Scandic Kristiansand Bystranda

The hotel is very spacious and modern. Check-in went easily and quickly, and I even got a free upgrade to a superior room this time around. The room was very spacious and clean. The bathroom also had plenty of space. Comfortable bed and a nice view from the 6th floor. The staff was welcoming and while everything was closed on Sunday, both the bar and restaurant, there are plenty of great options for that within walking distance from the hotel. You do have underground parking at the hotel with plenty of space, but the daily cost is pretty steep at almost 300kr. A pleasant and nice stay, would not mind going back.

The location of the hotel is great. Its situated just next to Bystranda (the city beach), and we had fantastic views from our superior plus room. I highly recommend booking in this room category as it offers the best views. I have uploaded a couple of pictures of it. From the hotel it's a ~10 minute walk along the beautiful promenade to get to the city center. However, we found the cleanliness of our room to be extremely poor. We put up the "please cleen my room" sign every day during our visit, but beyond giving us new towels nothing was done. Floors not vacumed/cleaned, surfaces not cleaned, used coffee cups and water glasses not replaced, etc. We also found the service to be very varying. Some of the staff were very forthcoming and helpful, where others seemed as they did not want to be there. During breakfast we were straight out ignored by one of the staff, who looked at us and then walked away. The common areas of the hotel, such as reception, restaurant, and hallways, are modern and nice. However the rooms themselves are quite worn out (chipped floors, stains and markings on the walls, torn curtains, etc. The rooms also feel quite basic and undecorated. If you compare to most Strawberry or Thon hotels where the rooms feel warm and inviting, this was on the other end of the scale. Lastly, the rooms have what they call a ventilation system (not air conditioning). When we arrived the temperature in the room was 24c (75f), so we set the ventilation to 15c (59f) in order to bring the temperature down. This had no effect at all so we ended up having to sleep with the windows open. With airplanes passing over in low altitude for landing and takeoff, this was not ideal.

The outsise temperature during two very rainy days was about 15 degrees Celsius. Inside the room ( NO Blackout curtains) 23,7, and after 10 minutes over 26 degrees! We have spoken to a few other rooms who experienced exactly the same problem ( during our average breakfast, with a good variety food and beverage). All reported to front desk, who cannot help, because it's 'normal' ongoing issue for them. Because NO Airconditioning, but 'air coolling' which seems to work normal according their standards ( it blows relatief HOT air 24/7). Sleeping and relaxing for work was the hardest part off our short stay, which should be the number 1 reason why going to hotel:)

We were badly surprised the swimming pool is not part of the hotel as it is presented on their website. The communication is not good on this point. We had planned to go to the swimming pool with our daughter as often as possible but because of the price, we went once. And there is no special price for kids. It's just a shame. The hotel was nice but doesn't deserve the price we paid for it.

Ordered food in a boring restaurant with a very bad meny where I was told you had to guess what M stood for by looking all the way down on the page that it mean mayonnaise which I did not want on a chicken salat, it was not written at the dish itself, just that it was a Estragon dressing the letter M I did not see or understand had to be read at the bottom of the paper. So the waitress caught up with me and started an argument infant of the receptionist claiming that it was my own fault and I had to pay, she did not care if I could not guess where it was written what M stand for, typical Norwegian manners blaming everyone else for their own shortcomings, will never use this hotel again and recommend no one else to use it, sorry, but I hav had enough of high and mighty behaviour, also the menu was in Norwegian.

Had to go to lobby to watch tv due to lagging in cabin tv. This i am sure will be sorted, but for us it was the case. Location was OK, staff was friendly and parking under the hotel was practical.

Scandic Bystranden has the best location and breakfast. I miss a warm welcome when checking in, but the service in the restaurant makes up for it. But to truly be a 5 star front office staff should work on their smiles when greeting guests for check-in. But all in a all a very good experience.

We visit this hotel at least once a year. It’s close to the city, the harbor front and Aquarama is right next door. Perfect for families.