Quality Hotel Strand Gjøvik — Hotel in Gjøvik

We only stayed at the hotel for a single evening (really just as a stop-over location) so bear in mind that this review is based upon that one single nights stay.

A preface to this is that due to the current construction work outside the front of the hotel (see attached photos) the hotel is incredibly hard to find and reach by car. Google Maps will direct you in every way possible but won't lead you to the hotel, simply due to the entire road where the hotel is being closed. Eventually after some orienteering we did find and reach the hotel, and a parking spot.

The hotel offers self-checkin/checkout which actually works very well. You're able to pay and create your own hotel key-cards at this checkin point as well. This was a preferred option for us as the reception was quite busy with other guests, however the reception is manned and they appear to be ready to help.

The room was exactly like the pictures you can find online and has everything one would expect, apart from a safe, which I was actually interested in using...The hotel was generally quiet, but do note that the hotel complex does consist of a hotel/spa/cinema/restaurant(s) and therefore feels a bit strange and crowded.

As a guest staying at the hotel we had free entrance to the spa and as such we booked a slot beforehand for 17:00. Unfortunately due to the parking/orienteering debacle our schedule was set back by 15-20 minutes and we ended up arriving to the spa area late by 15-20 minutes. We were told at the front desk there that due to us being more than 10 minutes late, they gave our 'spot' away to someone else and that is their lateness policy. Whilst I appreciate that, my wife had a good conversation with them on the telephone when booking, and their lateness policy was not mentioned, I think it would be good to explain that to guests, just out of helpfulness.

However, I won't be holding this against them as they were able to still 'fit' us into the spa so all was well. I will mention here that the staff are very friendly and welcoming. The spa comprises of two saunas, a small ice bath, two warm pools and a not-so-warm-a-bit-cold pool, it can get crowded quickly and whilst we were there another three couples were present. Nonetheless we were able to sit in one of the warm pools alone for some time. Not much to mention with regards to the spa, apart from some guests getting a bit 'handy' with each other, so much so that the staff had to come and remind them to be appropriate, so props to the staff for that.

The one unforgivable thing at this hotel was unfortunately the breakfast. I do look forward to trying out hotel breakfasts and this was a disappointing one. Breakfast was said to be available from 08:00 onwards, as such, my wife and I arrived at around 08:10. The food was barely warm and practically cold. The potatoes were raw inside and most other things were dry. We decided not eat there and I really advise to others, don't bother with the breakfast, it's a sore disappointment. I wouldn't even bother trying out the coffee, it's closer to being water than it is coffee.

Overall the price was reasonable but costs are clearly being cut at the breakfast and in other areas of the hotel. I would stay here again for a single evening but not...

Ask for rooms in the new building. The ones in old building might not have air conditioning - horrible during summer and you will not have good night sleep. The room design is made to feel it is cheaply created. Pillows are so thin and make us sweat during summer. Power sockets are minimal to avoid usage by guests. This is horrible when you need to charge stuff. With no air-conditioning, we want to use our own portable fan near windows to draw night air in but no power socket to use!!! Breakfast (0630 to 0930) is decently good - the only satisfying part of our stay. No free parking for guests. Need to pay nearby...

First of all parking: no parking at all on site, but public parking at outrageous prices.||Then the hotel: been a very long time since this hotel was upgraded. Needs painting and general maintenance upgrading. But also cleaniness was not good anywhere.||Typical Norwegian hotels: absolutely zero ventilation. Open an window leaves you at mercy of the seagulls screaming at 3 am. Breakfast area packed with people and very stuffy air.||Blinds in room not sufficient to keep out daylight, which in summer is 24/7.||Positive is breakfast which is pretty good, but glasses are smallest I ever...