Victoria Hotel

Stavanger has changed in many ways over the years, but Hotel Victoria has stayed right at the heart of it. The hotel opened in July 1900 and is recognized as the oldest in the city. Early visitors noted the modern facilities of that time, and the property also received notable guests, including King Haakon the Seventh and Queen Maud in 1906. In 1907, the King of Siam stayed here and enjoyed the same harbor view guests see today.

The building itself is considered an important piece of local architecture, with several protected sections. In 1905 Stavanger’s first cinema opened on the ground floor, which made the hotel a familiar place for both residents and travelers. Over the years, the property changed ownership several times, though its original character remained visible.

In 2017, Glastad Holding purchased the hotel and carried out a restoration project aimed at updating the facilities while keeping the historic structure intact. The hotel reopened in August 2020 with refurbished interiors and individually furnished rooms. Today, it is often chosen by travelers who want a stay that reflects both the older and newer sides of Stavanger.

Hotel Victoria is a historic neo-Renaissance building right by the harbor, making it one of Stavanger’s city landmarks. Opening its doors in July 1900, the hotel still carries the elegance of its early design, with a red and yellow brick facade and classic columns marking the main entrance. The architecture combines stately lines with subtle decorative details, reflecting the style of the era while blending seamlessly into the city’s waterfront.

Inside, the rooms are thoughtfully designed to balance the building’s historic character. Each space is tastefully furnished, with carefully chosen details that complement the period architecture without feeling outdated. The hotel also includes practical features like an elevator, allergy-free rooms, facilities for disabled guests, and higher-level toilets with grab rails, ensuring that accessibility and comfort go hand in hand with style.

Salon du Nord

Salon du Nord has been part of the hotel since 1900, when it first opened as a barbershop and friseur, so it carries a sense of history. The kitchen focuses on easy café-style food with simple plates, good flavors, and a mix of small, large, and sweet dishes. Daytime feels relaxed with soft music, comfy corners, and good coffee. When evening rolls in, the room shifts into a lively spot with classic tunes and cocktails that blend old-school ideas with fresh flavors. The seasonal menu avoids artificial stuff, so everything tastes clean.
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm | Saturday: 12:00 pm to late night.

Brasserie Pigalle

Brasserie Pigalle has a warm, slightly moody dining room that works well for slow, relaxed dinners. The kitchen focuses on Modern French cooking with gentle Nordic influences, so the food feels rich, seasonal, and comforting without being too heavy. Expect a mix of classic French flavors, thoughtful seafood, well-cooked meats, and simple, traditional desserts that round off the meal in a clean, familiar way.
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 5:00 pm - late
Food service: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Afternoon Tea

Take a pause and enjoy a timeless Afternoon Tea at Hotel Victoria. This is a proper British-style Afternoon Tea, going back to the 18th century, and it’s great for family, friends, or couples. It’s served every other Saturday, with the menu changing to match the season and the freshest ingredients. You’ll get scones with clotted cream and passion fruit cream, a selection of local cheeses, assorted sandwiches, and of course the hotel’s desserts and petit fours to finish it off. Price per person is 525 NOK (USD 51.2).

Hotel Victoria sits right by the harbor, so it often becomes the place couples look at first for a city wedding. The hotel has halls in different sizes, so you can plan something small or something much bigger. The team has handled plenty of weddings over the years, so they help you sort out the practical stuff and keep things moving the way they should.

Food is always a big part of the day. The chefs sit down with you and help shape a menu that fits what you like, whether you want something traditional or something a bit more relaxed. They handle both the food and the drinks. The hotel also helps with the small details like decor, music, menus and setup, so you don’t feel like you’re doing everything alone. It’s meant to be a steady, comfortable place to shape your day the way you want it.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

At Hotel Victoria, you don’t have to go far to stay active. There’s a fitness center and gym if you want to keep moving, and a golf course just three kilometers away. You can also take a bike out and explore around town.

Once you step outside, Stavanger has plenty to see and do. Gamle Stavanger, the city’s old town, is famous for its narrow cobblestone streets and rows of white wooden houses, perfect for a stroll or photos. Fargegaten, the color street, is full of character and great for exploring local shops, crafts, and even a casual coffee stop. There’s the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, Stavanger Cathedral, and the botanical garden if you like a slower pace. For shopping, big centers like Arkaden Torgterrassen or Herbarium are worth a visit, along with smaller local shops.

Stavanger has a strong coffee culture. Cafés here aren’t just about grabbing a cup, they’re a place to linger, meet friends, or watch the city go by. Spots like Kokko Kaffebar, Steam Kaffebar, Amy’s Coffeebar, and Bøker og Børst serve carefully brewed coffee, often with local roasts or special blends.

If you like being outdoors, the area is packed with trails. Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten are classic hikes, Trolltunga is tough but amazing, and there are easier loops like the 7-Peaks Trail or walks around Store Stokkevatnet and Sørmarka. Guided hikes and combined fjord cruises are also available, especially for exploring Lysefjord. There’s plenty to do, whether you want a long adventure or just a gentle walk.

The holidays come alive at Hotel Victoria, with cozy decorations, the smell of seasonal cooking, and that warm, festive feeling. Christmas gatherings, whether breakfasts, lunches, or dinners, bring plenty of delicious food, homemade treats, and elegant spaces, from the heritage-listed boardroom to rooms with views of the harbor. For New Year’s Eve, Brasserie Pigalle serves a 5-course dinner with good wine and live music. When midnight strikes, there are bubbles, and the celebration moves to the dance floor, making it a festive way to step into the new year.

Planning a special celebration or an important meeting? Whether it’s a confirmation, birthday, baptism, or any milestone gathering, the hotel offers banquet spaces of all sizes, floral touches, personal guidance, and experienced caterers. Chefs can craft a menu that fits the occasion, from traditional afternoon tea to fun street food. Dedicated meeting rooms offer comfort, style, and smooth tech, and packages are available for added treats. For more details, get in touch with the team, and they’ll help plan every detail of your celebration.