Masaki Fukuhara
Google
Our stay at Utsikten Hotel in Geiranger was a blend of awe-inspiring views and logistical frustrations. The photos online set certain expectations for the room size and layout, but upon arrival, we were met with a smaller room and window than anticipated. Additionally, I booked a room with two double beds but was assigned a queen room instead, which was a disappointment. The hotel’s location is both its greatest charm and its biggest challenge. Set high above the fjord, the view is undeniably stunning—arguably better than from the Pier. But the trade-off is accessibility. With no shuttle service and limited taxi availability in the area, getting there without your own car is a hassle. We had to wait three hours for a taxi after arriving in Geiranger by bus. While the front desk staff were kind and tried to help with arranging transport back to town upon checkout, but we were told it's not guaranteed you'll get one, so definitely plan for long waiting times if you rely on public transport.
Breakfast was solid, with a wide variety of options to choose from. Dinner, on the other hand, leaned heavily into Western-style Norwegian cuisine. It was pricey—we spent around 1,300 NOK for two—and unfortunately didn’t align with our taste preferences (we're Asian), though we noticed other guests(Caucasian) seemed to enjoy it.
Overall, Utsikten is best suited for travelers with rental cars who are looking for a scenic, quiet retreat above the fjord—just be aware of the transportation challenges and set expectations for dining and room layout accordingly.