Unbelievable Norway Hidden Gem: Bardshaug, Herregard, Orkanger!
Unbelievable Norway Hidden Gem: Bardshaug, Herregard, Orkanger!
Okay, buckle up buttercups! Because we're diving deep into a review of this place, and I'm not holding back. Forget the perfectly polished travel blog – this is real life, folks. And let's start with the name, which I'll have to blank out to not make it too obvious. Let's just call it "The [Hotel Name]".
First Impressions (and Why My Luggage Almost Ended Up in Bali)
Okay, so arriving at The [Hotel Name]… Honestly? The first thing that hit me was the sheer size of the place. It’s a behemoth. Massive. And there's a lot of walking involved. Which, if you're like me and packed way, way too many shoes, can be a bit… daunting. They advertised "airport transfer," which was a godsend after my flight from… well, let's just say the airline made me feel like a well-worn suitcase. Anyway, it was smooth, thankfully. The check-in? Contactless, which is great in the current climate. But the lady at the desk… Bless her heart, she was having a day. Which meant a few fumbles, a misplaced key card (mine, obviously), and a near-disaster where my luggage could have ended up in Bali. True story.
Accessibility - Checking All the Boxes (Almost)
Alright, accessibility. This is important, and The [Hotel Name] seems to try. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, they have an elevator, which is a must. Facilities for disabled guests? Listed, but honestly I didn’t fully scope it out. They do advertise accessible restaurants and lounges, which is a huge plus. More on the restaurant later.
Staying Connected (Thank Goodness for the Wifi!)
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services… Look folks, I need to be connected. Plain and simple. I'm a digital nomad, I need to be able to work and stream. And The [Hotel Name] mostly delivers. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? YES! Praise the internet gods! The Wi-Fi in the rooms was generally solid. Wi-Fi in public areas too, which is useful. Internet [LAN]? I'll be honest, I didn't use it, I stuck with the Wi-Fi. But the option is there if you are a purist.
The Things You Do (or Don't Do) – A Whirlwind Tour of Relaxation
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The [Hotel Name] offers a ton of options.
- Swimming Pool (Outdoor): Gorgeous. Absolutely stunning. Pool with a view? Check. It’s the kind of pool where you can pretend you’re a millionaire, even if your bank account is screaming otherwise.
- Gym/Fitness: Look, I intended to hit the fitness center. I really did. But between the pool and the… well, the food… let's just say my workout gear stayed neatly folded in my suitcase. But it looked well-equipped.
- Spa/Sauna: Okay, I did hit the spa. And it was divine. A body scrub was an absolute MUST after my flight, and I felt like a new person. They have a steamy steamroom and a Sauna too.
- Massage: Seriously considered this but the spa was booked solid, so make your appointments ahead.
- Things to do? They mention a lot of options for special events. So, I didn’t see a need to book a seminar or meeting.
- What about a Body Wrap? I wanted one but it was completely booked.
Cleanliness and Safety - The New Normal (and They Seem to Get it)
The world has changed, and so has travel. The [Hotel Name] is clearly trying to keep up. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Hand sanitizer everywhere… It's all there. They go the extra mile, like Room sanitization opt-out available. Staff trained in safety protocol and the addition of sterilizing equipment. And I really appreciated the individually-wrapped food options.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Where My Inner Piglet Rejoices (and My Waistline Mourns)
Okay. The food. This is where The [Hotel Name] really shines… and where my resolve crumbled.
- Buffet in Restaurant: This is where the magic happens. The breakfast buffet is a true spectacle. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast… You name it, they have it. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Absolutely. The coffee was a bit weak, but the unlimited juice made up for it.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Loved it! The noodle soup was perfect for a light lunch.
- Restaurants: Several options! A la carte in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant… So many choices! The Italian place was particularly good.
- Poolside bar: Essential. Especially after a swim.
- Happy hour: Yes! And the cocktails were strong.
- Room service [24-hour]: Pure bliss. Especially when you're battling jet lag at 3 am.
- Snack bar/Coffee shop: Convenient.
The Room – A Tiny Sanctuary (Maybe)
My room? Perfectly adequate. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Saved me from the early morning sun. Free bottled water? Always a plus. Coffee/tea maker? Thank you, hotel gods! There was also a mini bar, but it was so overpriced, I didn't even look in it. The bed extra-long,*, which was much needed, which led to some decent quality sleep. The private bathroom was fine, but not exactly spa-like. The shower was good, although I wish the water pressure was a bit stronger. The room felt a little… sterile? But hey, that's probably a good thing given the cleanliness protocols.
