Lillehmmer Bobsleigh Blueprint (07)

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Hotel Hammer Hotels ...where to stay in style and comfort Need to know ‘Comfortable but provincial’ sums up the Lillehammer hotel scene—with nothing to frighten the horses, or even vaguely hip or chic. For such a notoriously expensive country, Lillehammer’s accommodation is actually rather good value. Strangely, you’ll pay pretty much the same everywhere, irrespective of ratings or amenities. A.B. Flint Choice Radisson SAS Lillehammer (Mid Price; 303 rms). A large, comfortable sports-oriented hotel set in its own wooded grounds on the edge of town. Run with special care as a regional Radisson flagship, and with a welcoming atmosphere, it manages to be cosier than most places of its size. Thanks to Scandinavian egalitarianism and a dedication to outdoor pursuits, the hotel’s tone is smart-casual not posh— despite having been built specifically to house the 1994 Olympic glitterati, and consequently having seen the likes of Hilary Clinton and members of most of the world’s leading royal families pass through its doors. Today guests are most likely affluent Oslo professionals enjoying a short escape from the city, joined by a smattering of business travellers during the week. Although the hotel is also Lillehammer’s top-end tour operator choice, Ca’ Piasni SAS Radisson Lillehammer SAS Radisson pool numbers are low and clients generally travelling individually, so there’s no obtrusive tour group feel. A short taxi ride or steep walk from the town centre, entry is from the slightly functional rear. However, the main ‘Longhorn’ Bar and Mediterranean ‘Salt & Pepper’ Restaurant both enjoy peaceful front-facing views to the surrounding birch woods. Although typically deep in snow during winter, the low-rise façade has an extensive terrace extending between flanking stumpy towers in vaguely Gatsby-era Adirondack style. Public areas enjoy plenty of natural light through big west-facing picture windows, while abundant bars and lounges (including a special ‘Olympic Lounge’ displaying portraits and other memorabilia) mean there’s always a quiet spot to relax. The forested setting and liberal use of traditional oil paintings and dark wood in the lobby and elsewhere gives a particularly indulgent lodge-type atmosphere. Together with the large indoor pool, sauna and solarium, these features have meant that the Radisson Lillehammer has consistently been regarded as one of the best resort hotels in Scandinavia Bedrooms are located in one of the wings. The smallest are definitely on the petite side, especially if you’re encumbered by cold-weather clothing and other gear. Otherwise, the rooms are basically what you’d expect from a 4 star hotel in a well-reputed international chain—mine BOBSLEIGH W/E BLUEPRINT 10 WWW.WEEKENDBLUEPRINT.COM
Hotels was mid-sized, conservatively decorated and just starting to show its age. All the expected comforts—including, thankfully, very comfortable beds—are present. Housekeeping is immaculate and the smallish bathrooms (powerful walk-in shower, not bath) come equipped with some dinky toiletries and good lighting. . Facilities: 2 restaurants, 4 bars, lounges, dance hall, library, small shop, indoor pool, saunas, solarium, fitness room, children’s activities, cross-country skiing, skating, parking (free). Room recommendation: The upper floors (3 and above) benefit from least noise and foot traffic. Rooms on floor 1 have the advantage of being close to the pool and saunas, but are lower ground level—so darker. Radisson SAS Lillehammer Hotel, Turisthotelveien 6, Lillehammer N-2609, Norway. Booking—see www.weekendblueprint.com Further hotels of interest Hotel Hammer (Mid Price; 67 rms). A good alternative if the Radisson is fully booked, or you value a town centre location. The Hammer is an unpretentious but friendly and exceptionally well-run manageably-sized modern 3 star hotel. Fronting the northern end of Storgata, and on the edge of the main shopping area, the hotel’s folksy two-storey façade of red clapperboard conceals a somewhat larger building behind. Inside, there’s a comfortable but unremarkable lobby with a Rica Victoria Hotel SAS Radisson Lillehammer snug little lounge at one end. Behind the reception area is a breakfast room, but there’s no on-site restaurant or coffeeshop (although the smart Lundegården Brasseri is next door). While nothing spectacular, the clean modern bedrooms offer plenty of space and light. The Hammer has a small sauna and solarium, but the hotel’s basically intended as a base, not a place to hang out. Facilities: Lounge, breakfast room, sauna, parking. Clarion Collection Hotel Hammer, Storgata 108, N-2615 Lillehammer, Norway. Booking—see www.weekendblueprint.com Rica Victoria Hotel (Mid Price; 109 rms.). The Victoria is a Jekyll-and-Hyde sort of place. Enter from the Storgata side, and the heavy stonework entrance suggests puffy provincial respectability, possibly running slightly to seed. This impression is apparently confirmed by the leather and stained-wood lobby-cum-bar, an unexpected mix of hunting lodge and London pub. In contrast, coming direct from the station, you’ll be presented with a functional 1970s high-rise. Unfortunately, it’s this side of the hotel’s schizoid personality that extends to the bedrooms and restaurant. Nevertheless, it’s a sound if unexciting establishment—part of a respected upper mid-market Norwegian chain—and the central location is the best in town. Facilities: Lounge, bar, restarant, room service, babysitting, parking. Rica Victoria Hotel, Storgata 84B, N-2600 Lillehammer, Norway. Booking—see www.weekendblueprint.com N.B. Amongst the Lillehammer hotels that didn’t make my selection are the Molla and First Hotel Breiseth. This is not necessarily an adverse reflection on standards as my choices are based on many factors including location, ambience, quality within class, service, facilities and my personal taste. As an alternative to staying in Lillehammer, it is possible to stay out in the Hafjell area—at the Quality Hotel Hafjell or Quality Hotel Hunderfossen. These are both well-functioning mid-price choices, but transport is limited, so without a car, the downside is you’re likely to feel somewhat marooned. Hotel prices: Budget: below £60, Modest: £60- £100, Mid Price: £100-£140, Expensive: £140-200, Premium: £200+; prices are per double room at the time of year and type of room (standard unless specified otherwise) recommended. Prices are for guidance only, please check with hotel for further details. JUNE 08 EDITION 11 WWW.WEEKENDBLUEPRINT.COM
Page 1 and 2: Weekend Blueprint Bobsleigh Lilleha
Page 3 and 4: Clockwise from top: Frozen Lake Mj
Page 5 and 6: “in the weak afternoon light my e
Page 7 and 8: Snowbound forests above Lillehammer
Page 9: Highlights 4 Toboggan Tobogganing,
Page 13 and 14: Lillehammer ski-jump hill from Topp
Page 15 and 16: Galdhøpiggen (2470 m) Jotunheimen
Page 17 and 18: Miscellanea Weekend Blueprint? Week

Lillehmmer Bobsleigh Blueprint (07)

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