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Summary of reviewsClarion Hotel Ernst in Kristiansand enjoys high praise for its optimal location in the heart of the city, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers. Guests appreciate the accessibility to key landmarks, pedestrian streets and transportation hubs, all within walking distance of the hotel. The central location combined with clean, stylish rooms and friendly, attentive staff, contributes to a highly satisfactory stay.
The hotel’s breakfast consistently receives outstanding reviews for its extensive and varied buffet with many guests calling it the best they’ve ever had. Despite minor criticisms regarding limited vegan options and occasional cleanliness issues, the breakfast is often considered a highlight of the stay.
Dining options at the hotel are well-received with guests enjoying the quality food served in the on-site restaurant, though some note the dinner menu could offer more variety and be more affordable. The hotel's rooms offer a mix of experiences: many guests appreciate the clean, cozy and stylish spaces equipped with amenities, despite some rooms being described as small with ventilation issues. A commitment to cleanliness is evident, although there are isolated reports of dusty or musty areas.
The staff at Clarion Hotel Ernst are frequently praised for their friendliness and service-oriented approach, significantly enhancing guests' experiences. Members of the team, both at the reception and in other service areas, are noted for their politeness and attentiveness.
Parking is available but can be a mixed experience with some guests finding it convenient and others facing challenges with crowded, narrow spaces and associated costs.
The hotel’s location amidst Kristiansand’s vibrant nightlife scene can be both a boon and a drawback, offering convenient access to bars and clubs but also the potential for noise. Guests generally find the beds to be comfortable and conducive to a good night’s sleep, despite occasional comments on soft or narrow bedding.
Business travelers appreciate the efficient service and facilities tailored to their needs, while the historical and luxurious aspects of the Clarion Hotel Ernst add to its charm and appeal, providing a blend of modern amenities and a rich historical backdrop.
In summary, Clarion Hotel Ernst offers a well-rounded and enjoyable stay with its central location, excellent breakfast, comfortable accommodations and exceptional staff service, making it a popular choice for visitors to Kristiansand. Show more
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Categories
Luxury Hotel
Historic Hotel
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
4-Star Hotel
Room Types
Family RoomAir-conditioned room with a flat-screen TV, minibar and work desk.
Children are accommodated on either a sofa bed or on wall beds.
Economy Single RoomProviding free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. This single room features a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Double RoomThe unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Twin RoomThe unit offers 2 beds.
Superior Double RoomThe unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe Double RoomThe unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.0
Very Good
Location
Clarion Hotel Ernst boasts an enviable spot in the heart of Kristiansand, making it a strategically ideal choice for travelers keen to explore the city. This hotel is perfectly situated with a prime location that is highly accessible and within short walking distances to numerous points of interest. Guests can easily traverse the pedestrian streets lined with restaurants, venture over to the ferry terminal for onward journeys or step out to the nearby train and bus stations.
The central location is immensely appreciated, offering a quick jaunt to major landmarks such as the city cathedral, sculpture park and vibrant shopping areas like Markensgate. Its centrality is particularly favored by those planning short stays or weekend trips, due to its convenience and accessibility to almost everything downtown, including the picturesque waterfront.
Additionally, the hotel maintains high standards with clean and stylish rooms, enhanced by great facilities and friendly, well-organized staff. The soundproofed rooms ensure a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city atmosphere and the underground parking garage invites guests to explore the city on foot. The exceptionally central location combined with the hotel's modern amenities and attentive service makes Clarion Hotel Ernst an excellent choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Breakfast
The breakfast at Clarion Hotel Ernst in Kristiansand consistently receives high praise from guests, who describe it as fabulous, amazing and excellent. Many highlight the extensive and varied buffet which includes a wide variety of delicious food, ensuring there's something for everyone. Guests rave about the quality, freshness and presentation of the breakfast offerings with some calling it the best they’ve ever had. Specialty items such as freshly made pancakes and waffles add a touch of indulgence, while the availability of cold milk on dispensers and an appealing selection of toppings and coffee are frequently mentioned.
