Clarion Hotel® Ernst

Uninterested receptionists, room was not prepared (in spite late check in), breakfast was the most disappointing ever: chaotic, no service, freezing cold + bad smell in the restaurant, lack of food + low quality, terrible coffee. In spite of pandemic; I expect much more from Clarion. We didn’t feel welcome, it wasn’t worth it.

I have to admit how surprised I was when I arrived at the hotel. The pictures on here and on their website make it look wonderful. The lobby was uninviting and bland with weird mis-matched decor. There is a small area off the lobby with bathroom items for sale... all of which were VERY dusty. There was a "dj music cart" parked off in the corner.... that just didn't feel right in an "upscale hotel". We stayed during weekend and there was never any music. We booked a "family room".... and have stayed in MANY family rooms in other hotels.... this room was barely large enough to sleep two people comfortably! Kids bunk-beds crammed into a corner, barely enough room to walk around the bed, etc... The room was so hot that we had to keep the window open at all times. And unfortunately, the window would barely open. The bathroom was tired and in need of a redo. Paint peeling on door frame, holes in tile around the vanity, sink overflow drain wasn't connected a drain, so water would just pour out onto the floor. A positive note, the staff was very kind and welcoming and the hotel location is good. When we visit Kristiansand again, we won't be staying here. For the $, there are nicer options.

Comfortable big beds single beds and comfortable bunk beds perfect for 4 people. I love the big pillows. Nice clean bathroom with bathtub with Ritual (brand name) soaps, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. Delicious breakfast with lots of choices. Clean, modern and practical room. Great location in the middle of Kristiansand, close to café, restaurants, shops etc.

The clerk checking us in was snotty, one of the corona symptoms - which made us a bit nervous. The hotel is stylish, but a bit rough around the edges. Only two electricity sockets in my room, and also near the ground and away from my bed so charging your phones and watches is a problem. The shower is inside a bath tub. Getting in and out feels like a Acrobat act.. and the shower heads highest position was somewhere around eye level.. so showering is quite uncomfortable. Bath tubs are not hygienic; I’d rather see a nice rain shower like most modern hotels. Breakfast was okay, and they try to make distinctive small dishes which were very welcome. So: extra sockets, usb power near the bed, remove the bath tubs and this hotel will be up te date.

Nice hotel with a central location in lovely Kristiansand. Nice room with good beds. The breakfast was good with plenty of choices. Everything was clean and the covid-19 situation was well taken care of.