests frequently rating it highly, often 4.9 to 5.0 out of 5 on various platforms. Reviewers consistently describe their stays as "perfection in Stavanger" and "absolutely amazing," highlighting a sentiment of profound satisfaction and often declaring it the best hotel experience of their lifetime.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several key aspects of the Eilert Smith Hotel. The incredibly attentive and personalized service stands out, making guests feel exceptionally cared for. The hotel's distinctive Nordic-chic and modernist design, housed in a converted 1930s functionalist building, is a major draw. The complimentary minibar, often including a welcome bottle of wine and handwritten notes, is a much-appreciated touch. Furthermore, the presence of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant RE-NAA on the premises is a significant highlight, establishing the hotel as a culinary destination. Its central yet quiet location also receives high marks.

3. Room Quality

The 12 individually designed rooms and suites are a testament to quality and comfort. They feature a chic, understated Nordic design with fresh white tones and warm wooden accents. Many rooms include personal kitchens or kitchenettes, equipped with Nespresso machines, electric kettles, and premium teas. Guests rave about the high-quality materials, premium bedding, and pillowtop mattresses that ensure a restful sleep. The high-tech, spa-like bathrooms are well-appointed with heated floors, heated toilet seats with bidets, hydromassage showerheads, and designer Malin + Goetz bath products. Thoughtful details such as free snacks and chocolates, books about Norway, and even funny board games further enhance the in-room experience.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Eilert Smith Hotel is a significant draw, largely due to RE-NAA, the on-site three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef Sven Erik Renaa's cuisine focuses on natural, local, and organic produce, offering inventive menus inspired by the surrounding Rogaland region, including seafood, local vegetables, and wild game. Guests can indulge in renowned 22-course dinners with available wine pairings. Breakfast is a highlight, described as delicious and "crazy good," with a "Nordic breakfast" option particularly praised. It is made-to-order and served in the room, focusing on quality, local raw ingredients, cold cuts, eggs, fresh produce, and house-roasted coffee, with bread and pastries from RE-NAA's own bakery.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Eilert Smith Hotel are consistently lauded as exceptional and a major differentiator. Guests report staff being "incredibly attentive," "professional," and "friendly," often going "above and beyond" to ensure a perfect stay. Personal touches, such as handwritten welcome notes, complimentary wine, and remembering guest preferences (e.g., providing alternatives for pregnant guests), are frequently mentioned. Staff members, including manager Stina and other team members like Hanne, Tone, and Johanna, are noted for their personalized assistance with recommendations, arrangements, and even itinerary planning. This dedication creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel "very taken care of" and "at home."

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a central location in Stavanger, nestled between old wooden houses and modern buildings, offering a quiet yet accessible base. It is within easy walking distance of Stavanger's main cultural attractions, city life, shops, restaurants, and notable wine bars, including Øvre Holmegate, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, Valberg Tower, and Roots of the Vikings. Stavanger Station is approximately a 10-minute walk away. For those exploring further afield, the hotel team is available to help arrange transport and tours, such as helicopter trips or yacht rides across Lysefjorden, and city tours. Stavanger Airport (Sola) is about 15 kilometers away, with private transfers and taxis available.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury boutique hotel with Michelin Key recognition and a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, the Eilert Smith Hotel is positioned at the higher end of the market. Prices for a one-night stay for two adults were quoted around $594.49 as of January 28, 2026. While this is a premium price, guests often feel it is well worth the cost due to the exceptional service, high-quality amenities, bespoke experiences, and complimentary offerings like the minibar and in-room breakfast. On-site parking is available for NOK 500 per day.

8. Common Complaints

Explicit recurring complaints are scarce, reflecting the hotel's high guest satisfaction. Some minor observations, rather than complaints, include the acknowledgment that the hotel might not offer the "most amenities or even the best views" compared to some larger establishments, though this is consistently outweighed by the superior service and room quality. The limited number of rooms (12) means availability can be tight. Additionally, while RE-NAA is on-site, it is a separate entity requiring advance reservations, sometimes up to three months ahead, and bookings are not handled by the hotel directly. One reviewer noted that a large suite, Eilert's Residence, despite its size, has a "subdued" interior in terms of details and palette.

Sources

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