Customers appreciate the abundance and richness of the options available with several reviews mentioning an exceptionally wide variety of choices. The breakfast is often cited as exceeding expectations and described with superlatives like sumptuous, fantastic and superb. The elegant dining room and attentive service enhance the experience, allowing guests to start their day on a high note.
However, a few reviews point out areas for improvement. The breakfast occasionally receives criticism for a lack of vegan options and issues with cleanliness at the tables and chairs. Despite these drawbacks, the overwhelming consensus is that the breakfast at Clarion Hotel Ernst is a highlight of the stay, contributing significantly to the guests' positive experience at the hotel.
Dinner
The Clarion Hotel Ernst boasts a nice restaurant with a satisfying selection of food at the bar. Many guests appreciated the good food served in the hotel’s dining facilities. Although the restaurant menu may not offer a wide variety, the dishes ordered by diners met expectations. However, some found the dinner options to be on the pricier side, suggesting that there might be better and more affordable alternatives available in the city. Overall, the positive experiences largely highlight the quality of food provided.
Rooms
Travelers to the Clarion Hotel Ernst have shared a mix of experiences, particularly highlighting aspects of the rooms. On the positive side, many guests appreciate the clean and tidy rooms, noting that they are comfortable and cozy. Some rooms are described as beautiful, stylish and spacious with nice interior design and amenities like products from Rituals adding a special touch. The hotel offers a very central location and the staff is often praised for being very service-minded and friendly.
However, there are notable criticisms, particularly regarding room size and ventilation. Numerous reviews mention that the rooms can be quite small, some even tiny or cramped with insufficient air circulation and ventilation, making them too hot or stuffy. The views from rooms are frequently described as uninspiring, overlooking courtyards or rooftops with some windows facing brick walls or backyards offering little to no ventilation. Issues with cleanliness have also been mentioned, including dusty or sticky floors and outdated interiors. Inefficiencies such as late check-ins, absence of air conditioning and outdated bathrooms also detract from the overall experience for some guests. Despite these drawbacks, many find the rooms satisfactory for a short stay, aided by the convenient location and accommodating staff.
Beds
At Clarion Hotel Ernst, guests consistently found the beds to be a highlight of their stay. Descriptions often included words like comfortable, cozy and luxurious, contributing to good sleeping conditions. Many reviewers praised the quality of both the beds and the pillows, noting that they slept wonderfully and even expressed a desire to have similar beds at home.
However, not all feedback was uniformly positive. Some guests found the beds too soft for their liking and there were occasional remarks about beds being either too small or too narrow for their intended purpose, particularly in family rooms. Additionally, while the main beds received high praise, extra and bunk beds did not fare as well with several guests mentioning that these were uncomfortable and hard.
Despite these concerns, the prevailing sentiment was that the beds at Clarion Hotel Ernst offered a good night's sleep, enhanced by the overall cozy ambiance of the rooms.
Cleanliness
Clarion Hotel Ernst receives mixed reviews regarding cleanliness from its guests. Many reviews highlight the hotel's commitment to maintaining clean and tidy rooms and premises, describing them as neat, modern and comfortable. Guests often mention a general sense of cleanliness and hygiene, praising the well-kept state of the hotel overall. The bathrooms, in particular, are noted for their freshness.
However, some visitors experienced issues that hindered their perception of cleanliness. Specific mentions include rooms that were a bit dusty, musty or not thoroughly cleaned in areas like bathtubs and tiles. Instances of poor air circulation and stuffiness in the rooms were also reported, along with some noisy and less favorable views.
Despite these drawbacks, the cleanliness appeared satisfactory for the majority with room cleanliness often making up for other minor inconveniences. The hotel's high standard of cleanliness and the helpfulness of staff, such as providing additional heaters for cold rooms, left many guests with a positive impression. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the cleanliness of Clarion Hotel Ernst remains a notable feature for many travelers.
