Britannia – Trondheim’s luxury hotel
Often, a hotel is a “necessary evil” when visiting a city. However, when it comes to the Britannia Hotel in Trondheim, it can be the very reason for the trip. Now, people travel to Trondheim to stay at the Britannia and then explore the city, not the other way around. And for good reason.
On June 14, 1870, Andreas Myhre opened the doors of the Britannia Hotel for the first time to eight British salmon lords and two wealthy Americans. Myhre understood the potential in catering to English-speaking tourists and advertised that English was spoken at the hotel. The name was chosen with care.
150 years later, the Britannia Hotel has risen like a phoenix, not from the ashes, but from decay. Before Odd Reitan and the Reitan Group purchased the hotel, it had been part of both Rica and Thon hotels but was in such poor condition by 2016 that it required an extensive total renovation to become what it is today.
Phoenix Rising
Three years and many millions of kroner later, the Britannia Hotel once again stands proudly as the city’s finest address and the obvious choice for both royalty and celebrities from all fields.
Even before reaching the hotel, you notice that this is something special. A red carpet, a black English taxi, and a doorman welcome you. The doorman is one of over 800 criteria for being part of “Leading Hotels of the World.”
In the lobby, you are greeted by gleaming brass, massive marble, fresh flowers, and velvety sofas.
Sleep like a princess
The hotel corridors, often quite dark and dull in ordinary hotels, are classic and elegant here, resembling an art gallery with numerous artworks on the walls. Many of these are for sale, with a list of names and prices available in the lobby should you be tempted.
The rooms are as elegant as one would expect behind the large, heavy doors. Gray tones on the walls, furniture, and curtains, and a floor-to-ceiling mirror that cleverly hides a TV should you need it.
The beds are delightful Hästens beds with plump down duvets and a pile of pillows. A well-stocked minibar, luxurious toiletries, and thick, soft towels in the bathroom complete the experience.
During a work visit in March, we got an exclusive peek into the Tower Suite. There, we enjoyed some delicious food while hearing the hotel’s history from the hotel director. This is where the real celebs sleep when in Trondheim.
The suite is built on top of the hotel, behind the tower visible from the facade. It is literally bombproof and secure enough to house both the Pope and American presidents. The suite has only one bedroom, but it features its own wine cellar, a gold-plated bathtub, and a grand piano!
However, no matter how lovely the rooms are, they are rarely the main attraction of a hotel. At the Britannia, it is perhaps the food and restaurants that make it easy to spend an entire weekend there without eating elsewhere.
After spending some time in the lovely spa area, with a pool, saunas, and a cold plunge, it’s time for food.
Bon apétitt
The hotel offers several dining options: the iconic Speilsalen with hand-printed original wallpaper and a Michelin star, the French-inspired Brasseriet, and the Asian-inspired Jonathan Grill.
And, of course, the Palm Garden, This where you have your breakfast and the place for a classic afternoon tea.
We start in the basement with Jonathan Grill, where we enjoy various sauces and accompaniments to grill our own meat on special grills. These grills are unique outside Japan and required a special installer to be flown in.
In the basement, there is also a wine bar where you can enjoy small bites while sampling one of the 10,000 bottles in the cellar. Fancy a little shopping break with a refill? Once a month, there is a special event where some of the more exclusive bottles are opened and available by the glass.
The French Brasseriet is modern French in style, with bottle-green velvet sofas, tiles, a long bar, and an opening into the kitchen. The food is classic French, and the atmosphere is casual.
Star-Studded Speilsalen
Speilsalen is a story in itself. The room has been restored to its former glory, with the original hand-painted wallpaper still adorning the walls. It is the perfect setting for a star-studded performance.
Tables are reserved three months in advance, which is not surprising given that chef Christopher W. Davidsen, who won silver in the Bocuse d’Or in 2017, earned a Michelin star in the first year after reopening. This means exquisite food and extremely high-quality service, surroundings, and beverages.
The meal is like a performance, with one exquisite dish after another served. They look like small artworks that you almost feel guilty eating.
It is a shame that the tastes are so small. Each bite is so full of unique, complex flavors that you wish for more. To be able to have a second taste of it.
The small mouthfuls set the standard for the rest of the meal. And the artworks just keep coming.
Midway through the meal, there is a little “breather,” a classic “trou normand,” a Norman hole intended to make room for more food. This is served as a classic mixed cocktail at the table, with pine needle syrup and ice cubes shaped like small pine cones.
Speaking of cocktails
And speaking of cocktails, the bar has a fantastic drink menu with signature cocktails that tell stories about the hotel. I assume they change the menues every now and then, but we got stories about the Palm Garden, the great fire of Trondheim, and the history of Linie aquavit, to name a few.
Skilled people both behind the bar and in the restaurant ensure a great guest experience.
Palmehaven
The last “attraction” is the other jewel in the crown, the Palm Garden itself. Here, you can enjoy what might be Norway’s best hotel breakfast.
Imagine both à la carte, where you order eggs, sandwiches, pancakes, etc., from the menu, and a buffet where you can help yourself to whatever you like. There are omelet chefs and cheese servers, and a wealth of local delicacies.
A Sweet Finale
In the afternoon, all signes of breakfast is removed and the Palm Garden is prepared for a classic British afternoon tea. We were offered as much tea as we wanted from an extensive tea menu.
All were good and paired well with the three tiers of treats: savory sandwiches on the bottom, classic scones with clotted cream in the middle, and cakes and confections on top. A perfect way to end a perfect stay.
The Britannia Hotel is truly worth a visit, even without spending a fortune in the Speilsalen. If you have the chance, book a stay here. You won’t regret it.
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