Hotel 1904, Ålesund

Hotel 1904 is a centrally located hotel in Ålesund, Norway, and is widely recognised as the city’s oldest hotel. It opened in 1904, the same year as a major fire that destroyed large parts of Ålesund’s wooden buildings. The hotel was established during the city’s reconstruction period and has remained in continuous operation since its opening. Its location on Løvenvoldgata places it in the historic city centre, surrounded by Art Nouveau architecture that defines Ålesund’s identity.

The construction of Hotel 1904 was part of the broader redevelopment of Ålesund following the fire of January 1904, which left thousands of residents without homes and reshaped the city’s future. During the rebuilding process, Ålesund adopted the Art Nouveau style, influenced by architectural movements from continental Europe. The hotel reflects this period in its exterior design and overall structure, aligning with the surrounding streetscape. While the building retains its historical framework, the interior has been updated over time to meet modern standards for safety, comfort, and operation.

Norway is one of my favourite countries in the world, and I arrived in Ålesund very excited to experience the town. Hotel 1904 has a high Booking.com guest satisfaction score of 9.0, which is impressive and a good first argument for recommending the hotel.

The hotel has a total of 71 guest rooms. Because of the building’s age and original layout, room sizes and configurations vary. There is no standardized floor plan, and this results in differences between rooms even within the same category. The hotel offers standard rooms, superior rooms, deluxe rooms, and junior suites. All rooms include private bathrooms, beds suitable for both short and longer stays, desks or work surfaces, storage space, and wireless internet access. The interior design is functional and restrained, avoiding decorative elements that would compete with the building’s historical character.

Some rooms are more spacious and have higher ceilings, while others are more compact, reflecting the original structure of the building. Windows, ceiling height, and layout differ from room to room. The hotel positions itself as a quality city hotel rather than a luxury property, focusing on reliability, comfort, and location rather than extensive amenities.

Hotel 1904 operates without large-scale leisure facilities such as a spa, swimming pool, or fitness center. Its services are focused on accommodation, food, ervice, and guest support. The reception area serves as the main point of contact for guests and provides assistance with check-in, local information, and practical travel needs. Upon arrival, I met Renate which delivered great, professional service and the same can be said about the other staff members I interacted with during my stay.

An important part of the hotel’s operation is Green Garden, the on-site café and restaurant located in a courtyard behind the main building. Green Garden serves breakfast daily and is open for lunch and beverages throughout the day. It is accessible both from inside the hotel and directly from the street, which has made it a regular meeting place for local residents as well as hotel guests. The courtyard provides outdoor seating during warmer months and offers a relatively quiet environment despite the hotel’s central location.

The food offering at Green Garden included seafood, reflecting Ålesund’s coastal location and fishing heritage. Breakfast typically includes bread, spreads, cold cuts, eggs, fruit, and hot beverages. The café also serves coffee throughout the day and is used by guests and locals as an informal workspace or meeting place.

The hotel’s location allows easy access to many of Ålesund’s main attractions. Museums, cultural venues, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance, as is the harbor area with ferry connections and sightseeing departures. The Art Nouveau Centre and Ålesund Museum are located nearby. The staircase leading up to Aksla mountain, which offers panoramic views of the city, surrounding islands, and fjords, can also be reached on foot from the hotel.

Public transportation options, including bus routes and taxi services, are readily available in the immediate area. Ålesund Airport, Vigra, is located approximately 20 kilometers from the city center and can be reached by airport bus or taxi. The hotel’s central position makes it suitable for travellers who prefer to explore the city without relying on a car.

Hotel 1904 attracts a mixed group of guests, including leisure travellers, business visitors, and those attending events in Ålesund. Due to its size and layout, it does not cater to large tour groups or conference events. Instead, it is commonly chosen by guests seeking a centrally located hotel with a moderate scale and a quieter atmosphere.

Guest feedback often highlights the hotel’s location, cleanliness, and breakfast offering. Room comfort is generally described as consistent and functional, with the building’s age influencing room dimensions and layout. This is usually communicated as part of the hotel’s character rather than as a drawback. The presence of Green Garden as an active café is frequently noted as a positive aspect of the stay. I didn’t eat there, but it has a 4.6 score out of 5 on Google list time I checked.

More than a century after opening, Hotel 1904 continues to operate as an active part of Ålesund’s city center. Rather than functioning as a heritage attraction, it remains a working hotel that supports local activity and urban life.