Funken Lodge

First of all, I would like to mention friendly, service-minded and helpful personnel of Funken. In many other places had plenty of chances to see polite, but completely useless stuff, while at Funken all our requests were immediately dealt with. Very nice ambience in the common areas and very impressive - for Arctic and for Scandinavia in general - wine-list in the restaurant. Rooms (and we had a Junior Suite) could use some improvement though. First of all, the windows are very old double glass only. No soundproofing whatsoever. We stayed 2 nights and first morning was absolutely quiet. On the 2nd one someone parked in front of our windows at 08:00 a.m. and people started to talk in front of the car. People do talk, don't they? If I wanted I could participate in the conversation not getting-up from the bed. Then despite it is Artcic, from time to time you still need to get some fresh air into the room. Very hard task with these windows. A receptionist couldn't help me and open one at all neither in the bedroom, nor in the living room. I finally managed to open one in the bedroom only on our departure day. We were staying in August and the room was very warm, sometimes even too warm. But I can hardly imagine how it would be possible to keep it that way in the winter time with windows like this. Or how much energy it should take. The bathroom could benefit from becoming a bit more functional. It isn't small at all, but there isn't anywhere where you can hang the towels or your clothes on or, for example, to hang your underwear, in case you washed it. Everything there was in the bathroom were 3 nail-type hooks - not much you can put on these. All the towels are being kept in the wardrobe in the corridor for the same reason. Also, for this high level of hotel and being in the Arctic on top of that, it was strange not to find an electric towel dryer in the bathroom as well. Finally, while we stayed, Funken didn't offer room cleaning - even at request. Due to covid restrictions as explained. This is not news and not the first time that I see it in the hotels (though mainly airport ones) during the pandemic. But Svalbard boasts enviable record of 0 covid-19 cases throughout all pandemic time. And in reality there are no covid restrictions on the archipelago whatsoever. Stuff of the hotels, restaurants, airport, wherever else - nobody wears masks. Respect 1 meter distance signs are everywhere, but nobody pays any attention either. Thus Funken Lodge not making room cleaning in the environment like this looks like a convenient shortcut taken by the hotel rather than real covid-consciousness.

Funken is the best Hotel and Restaurant in Svalbard and probably one of the best in the Arctic Circle. I have stayed here on two different occasions for long durations and the Hotel accommodations are great. What really sets Funken apart is the friendliness of the staff mixed with great menus that makes it the best place to stay in Svalbard. The head bartender Serge is a mixology maestro in his own right and his warm and welcoming attitude made the stay unforgettable.

Funken Lodge is idyllic - located with sweeping views of the town, close to all attractions and staff that make the experience memorable for a lifetime! The food is excellent, great bar and the rooms are modern.

Excellent stay. Surprisingly you take of your shoes when you go inside hotels and restaurangs at most places. Slippers where available at the hotell, a new fresh pair to use during your stay. Very friendly staff. Lovely view at breakfast over Longyearbyen

Super nice and stylish interior. The staff is very professional, charming and helpful. The rooms have a very standard and the beds are top notch and super comfy. The restaurant is awesome. Try the King crab it’s world class. The bartender is a class act!