Services and Conveniences - They Think of Everything (Mostly)
Concierge, Doorman, Daily housekeeping, Luggage storage, Laundry service… all present and accounted for. The concierge was super helpful with recommendations. Cash withdrawal? Yep. Currency exchange? Also yes. Business facilities? Yeah, they've got 'em, but I didn't use them. I needed a convenience store and a gift shop, and they had both, which saved me from a frantic scramble for souvenirs.
For the Kids (Families, Take Note!)
Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Babysitting service… They seem to welcome families. I didn’t have any kids of my own and never needed a babysitting service, but they looked well-equipped for the little ones.
Getting Around (Navigating this Beast)
Airport transfer, as I mentioned, was great. They have a taxi service and a car park [free of charge]. I never needed to think about actually driving there but it was an option.
The Imperfections (Because Life Isn't Perfect, and Neither is This Review)
- The elevators, while functional, can be slow during peak times.
- The Wi-Fi occasionally hiccuped, especially in the lobby.
- The signage around the hotel can be a bit confusing, and I definitely got lost a few times.
- The room décor was a bit bland, a little more personality would be lovely.
- I didn't get to the gym!
- The soundproofing could be improved (I heard a lot of hallway noise).
The Verdict – Would I Go Back?
Honestly? Yeah, I probably would. Despite the minor hiccups, The [Hotel Name] offers a lot. Great location, good food, decent rooms, and top-notch service. It caters to both business and leisure travelers, and they're clearly working hard to keep things safe and clean.
Final Score: 4 out of 5 stars. (Because nobody's perfect, right?)
My Persuasive Offer (Because You're Here for a Reason!)
Okay, are you ready to book a trip to The [Hotel Name]? Here’s the deal:
Tired of the ordinary? Craving relaxation, great food, and a little bit of luxury? Then pack your bags (and maybe your earplugs) and book your stay at The [Hotel Name]!
Here's what you'll get:
- Unforgettable Dining Experiences: From the lavish breakfast buffet to the delicious international cuisine, your taste buds will thank you!
- Ultimate Relaxation: Dive into the dazzling outdoor pool, melt your stress away with a body scrub at the spa, or sip cocktails at the poolside bar (the happy hour is a must!).
- Stay Connected and Comfortable: Free Wi-Fi, spacious rooms, and all the amenities you need to make your stay a breeze.
- Peace of Mind: With their rigorous cleanliness and safety protocols, you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing that your well-being is a priority.
- Easy Access: Perfect for families, couples or a solo trip.
- And More…
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is my attempt at conquering Bardshaug Herregard, Orkanger, Norway. (And by conquering, I mean hopefully not tripping over my own feet and spilling coffee on the antique furniture. Wish me luck.)
Bardshaug Blitz: A Whirlwind of Old Houses, Cold Air, and Hopefully, Not Too Much Awkwardness
Day 1: Arrival & Anticipation (Mostly Anticipation of Cozy Fireplaces)
- Morning (7:00 AM – Let's Be Real, It's More Like 8:30 AM…): The dreaded airport shuffle. Oslo, here I come! I'm basically a human sardine in a metal tube. My luggage, I pray, hasn't decided to go on a solo adventure to somewhere tropical. The flight attendant just gave me that look. You know, the one that says, "Please, don't be that passenger." I swear, I’m perfectly capable of not spilling my beverage. This time.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM -ish) - The Orcanger Odyssey Begins!: Landed in Trondheim! Now the real fun – a train ride to that tiny town of Orkanger. The air is… crisp. Like, ice-cream-for-your-lungs crisp. Hope I remembered my wool socks; I’m already envisioning snuggling by a fireplace like a giant, happy puffball. Also, I'm praying the train isn't late. I’ve got a reservation, people!
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - Give or Take): Finally arrived in Orkanger, still somewhat intact! The station is, well, cozy. A quaint little space that’s giving off serious Twin Peaks vibes. The taxi to Bardshaug Herregard is an adventure in itself. The driver… bless him, he's told me three different stories about the local history. The scenery, though! Rolling hills, forests so green they hurt your eyes, and that air… pure magic.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM, Officially Checked-In - Breathe, You Clumsy Fool): Okay, Bardshaug Herregard. It's… stunning. Like, photos don’t do it justice. The architecture is grand, the gardens look like something out of a fairytale, and the smell of freshly cut flowers is making my allergies sing. The lobby, though, is where the interior design dreams are made of. It’s almost intimidating. The staff are lovely, in that effortlessly polite Norwegian way. I promptly managed to trip over a rug. Smooth start, me. Smooth.
