Scandinavian Service

Practical information about Scandinavian and Icelandic Hotels

• Hotel rooms in the Nordic Region are normally furnished with twin beds, which can be moved together to form a double bed or placed separately. Please note that single rooms are generally smaller than doubles, and are often equipped with a shower instead of a bath. Purpose-built triple or family rooms are likewise unusual in Scandinavian hotels. Whilst it is possible for 3 persons to share a room, this will normally be a double room with an extra bed, with correspondingly less space to move about in.

• Likewise, it is common European practise that when a room offers a queen bed plus a queen sofa bed, that we assume 4 people can be accommodated in that room. We have found some travelers feel this sofa bed cannot accommodate two people so please ask us to arrange a roll away bed beforehand or a different option if you feel it might be an issue.

• It is also unusual to have a porter at hotels to carry your luggage.
• There is free Wi-Fi in many hotels in Scandinavia and Iceland. In the larger cities, this should be reliable and fast so don't hesitate to ask the reception if there is a problem.
• Unexpectedly, all forms of Scandinavian accommodation rarely provide tea and coffee facilities in their rooms. If you are lucky, a kettle will be supplied but nothing else. Please ask at reception for some provisions when you arrive or just carry a small selection from home. More often than not, our hotels offer free tea and coffee for guests in the reception (milk in a public fridge) or if you are lucky, afternoon tea or a drink before dinner might be provided.
• On the same note, often you will not find amenities such as soap, shampoo and conditioner in cabins or if they are there, they will be in containers stuck to the wall. Even hair dryers sometimes aren't there! Sometimes water glasses are even missing. Just ask at reception and they will happily provide you what you need.
• Scandinavian hotels generally have dimmer, more ambient lighting.
• Hotel rooms in capital cities are often quite small due to being accommodated in original heritage buildings. Lots of extra storage space may not be available.
• During summer, the daylight hours stretch well into the evening and hotels often do not have black out curtains. Bring an eye mask with you if you are a light sleeper.
• Most hotels and lodges in Scandinavia have limited or no air conditioning. Some of the city hotels might have some rooms with air-conditioning that you can upgrade to if you are desperate.
• Please also note that in Scandinavia - in particular, during winter - the included lunch will often be a hearty warm soup with bread.
• More remote hotels in Lapland will offer dinner at an additional cost. In some spots, there will be limited choices elsewhere. Generally, you get a very nice home-cooked Scandinavian dinner. However, you may sometimes find only one or two choices only for your main course.
• In Scandinavia, it is normal for washing and laundry facilities to be in the basement. If you are staying in apartment type accommodation, check downstairs or ask for assistance.

Budget surprises:
Scandinavia has a few items that typically surprise travellers when visiting Norway for the first time. Alcohol and luxury items are heavily taxed and therefore prices are higher than you would expect. Bring your razors, rather than buying them there as these are expensive as well. On the other hand, necessities such as bread and milk, are taxed low and therefore are great value. Breakfasts served in hotels are super filling, healthy and delicious. If you are planning to self-cater in Norway or Finland, please ask us for our grocery shopping guide.

A tipping guide to each region will be provided in your documents but generally it isn't expected to widely tip in Scandinavia.

When travelling with us you will have access to a 24-hour emergency number in Norway. Our Lillehammer office will look after you if anything arises during your trip that affects your travels or the enjoyment of your holiday. We will always be just a phone call away.