Funken Lodge — Hotel in Spitsbergen

Funken Lodge is facing the challenge of operating a high end hotel under the most difficult conditions. With that being said, it won't be easy to give it a completely fair review: should it be scrutinized as any hotel in its category or should it be cut some slack for being located far away in the extreme end of all supply chains? The most fair would be to review it based on my expectations and what they manage to deliver out here in the Arctic wilderness, which is quite a lot really! We stayed in both a suite and a standard double (sorry if the pictures are a little confusing!). In comparison, these are small rooms. Two persons with winter gear will fill them up fast, even the suite. There are some storage options but some stuff will most likely have to remain in their bags. The standard double soon became a total mess... The rooms themselves were clean, cosy and well equipped. The suite came with some neat freebies too; much appreciated! Both rooms had heavy curtains (to keep the midnight sun out). Side note (that goes for all Svalbard) is that the water tastes a little funny - be prepared. The beds in both rooms were top of the line. To compensate for the tiny living space there's a large lounge area, offering a variety of sitting and slouching options, all very nice. The breakfast was where the stretched-thin supply line became the most visible, since it did not offer the same variety with comparable hotels on the mainland. Still, they have all of the important stuff (french toast instead of pancakes) and the staff takes your order for eggs at your table, if you are not happy with boiled or scrambled, at no extra charge. The dining area is very calm and comfortable, and the views are of course amazing. We had one dinner at the hotel. It was a little pricey, as can be expected, perhaps even slightly overpriced. But given the circumstances, it is what it is. Unless you're here to explore the fine dining options of Longyearbyen, I'd suggest having all other meals than breakfast downtown (mainly at Stationen or Fruene). I don't think you should expect to find an unknown star restaurant up here anyway. The staff did their upmost to keep the high-end atmosphere bright and sparkling. The front desk is manned 24hrs and is always available and attentive. Any misunderstandings will be taken care of to the guest's benefit - you'll feel right at home from the first moment (after you realise that the front desk is on the second floor, that is!). Remember to take your shoes off right at the entrance! Other inhouse services are a decent seized gym and a mixed sauna (good for at least 10 persons). There's also a aurora borealis service that will notify you if there's something happening in the night sky. In the afternoon, there's coffee/tea and a sweet snack on the house served in the lounge. Location is very good for the veiw of the valley, but in return it is a bit to walk to get downtown. Nothing extreme, but on a very cold and windy day, it can be quite a challenge. It's slippery too during winter months - be careful! Overall, it is a wonderful hotel with a very sober, Scandinavian vibe. If I can ever afford it, I would stay here again. I miss it...

In decades of travel, rarely, if ever have I experienced such an amazing stay at a property as at Funken Lodge - so much so that I am reviewing before I even check out of the hotel!|From the moment we checked in, we were treated on such a personable and friendly level that made us feel immediately at home and as if we were friends versus guests. And that same treatment continued every moment of our stay, from the very helpful and cheery front desk team – special thanks to Tina – to the bartenders, the staff in the restaurant, and everyone else we encountered.|We have stayed at many exclusive and upper level properties, but never have we experienced such a personable experience as at Funken Lodge. Besides being cherry, helpful, attentive, the staff go above and beyond to ensure that you were totally satisfied with every little detail.|And details matter here, never have I seen such immaculate keeping of a property and its cleanliness down to the very last detail. From the many cozy, intimate seating areas on the main floor to the beautiful dining room, you feel as if you are in a magical place where every moment is better than the last.|That can also be said for their lovely, cozy rooms with such a charming atmosphere. Our room was a junior suite and I’m very glad that we upgraded to it as it had a charming cozy sitting area to enjoy the amazing views. Lovely touches throughout, including an incredibly comfortable bed.|The quality of the food matches the quality of the service here, the main restaurant provides immaculate plates of delicious local food, served with attention and care. The bar provides a separate menu, which also includes amazing food. The bartenders, extremely friendly and fun to chat with, know their craft and create amazing, wonderful drinks and are happy to create anything you might want even if off the menu.|I can’t imagine having not stayed here, the best decision ever made was to book a room here and we would happily return again and again and again if for no other reason, then just to enjoy the company of the staff here.|Thank you to everyone at Funken Lodge for creating a wonderful, special memory for us in our visit to Longyearbyen, we will miss you…we cannot say enough nor recommend this property...

Funken Lodge: A Sparkling Stay with a Few Flickers The Funken Lodge in Svalbard offers a truly unique Arctic experience, and I'd certainly recommend it for its stunning location and cozy atmosphere. I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars. Here's why: What sparkled: Charming atmosphere: The lodge boasts a warm and inviting ambiance, with comfortable common areas and stunning views. Delicious breakfast: The breakfast spread was a highlight, offering a variety of tasty options to fuel up for a day of exploring. Helpful staff: The staff were generally friendly and accommodating, always ready to assist with any questions or requests. Excellent amenities: The lodge offers a range of amenities, including a cozy bar and a relaxing sauna, perfect for unwinding after a day in the Arctic chill. Where it flickered: Inconsistent room amenities: While my room was comfortable, I noticed some inconsistencies in the provided amenities. My cousin had hand cream in her room, while I didn't. It's a small detail, but it felt a bit odd. Water quality concerns: One morning, the water from the tap in my room ran brown. When I raised this concern, I was advised to buy bottled water from the local co-op. This response was disappointing, especially given the lodge's price point. I would expect them to address the issue directly or provide complimentary bottled water. Breakfast check-in confusion: The practice of checking room numbers at breakfast felt a bit unusual and unnecessary. It seemed to create an air of distrust and slightly detracted from the overall dining experience. Overall: Despite these minor issues, I enjoyed my stay at the Funken Lodge. It's a beautiful property with a lot to offer. However, addressing the inconsistencies in amenities and water quality, along with reconsidering the breakfast check-in procedure, would elevate the experience and truly justify the lodge's...