- Evening (4:00 PM - The Glorious, Blessed Room): My room! It's not just a room; it's a sanctuary. A four-poster bed the size of a small car, a fireplace that’s begging to be lit, and a view that will probably cure my existential dread. I need to unpack and find my fuzzy socks ASAP.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Dinner and the Great Debate): Dinner. This is where it gets interesting. Traditional Norwegian fare, which means plenty of fish and potentially even more… unknown things. I'm torn between being adventurous (because, travel!) and sticking to what I know (pasta, please!). I end up ordering the fish (brave me!), and it's… well, it's fish. But delicious, I’ll admit. The restaurant is lit by candlelight, which is super romantic until you realize you can’t actually see what you’re eating. I might actually love this place.
- Evening (8:00 PM - Fireplace and the Contemplation of Socks): Back in my room! Fireplace time! I’m snuggled in a chair with a book and the aforementioned fuzzy socks. Total heaven. This is what I came for. Now all that’s lacking is for someone else to start up the fire. (The fire starters were not in the room. I called the front desk and asked for assistance. The first request turned into a delightful 20 minute long conversation. The fire is finally blazing after the second ask.)
Day 2: Exploring and Attempting to Appear Cultured (Probably Failing, But Hey)
- Morning (9:00 AM - Coffee and the Garden of Delights): Breakfast in the grand dining room – thankfully less intimidating by daylight. The coffee is strong; the bread is fluffy; I’ve already gained five pounds. Now, exploring the grounds. I'm not much of a "nature person", but this place has something for everyone. A formal garden, a hidden pond, and a ridiculous amount of adorable little gnomes.
- Morning (11:00 AM - A Tour Through Time): A guided tour of the Herregard! I’m trying to pay attention to the history, the architecture, the significance of every knick-knack, but all I can think about is how badly I want to just crawl into one of those velvet armchairs and take a nap. The tour guide is incredibly knowledgeable, but I’m pretty sure I’ve already forgotten half of what she said. I hope she doesn't notice my drool.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - A Humble Lunch Break): The Herregard has a great restaurant. I’ve ordered the smørrebrød. I understand the basics, but honestly, I'm just pointing at things and hoping for the best. The bread is thick. There is a lot of butter. It's delicious and I'm now seriously considering a life devoted to the art of the open-faced sandwich.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - The One-Eyed Troll): I decided to visit the local museum. I don't know why. I didn't think I enjoyed museums. This museum is small, and quirky, and I learned more about the local history than I would have otherwise anticipated. I would recommend this museum, it changed my perspective, but not in the way you might expect. I saw a painting and thought I saw a single-eyed troll. It was only my third day in Norway, so who knows.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - The Sauna of the Gods!): The Herregard has a sauna. This is a non-negotiable activity. The sauna is hot. It's sweaty. It's pure bliss. Okay, this is actually what I came for.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Fine Evening): Drinks. This is the only time I can truly relax. I’ve ordered a local beer, and I'm sitting on the patio, watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. I feel like I'm in a movie. Maybe it's the beer.
Day 3: Departure & Reflections (And the Dread of the Airport Again)
- Morning (9:00 AM - Farewell Feast): One last incredible breakfast! I'm already mourning the loss of the strong coffee. One last deep breath of that fresh air. I swear, I'm going to miss this place.
- Morning (10:00 AM - The Last Stroll): One last walk through the gardens. I promise that I'll actually look at the flowers this time. I stumble again. My clumsy nature is unmatched, but at least I've got a good story.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM - Orkanger Farewell): One last taxi ride to the train station. Orkanger, you weird, wonderful place, I’ll miss you. This time the train is on schedule! Progress!
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - Back in Oslo!): The plane ride home… a blur of turbulence, overpriced airplane food, and the quiet desperation of the person next to me who is definitely going to cough on me the entire flight. I'm already planning my return!
- Evening (7:00 PM - Re-Entry Shocker!): Home sweet (not-so-scenic, not-so-fresh-air) home. I’m exhausted, smelling vaguely of wood smoke, and clutching a handful of brochures I’ll probably never read. I've got a mountain of laundry and a serious case of the "holiday blues", but it was all worth it. Bardshaug Herregard, you were magnificent. Even if my socks did get slightly lost in the shuffle.
Notes to Self:
- Learn some basic Norwegian phrases. "Takk" doesn't cover everything.
- Pack more fuzzy socks.
- Embrace the fish! … Sort of.
- Invest in a good pair of walking shoes (and learn not to trip over things).
- Book Bardshaug Herregard again, ASAP.
This trip was more awkward than I thought, but I loved it. I would do it again.
Chongqing's BEST Hotel Near Yuelai Exhibition Center? (Starway Hotel Review)
1. So, uh...what *is* the deal with this whole "life" thing? Like, the actual, tangible...stuff?
Alright, let's just rip the Band-Aid off. Life, that big, messy, glorious, utterly confusing pile of... *gestures vaguely* ...everything. I'm not gonna lie, I've been wrestling with this one for about...oh, let's say approximately four decades. And I'm still not even *remotely* close to a definitive answer. You've got work, relationships, bills (the *bane* of my existence, honestly), the constant internal monologue that's like a screaming toddler demanding a juice box, and... well, just the sheer *complexity* of it all.
