What is Hotel Union Øye?

Hotel Union Øye is a One Michelin Key hotel located in Norangsfjorden, Norway. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Hotel Union Øye have?

Hotel Union Øye has been awarded One Michelin Key by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Hotel Union Øye located?

Hotel Union Øye is located in Norangsfjorden, Norway, in the Europe region.

What makes a One Michelin Key hotel special?

One Michelin Key hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Hotel Union Øye?

You can view more details and booking information for Hotel Union Øye through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Hotel Union Øye | One Michelin Key in Norangsfjorden, Norway

Name: Hotel Union Øye
Address: Norangsfjorden, Europe, Norway
Rating: 4.5

Hotel Union Øye, a Michelin Key One-Key property nestled in Norway's breathtaking Norangsfjord, consistently earns high praise as an enchanting retreat that seamlessly blends historical grandeur with natural splendor.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Hotel Union Øye is widely regarded as an exceptional destination, not merely a place to stay, but an experience in itself. Guests describe it as a "romantic Fjord Palace" that transports them back in time, offering a unique sense of comfort and old-world luxury. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its distinct character and serene ambiance.

Key Highlights

Guests are particularly captivated by several aspects of Hotel Union Øye:

Location: Its unparalleled setting at the end of Norangsfjord, surrounded by the majestic Sunnmøre Alps, is a frequent highlight, offering dramatic views and direct access to nature.
Design & History: The hotel's Edwardian glamour and Norwegian traditional decor, combined with its rich history of hosting royalty, artists, and writers since 1891, create a palpable sense of lived-in grandeur. The original timber structure, carefully restored, features antique furniture and unique historical touches.
Service: The knowledgeable and passionate staff contribute significantly to the guest experience, offering exceptional hospitality and a personal touch.
Amenities & Activities: While intentionally lacking modern hotel amenities like gyms or indoor pools to maintain its historical integrity, the hotel offers a pontoon sauna with fjord views and readily arranges a wide array of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, cycling, and fishing. Unique touches like the "ring for champagne" bell in some suites add to the luxurious experience.

Room Quality

The hotel features 38 individually designed rooms, suites, and villas, each named after famous guests who have stayed there, including figures like Kaiser Wilhelm II and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Comfort & Design: Accommodations blend authenticity with comfort, offering cozy beds and thoughtful updates. Rooms in the main house evoke Edwardian grandeur with antique furniture and hand-stitched quilts. Newer suites in turf-roofed farmhouses offer a more minimalist, Nordic design, complete with modern comforts like underfloor heating, practical outlets, and excellent coffee machines.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms are often highlighted for their comfort and design, featuring heated floors and Penhaligon's amenities. Suites may include freestanding bathtubs or even the option to light a cozy fire.
Unique Features: Notably, older rooms intentionally omit televisions, telephones, and radios to enhance the "journey back in time" atmosphere, while garden suites offer modern conveniences. Unoccupied rooms are sometimes left open for guests to explore their unique designs.

Dining Experience

Hotel Union Øye offers a celebrated culinary experience, with dining focused on local, seasonal ingredients.

Conservatory: This fine dining restaurant presents a set menu that changes with the fjord, inspired by Norwegian tradition and using exceptional regional ingredients. The setting is described as steeped in history and bathed in light, with views of the fjord and gardens.
Historic Dining Room: Offering an à la carte menu for lunch and dinner with a brasserie concept, this historic hall has hosted many distinguished guests.
Palm Bar: A more casual option for drinks and snacks.
Breakfast: Served in the Conservatory or Historic Dining Room, breakfast is a highlight, featuring a cold buffet of local delicacies (cured meats, smoked salmon, artisanal cheeses) and a hot à la carte menu with dishes like eggs royale and traditional oatmeal. The hotel has received awards, including second place in the prestigious Twinings breakfast awards.
Evening Entertainment: Storytelling sessions by the fireplace after dinner, sharing local legends and ghost stories, are a cherished Norwegian tradition kept alive at the hotel.

Service & Staff

The service at Hotel Union Øye is consistently praised for its warmth, professionalism, and personal touch. Staff members are often locals, some having worked at the hotel for many years, possessing deep knowledge of the area and the hotel's history. They are eager to assist guests with planning activities, whether it's hiking, kayaking, or arranging special excursions. The hotel fosters an atmosphere where guests feel less like visitors and more like part of a small, welcoming community.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is a significant part of its allure. It is situated in the tiny, remote village of Øye, at the tranquil end of Norangsfjord, surrounded by the dramatic Sunnmøre Alps.

Neighborhood & Attractions: Øye itself is described as a fairytale village, with the hotel serving as the central point. The primary attractions are the majestic natural surroundings, offering unparalleled opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure right from the doorstep. Nearby, guests can explore the Norangsdalen Valley or take a half-hour drive to Hellesylt for views of Geirangerfjord.
Transport: The hotel is accessible by car, with free on-site parking and EV charging stations available. It can also be reached by boat from Ålesund, providing a scenic arrival along the fjords.

Value & Pricing

As a Michelin Key One-Key and Relais & Châteaux property, Hotel Union Øye is positioned as a luxury experience, and guests generally consider it to be well worth the cost for the unforgettable memories it provides. While pricing varies by room type and season, examples from guest reviews and booking sites indicate that a Classic Room starts around US$314, a Deluxe Room at US$410, and Junior Suites at US$613 per night. It is an investment in a unique blend of history, nature, and exceptional service.

Common Complaints

While overall reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some minor points have been noted:

Modern Amenities: Guests should be aware that, due to its historical nature, the hotel intentionally foregoes certain ultra-modern amenities such as dedicated gyms or large indoor swimming pools. However, this is framed as part of its charm, with the spectacular outdoors serving as the primary activity area, complemented by a floating fjord sauna.
Additional Charges: One guest advised checking bills carefully for potential extra charges.