Clarion Hotel Tyholmen

Clarion Hotel Tyholmen is a full-service city hotel located in the centre of Arendal, Norway, positioned directly on the waterfront in the Tyholmen neighbourhood. The hotel is part of the Strawberry Hotels portfolio, a group of independently operated properties that focus on quality accommodation, service, and contemporary design. Its central location places it within easy walking distance of Arendal’s harbour, shopping streets, cultural attractions, and transport connections, making it a practical base for both leisure and business travellers.

The hotel occupies a modern building completed in the early 2010s, designed with a focus on functionality, accessibility, and contemporary aesthetics. The architecture combines clean lines, large windows, and open public spaces, providing views across the marina, the harbour, and the surrounding islands that form part of Arendal’s coastal archipelago. While the building is modern, it is integrated into the historic Tyholmen area, known for its preserved wooden houses, maritime atmosphere, and local cafés. The design allows guests to experience the vibrancy of the waterfront while offering the comfort of a modern hotel.

Norway is one of my favourite countries in the world with its stunning nature and high quality of life. I arrived at the hotel excited and the service at the reception was really great. The room was beautifully and functionally designed. In my travels, I have learned comfort often is better at chain hotels than what some would call luxury hotels with a lot of material things. A chain hotel with good cleanliness and housekeeping standards is often better for me than some luxurious 5-star hotels.

Clarion Hotel Tyholmen has a substantial number of guest rooms spread over multiple floors, making it one of the larger hotels in Arendal. Room categories include standard rooms, superior rooms, business rooms, and suites. Many rooms feature views of the harbour or the surrounding city, which is particularly appealing to leisure visitors. The rooms are designed with contemporary interiors, neutral colour schemes, and practical furnishings, prioritising comfort and functionality over decorative flourish.

All rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, high-quality beds suitable for both short and extended stays, desks or workspaces, storage solutions, and high-speed wireless internet access. The interior design is consistent across the hotel, with materials chosen for durability and ease of maintenance. Sound insulation and climate control systems are designed to provide comfort for a high volume of guests, especially during peak seasons. Some rooms include seating areas or small balconies, enhancing the waterfront experience.

The hotel operates a full-service restaurant and bar that is open to both guests and the public. Breakfast is included in the room rate and is served daily in a spacious dining area. The breakfast buffet offers a broad selection of items. The arrangement is designed to accommodate both individual travellers and larger groups efficiently, reflecting the hotel’s capacity and operational focus.

In addition to breakfast, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner, featuring menus that combine Norwegian and international cuisine. Ingredients are selected with an emphasis on freshness and local sourcing where possible, particularly seafood and regional produce. The restaurant also functions as a social space, suitable for casual meals, small business meetings, or informal gatherings. The bar serves beverages and light meals throughout the day and evening, providing a communal area within the hotel for both guests and visitors.

Clarion Hotel Tyholmen includes conference and meeting facilities that cater to business events, seminars, and private gatherings. The hotel offers multiple meeting rooms of varying sizes, equipped with modern audiovisual equipment and flexible seating arrangements. The facilities are designed to accommodate both small and medium-sized groups and are frequently used by corporate clients, associations, and local organisations. The hotel’s capacity for business events makes it a key venue for Arendal’s professional and cultural community.

Common areas in the hotel include lounges, seating zones, and work-friendly spaces. These are designed to support informal meetings, relaxation, or individual work. The design aligns with the hotel’s overall contemporary style, combining practicality with a neutral, professional atmosphere. The hotel also features a modest fitness centre available to guests, equipped with basic cardio and strength equipment. While not extensive, it meets the expectations of visitors seeking minimal exercise facilities during their stay.

The hotel’s location provides convenient access to Arendal’s main attractions. The harbour promenade, Tyholmen’s historic streets, and central shopping areas are all within walking distance. Cultural venues, including local museums, galleries, and performance spaces, are also nearby. The waterfront setting offers opportunities for walking, cycling, and enjoying the maritime scenery. During the summer months, guests can also access boat trips and excursions in the surrounding archipelago, which is a key feature of Arendal tourism.

Transport connections near the hotel are efficient. Bus stops and taxi services are accessible from the hotel entrance. Arendal Airport, Gullknapp, is approximately 12 kilometres from the city centre and can be reached by taxi or private car. Parking is available in connection with the hotel or at nearby public facilities, which is a practical advantage in the central area.

Clarion Hotel Tyholmen attracts a diverse range of guests, including leisure travellers, business visitors, conference participants, and organised tour groups. Its large number of rooms, conference facilities, and central waterfront location make it suitable for individual travellers as well as larger groups. Its scale and operational model distinguish it from smaller boutique or family-run hotels in the city.

Guest feedback often highlights the hotel’s modern facilities, central location, views over the harbour, and breakfast offering. Rooms are described as clean, functional, and comfortable, while staff service is considered professional and approachable. Leisure visitors particularly appreciate the waterfront views and proximity to Arendal’s maritime attractions, while business guests value the meeting facilities and central location.

Overall, Clarion Hotel Tyholmen operates as a full-service hotel in Arendal, providing accommodation, dining, conference facilities, and easy access to the town’s cultural and maritime attractions. Its combination of contemporary design, operational capacity, and waterfront location makes it a central provider of hospitality in Arendal, supporting tourism, business travel, and regional events.