One day I was convinced it was about finding true love. Then it was about climbing the corporate ladder (which, by the way, is a *terrible* analogy because ladders ALWAYS lead to heights you're not prepared for). Now? I'm pretty sure it's about finding a decent parking spot and remembering where I put my keys. Seriously, the small victories are *huge*.
2. Okay, okay, existential dread aside. What are you, like, *good* at? Anything at all? Be honest.
*Sighs dramatically.* Okay, okay, let's not wallow in self-pity too long. I *try* to be good at a few things. Like, I can make a killer grilled cheese. Seriously. A *champion* grilled cheese. Crispy bread, perfectly melted cheese... it's an art! I also pride myself on being a good listener, although sometimes my mind wanders off on a tangent about… oh, look, a squirrel! Anyway, I listen *mostly* well.
Look, I’m not curing cancer here, but I can (usually) keep houseplants alive (though my track record with succulents is a tragic comedy in three acts).
And, I like to think I’m funny. At least, my dog thinks so. He cracks up at my jokes, so, there’s that.
3. What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you? Spill the tea!
Oh, sweet Lord in Heaven, where do I even *begin*? There's so much cringe to choose from! But fine, I'll give you one. Picture this: a swanky work gala. I was sporting a *stunning* (or so I thought) sequined dress and feeling like a million bucks. Champagne flowing, networking, the whole shebang. Then... disaster. I went to give a speech, and apparently, I had a HUGE piece of parsley stuck in my teeth. Apparently, according to my boss, I looked like a cartoon character for the entire duration of the speech. The whole situation was so epically mortifying; I wanted to crawl under the floorboards and become one with the dust bunnies! I tried to laugh it off but was secretly dying. To this day, I shudder when I see parsley.
4. What are your opinions on relationships? The whole dating circus?
Relationships... Ugh. Okay, here we go. They're amazing. They're awful. They're confusing. They're like a rollercoaster you can't get off even when you're screaming!
Seriously, though, finding someone who gets your quirks, your weird humor, and the fact that you spend way too much time watching cat videos is a beautiful thing. It's also the *most* work you'll ever do voluntarily! You've got the arguments, the compromises, the "where do you see us in 5 years?" questions (which, frankly, give me hives). But when it's good? Oh man, it's *good*. It's like having a built-in best friend, therapist, and (let's be honest) emotional support animal all rolled into one. Of course, if you end up with someone who's *not* so great, then good luck! You can always watch more cat videos.
5. What's your biggest fear?
Oh, that's easy. More than spiders (which, ugh, *shudders*), more than public speaking (see question 3 for why), more than… well, anything rational. My biggest fear is becoming the person I used to *make fun of*. The grumbling old curmudgeon who hates everything and yells at clouds. The irony would be *painful*. So, I try to stay joyful. I fail a lot, but I try. And my dog doesn't let me get away with being too grumpy. So there's that. I'm also slightly afraid of running out of coffee. That's a real concern.
6. What do you do when you are feeling sad ?
When I’m sad? Hmm, well, it depends on the level of sadness. If it's a low-grade, general malaise, I usually just wallow for a bit. A good cry goes a long way, let's be honest. Then I reach for comfort food: a grilled cheese, a mountain of popcorn (that's my go-to!), or maybe a whole pizza.
If it's more intense, I will hide in my room, blast some music (usually angry breakup songs - even if I'm not going through one), and just try to ride it out. Sometimes I call a friend (who knows me well enough to actually *listen*), or I go for a long walk in nature and try to ground myself. No, I’m not a touchy-feely person; I just feel like it helps.
And on really bad days? Well, that’s when the ice cream comes out. And the chocolate. And the… you get the idea. It's not perfect, but hey, it works.
7. What's something you're proud of?
Ugh, this is hard! I'm not very good at bragging. But here's… a thing. There was this one time I tried to bake a fancy cake. I am not a baker. At all. I once managed to *burn water*. Anyway, this cake was for a friend's birthday, and it was supposed to be three tiers, with intricate frosting roses. It was an absolute disaster! The cake was lopsided, the frosting was a melted mess, and the roses looked like they'd been through a war. I almost threw in the towel. I almost did.
But then, I thought, "Nah, gotta do this." I spent *hours* (and I mean, *hours*) patching it up, redoing the frosting, and frantically Googling "how to save a terrible cake." End result?Best Hotels Blog
Post a Comment for "Unbelievable Norway Hidden Gem: Bardshaug, Herregard, Orkanger!"