We hadn't planned to stay here, we had planned on a very early (0400) departure to drive from Geilo to Oslo Gardemoen at the end of a skiing trip. But the weather forecast was looking a bit unfavourable, so we thought it would be prudent to not risk the snow and ice, but break the back of the journey the night prior. Hønnefoss is a natural location; two hours plus from Geilo and within an hour of Gardemoen made it look like a good place to stop. Two things worth noting: firstly rates can be quite a bit cheaper than the Gardemoen airport hotel rates (plus airport hotels always seem to have more noise from fellow guests' late arrivals / early departures). Secondly, when checking ******* and ***********, both showed no availability. However, going to the Scandic website direct, we managed to book a family room, at short-notice, for NOK1895. Two adjacent rooms (ie, a family room), breakfast included, seemed to be pretty good value. Although we arrived just before 2200, the reception was manned and we received a warm welcome. Parking is a bit of a pain; we parked just over the road in front of the hotel, but it charges all through the night and is pretty expensive. Cheaper than a fine I guess, but still a bit alien to us Brits where parking charges tend not to be applied at night. Anyway, the reception area is bright and welcoming, with all you might expect to find with the Scandic brand. Plus a pool table and shuffleboard. The room was OK. Actually it was a bit tired, which does seem to be a bit if a Scandic Hønnefoss trend. But it was for one night, nine hours, so it did the job. Plus points: comfortable bed, nice lighting, warm, big TV, mini-fridge, and was quiet. Minus points: a bit small, other furniture and general decor a bit worn, and the mini-fridge had a glass door so we had an unwanted night light. We unplugged the mini fridge. Issue solved. Bathroom was fine, actually seemed to be modernised. Being a family room, had a mobile seat for the shower. Clean, lots of hot water and the standard Scandic toiletries. The smaller family room had its own sink unit. Breakfast was included, and is the standard Scandic breakfast, through perhaps not quite as 'rock-star' as those I've enjoyed at Scandic Gardemoen. Trondheim and Bodø (but it's smaller, and so I guess scaled appropriately). But is still very good, usual selection of cereals, fruit, yoghurt, cheese and meats, bread, pastries, hot dishes. And a waffle maker! So take away the slightly tired room furniture and decor, this was a great place to stop over and we would happily stay here again. There is also more to this hotel than we had the opportunity to discover on such a short stay.