Staff
The Clarion Hotel Ernst boasts an exceptional team that consistently garners praise for their friendliness and service-oriented attitude. Guests repeatedly highlight the excellent reception experience, noting that the reception staff are not only friendly but also highly informative and accommodating with individuals like Synnøve and Salim receiving special mentions for their outstanding service.
The hotel staff are described as polite, cheerful and supportive with many remarks on the warm welcomes and attentive service throughout guests' stays. The bartenders and cleaning staff contribute to a positive atmosphere, often greeted with smiles and readiness to assist.
Despite a few isolated incidents of less helpful interactions, the overwhelming sentiment is that the staff are professional, courteous and eager to help, contributing significantly to a pleasant hotel experience. From the efficient handling of check-ins and room changes to the friendly provision of amenities like bicycles, the Clarion Hotel Ernst team consistently impresses with their dedication to guest satisfaction.
Overall, the friendly and accommodating nature of the staff, coupled with their proactive service, enhances the hotel's appeal, ensuring guests feel welcomed and well-cared for during their stay.
Parking
Clarion Hotel Ernst offers parking options, both with and without electric charging facilities, contributing to the overall convenience for guests. However, the availability and cost of parking is a mixed experience; while some guests find the parking options good and conveniently located, others face difficulties such as crowded or narrow spaces and a potentially high expense for using the hotel garage. It's also noted that the hotel's basement parking may not always have space available, causing some guests to seek alternative nearby garages. Additionally, there are occasional issues with communication about parking availability and details at the hotel.
Family
Clarion Hotel Ernst receives mixed feedback regarding its suitability for families. While some guests note that the hotel is not particularly family-friendly and mention issues with room size, others find specific aspects appealing for a family stay. Certain reviews highlight that the courtyard rooms are small and uncomfortable for families, particularly when trying to accommodate more than three people or add an extra bed. There are also comments about insufficient communication regarding rooms meant for families. Despite these downsides, the hotel's proximity to hiking areas is a positive point, offering convenient outdoor activities for family members.
Nightlife
The Clarion Hotel Ernst offers a vibrant nightlife scene right on its doorstep, making it an ideal location for those looking to immerse themselves in the local night-time culture. Nestled among popular bars, pubs and dance clubs, guests are in the heart of the action with easy access to bustling nightlife. The energetic atmosphere is enhanced by the proximity to karaoke bars and lively music venues, perfect for those who enjoy late-night entertainment. However, the spirited surroundings can lead to a considerable amount of noise, especially from nearby clubs, bars and street activity. Guests should be prepared for the vibrant sounds of the city to extend into the early hours, which may affect those sensitive to noise.
Business
Clarion Hotel Ernst boasts efficient check-in and check-out processes, making it a practical choice for business travelers with tight schedules. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with fantastic welcome and service at the reception, ensuring a positive start to their stay. The hotel’s conference rooms cater well to business needs and the staff is notably accommodating to specific business requests. Although the atmosphere can feel somewhat impersonal and the desk space in the rooms might be limited for extensive work, the overall level of information and customer service provided by the hotel is high, making it a reliable option for those on a business trip.
Historic
Clarion Hotel Ernst, dating back to 1850, stands as a testament to historical significance and enduring charm. This impressive building has been beautifully modernized, seamlessly blending tradition and style with contemporary amenities. Located in an old historical area, the hotel's architecture pays homage to its storied past while offering fair rates. The combination of a modern aesthetic with a rich history provides a unique ambiance, making it a notable destination for travelers.
Luxury
Clarion Hotel Ernst offers a compelling stay with its excellent price-quality ratio and fantastic accommodations. Ideally situated near Markensgate, the hotel boasts a grand lobby that immediately exudes luxury. The property features a beautiful spa area and tasteful interior design, reinforcing its luxurious ambiance. While some guests felt the overall experience lacked a high level of opulence, many still consider it a luxurious hotel and enjoyed a wonderful stay.
No, Clarion Hotel Ernst doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Clarion Hotel Ernst.
Yes, Clarion Hotel Ernst welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Clarion Hotel Ernst.