Grand Hotel Bellevue

Grand Hotel Bellevue in Åndalsnes was established in 1890, when the surrounding landscape was still dominated by farmland. At the time, the region was only beginning to emerge as a destination for adventurous travelers. This was the time tourism was taking root in Norway, with tourist boats arriving in rural fjord communities. In Åndalsnes's case, they came in 1883, creating a market for lodgings which enterprising locals were quick to address. The hotel soon grew alongside the early waves of visitors, their arrivals spurred by developments in transportation technology.

The hotel did face its ups and downs, the worst when it burned down in 1940. Yet its owners persevered and rebuilt, instead taking the opportunity to transform the hotel. The late 20th and early 21st centuries brought significant modernization, starting in 1996 with the addition of new upper floors. This was followed soon after by extensive room and floor refurbishments in 2000. More updates took place in 2012 and 2015, and in 2019, the hotel opened Restaurant La Vue.

Now boasting 88 guest rooms and suites, Grand Hotel Bellevue promises a holiday filled with majestic views of fjords and mountains, and wonderful amenities providing lavish comforts.

Grand Hotel Bellevue's architecture contrasts the rugged fjord landscape, presenting a modern building that stands out in Åndalsnes. The building's design is functional rather than ornate, reflecting decades of phased expansions and renovations. Its structure is oriented to capture the scenery, with large windows and an elevated position that allows rooms to look out toward the fjord and the surrounding mountains.

For its interior spaces, the hotel embraces bright modern designs with a Nordic flair. The lobby, for example, has soft color palettes and earthy tones, and uses warm materials that feel inviting. Rooms are often refreshed with contemporary furnishings, but many also feature distinctive murals depicting the fjords and mountains. Public areas and conference spaces follow the same approach, creating a comfortable and relaxed setting while meeting modern expectations. Likewise, the modernizations also included wheelchair accessibility for today's guests.

Restaurant La Vue at Grand Hotel Bellevue is the hotel’s primary dining venue, offering guests a memorable culinary experience that draws upon local traditions and ingredients. The restaurant operates Monday through Saturday and features a menu that blends classic and contemporary dishes. Favorites include their creamy fish soup and honey-glazed salmon, caught and prepared fresh. Aside from the main menu, they have pizza selections and casual dinner options, giving guests better flexibility in how they dine. They also address dietary concerns and restrictions, and are open to adjusting the food if informed beforehand.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 6 pm - 10 pm

Visitors can make reservations directly with the Restaurant La Vue through the hotel's phone number.

Grand Hotel Bellevue has a long tradition of hosting conferences and banquets, and thus that experience extends to accommodating wedding receptions. The hotel has a selection of meeting rooms, though grand gatherings for weddings usually book larger venues like Romsdalsstua and Romsdalshorn, hosting 90 or 80 guests respectively. If you're expecting hundreds of guests, it would be best to reserve the hotel's largest venue, Trollstolen, which serves up to 330.

For events, they can prepare special packages that will include the venue, as well as meals and refreshments. The venues come equipped with audio-visual equipment, which you can use for presentations. You will need to coordinate with the hotel staff, however, if you'd like additional services like stylists, decorators, and perhaps even performers.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Grand Hotel Bellevue serves as a fantastic base for exploring the stunning landscape of Åndalsnes and the surrounding Rauma area. Several iconic outdoor attractions are well within walking distance from the hotel. Guests can visit Rampestreken, a dramatic viewing platform high above the valley with panoramic views over the fjord and mountains. The Romsdalen Gondola is just a few minutes away on foot, and it will take you up to Nesaksla for majestic mountain views and adventures. Those seeking excitement can head up Romsdalseggen, one of Norway’s most famous yet challenging crags.

If you prefer a more leisurely pace, the hotel has a selection of more casual experiences. Guests can visit places like the Norsk Tindesenter, a local mountaineering museum and visitor center. You can also rent an electric Renault Twizy to get around, such as visiting nearby towns or heading to picnic spots up on the mountains or along the fjord.

Grand Hotel Bellevue supports events such as birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate functions. They can offer flexible packages that you can further tailor. For example, a day-use package includes venue rental, wireless internet, snacks and refreshments, and a 2-course lunch. The overnight “lunch-to-lunch” multi-day package has additional meals, refreshments, and accommodation. Guests may also integrate activities for the attendees, such as group hikes, fjord cruises, or visits to landmarks.

A few examples of their venues are:

Blåstolen - A spacious venue that can accommodate up to 86 people in an amphitheater configuration.

Romsdalsstua - Can be configured into a classroom layout to accommodate up to 90 guests.

Trollstolen - The largest venue of the hotel, capable of accommodating 300 attendees.

As a whole, Classic Norway Hotels implements company-wide sustainability programs and initiatives that adhere to environmental laws and social responsibilities.

At the heart of their operations is a structured environmental management approach anchored in their Miljøfyrtårn (Eco-Lighthouse) certification. This nationally recognized Norwegian environmental standard ensures that companies and establishments continuously strive for improvements and care for the environment. Key areas of their initiatives target energy use and food waste. They also follow the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, which include aspects such as Quality Education by supporting staff training and vocational learning, and Responsible Consumption and Production, covering annual food waste tracking and reduction efforts.