Walaker Hotel
Two Michelin Keys
Hotel Details
Location
Walaker Hotel · Solvorn, Norway
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Expert Review: Walaker Hotel
Walaker Hotel, nestled in the picturesque village of Solvorn, Norway, stands as a beacon of Norwegian heritage and hospitality. As Norway's oldest family-run hotel, with a history dating back to 1640 and managed by the Nitter family for nine generations, it has earned a prestigious Two Michelin Keys distinction, signifying an exceptional stay.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The overall sentiment for Walaker Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, consistently receiving exceptional ratings from guests. It boasts a "Wonderful" rating of 9.4 out of 10 on Booking.com, a 9.8 out of 10 on Hotels.com, and an impressive 19.7 out of 20 on the Michelin Guide's own guest score scale. Guests frequently describe their stays as "perfect," "wonderful," "special," and "memorable," highlighting the unique blend of history, charm, and outstanding service.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud Walaker Hotel for its profound sense of history, charming atmosphere, and idyllic location directly on the Lustrafjord. The exceptional staff and delectable dining experiences are frequently cited as major highlights. The hotel's romantic garden, offering serene views, is also a much-loved feature. Additionally, the availability of free bicycles and kayaks allows guests to immerse themselves in the surrounding natural beauty. The hotel also features an art gallery, celebrating its centuries of history.
3. Room Quality
Walaker Hotel offers a variety of rooms across its four distinct buildings, with designs reflecting different eras, from antique styles in the oldest sections (Tingstova, dating back to the 1630s) to more modernist touches in the 1960s and 70s additions. The historic rooms are characterized by their old-world charm, featuring antique furniture, high ceilings, and decorative curtains. While comfort is a priority, guests seeking historic charm are advised to choose rooms in the main building over those in the newer annex. Some guests have noted that historic rooms may lack certain modern amenities like a TV, air conditioning, or a fridge.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at Walaker Hotel is a significant draw. The restaurant serves an elegant and often formal four-course set-menu dinner each evening, emphasizing exquisite dishes made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, some from the hotel's own garden. This dinner is highly praised and reservations are recommended. The breakfast buffet is equally celebrated, described as "scrumptious" and "fantastic," featuring a delightful array of local products, including homemade cheese, fruit juices, and jams. Afternoon tea is also provided for guests.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at Walaker Hotel consistently receive rave reviews, with guests frequently describing them as "exceptional," "friendly," "helpful," "attentive," and going "above and beyond." The ninth-generation family ownership contributes to a deeply personal and warm hospitality, creating an atmosphere where guests feel truly cared for. The pride of ownership is clearly evident in every detail.
6. Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location in Solvorn village, on the tranquil Lustrafjord (an arm of the Sognefjord), is a key highlight, often described as picturesque and idyllic. Solvorn is a small, quiet village, serving as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Sognefjord region. Attractions include the UNESCO-listed Urnes Stave Church, accessible via a scenic 30-minute ferry ride, as well as opportunities for hiking, kayaking, cycling, and visiting the Jostedalsbreen Glacier. The hotel also offers free on-site parking and EV charging stations.
7. Value & Pricing
While the Walaker Hotel offers a unique and memorable experience, some guests consider it to be on the pricier side, with rooms starting from around $251. However, many believe the exceptional quality, historic charm, outstanding service, and exquisite dining justify the cost, deeming it "worth the splurge." Booking.com rates the "Value for money" at 8.4 out of 10.
8. Common Complaints
Recurring criticisms are few but include the observation that some of the historic rooms lack modern amenities such as televisions, air conditioning, mini-fridges, or in-room coffee and tea facilities. One guest felt the dinner portions might not be sufficient for very active individuals and described the dinner atmosphere as a bit "stiff." Additionally, the price of drinks, such as beer and cider, has been noted as very expensive by some guests. The free Wi-Fi receives a slightly lower rating of 7.5 out of 10, which could suggest occasional inconsistencies in performance. Guests seeking a more contemporary feel might find the newer annex rooms less charming than the historic main building.
Sources
Google Reviews
329 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Erin Devine
I would suggest staying at a room in the original hotel. We booked a superior room understanding it was in a different building, but the quality of the room itself did not match the rest of the property. The extra space is really what you pay for and you get an indoor and outdoor seating area, however the outdoor view is of the parking lot and ferry. You do have access to the main grounds if you w...
Response from the owner
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. We are truly sorry to hear that your experience in our superior room did not meet your expectations. A 3-star review is far from our stand...
Ahmed Al-Quraish
Staying at The Walaker Hotel feels like stepping into living history while being treated like royalty. The richness of culture and attention to detail here are beyond description. Every corner of the historical building carries a sense of timeless beauty, from the architecture to the carefully curated aesthetics. The hospitality is unmatched — warm, genuine, and refined — making you feel not like...
Brian McMillin
The four-course dinner at the Walaker Hotell in Solovrn yielded our absolute favorite meal of our two-week trip to Scandinavia. It was easy to reserve our spot with an email. The service was impeccable and each course served was exquisite, from the celeriac soup to the honey creme brûlée.
Response from the owner
Dear Brian,<br><br>Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We are happy to know that your dinner at Walaker Hotel was a highlight of your trip and that both the food and service made a lasting ...
Akhil P
The Walaker is a beautiful hotel with wonderful staff in the most pristine scenery found in Norway. The morning breakfast was amazing (the waffles and local honey are to die for). We did have a small hiccup with one of our rooms bathroom, but the owner Ole was incredibly prompt and on top of the issue , making our stay that much more pleasant. Would highly recommend this hotel if you want a peacef...
Response from the owner
Dear Akhil, <br><br>Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the stunning surroundings and our breakfast, especially the waffles and local honey. We...
Sarah Giles
A Amazing place to visit. The oldest hotel in Norway. And across the water is the oldest church in Norway. The food here is 5 🌟
Mike Shafique
We stayed at the Walaker earlier this month and had a wonderful experience. Julianne was an amazing hostess. The hotel and food was excellent, and the fjord was simply stunning. I recommend this 110% to anyone thinking and staying.
Response from the owner
Dear Mike Shafique,<br><br>Thank you for the kind recommendation! We're happy to know you had a great experience and that both our team and surroundings left a strong impression. We hope your memories...
About Two Michelin Keys
Two Michelin Keys recognize hotels that provide an excellent stay experience. These properties stand out for their remarkable quality, distinctive character, and superior service that goes above and beyond expectations.
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