View from the Room: Scandic Nidelven, Trondheim
The location is ideal, situated a few minutes walk from the central train station and just at the end of what I have since learned is the famous flower bridge. Our midnight bus from the airport dropped us off at the other end of this and what could have been an exhausting walk was perfectly pleasant and a wonderful introduction to the city on a Friday evening.
The Scandic seems like a modern chain, another one to add to our preferred list. The staff greeted us even when walking in at close to 1am into a high ceiling, comfy lounge area. The hotel is in 2 parts and our room was in the second building, reached easily by going past a load of meeting rooms.
Our standard twin room with beds pushed together was on the corner so we had 2 floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of Spring sunshine. I slept soundly on my side of the bed for the first time since my arm broke in late March. It may also have been something to do with having a separate bed and my own duvet, a European norm that I have gradually warmed to.
A good-sized wall shelf served as a bedside table with lights above, although the reading light was missing from one side. The only overhead light placed in the entrance hall can be switched off from the bed, otherwise there are two lamps in the room, which seemed adequate given how much light the windows let in.
Two armchairs are perfectly placed alongside the coffee table and there is a long desk housing the mini-fridge underneath, the kettle, 2 wine glasses, and 2 mugs on top. Curiously, despite tea and coffee sachets being provided, there were no teaspoons so we had to run down for those to make the coffee we bought.
Storage
Further storage includes a large wardrobe with 6 proper wooden hangers and some shelving. No actual drawers anywhere though. Two hooks were perfectly placed behind the front door although the luggage rack couldn't be left open as it was attached to the wall opposite the wardrobe whereas I would have placed it next to it.
There was only 1 small pillow in the wardrobe as a spare although we could put the heat on. After the first night, the heat wasn’t needed.
There seemed to be a fair few power sockets although we only used one for our long weekend.
The only mirror in the room is at the entrance, which worked fine as it’s under the light and outside the bathroom. The main bin was divided for recycling and there are signs everywhere to turn off taps. (Although who doesn’t do this already?)
Bathroom
The towel rail in the bathroom had 2 large and 2 small towels - no bath mat as it’s a wet room. A detachable shower over the ample bathtub although I could lean my head back as there is some distance between the tub and wall in room 370. A helpful handrail and full-sized FACE shampoo and shower gel bottles are attached to the wall. Similarly, a hand wash is attached by the sink. The only storage in the bathroom is around the sink although that is plenty for a short stay. There is absolutely no wastage here - no toiletries like shower caps, cotton buds, or body lotion, so if you need it, take it!
Food
I’ve saved the best till last; the breakfast is spectacular. That’s why it’s voted the best hotel breakfast in Norway year after year. It has everything; comfort, views, space and a huge buffet of hot and cold foods. There is a waffle station and an egg station - both favourites of mine. I’ve loved egg stations since the Novotel in Hong Kong and waffles since Reykevich. Plus juices, smoothies, fish, meats, cereals, yoghurts and of course pastries and various breads on top of the hot food - eggs, bacon, sausages, beans and more. There’s even a barista to make the good coffee. I have never left a hotel breakfast so satisfied as these 3 mornings spent here. It was stupendously busy on the weekend, yet they never seemed to run out of anything. You could have anything right up to the 10am finish.
There seemed to be lots of weddings and celebrations going on in the hotel in all of those meeting rooms and it was lovely to see so many people - well, women - dressed in traditional wear for the big occasions.
I loved my faultless stay at the Scandic Nidelven - there are a few in Trondheim - and look forward to my next one.
