We had a number of problems during our stay at the First Hotel Marin, most notably when we checked in. We drove in late from Alesund (11:00pm), but had called ahead in the early afternoon to assure them we were still coming and to give a credit card number as guarantee.

And then our troubles began.

We're traveling with our two kids (ages 4 and 2), and had requested adjoining rooms. Because of our late arrival, we were told, the only two rooms remaining were on separate floors. Nothing to do but grin and bear it, so we loaded our luggage and kids on a cart we found in the lobby and headed up the elevator.

Problem #1: our rooms were numbered x29 and x31, but the available room numbers ended at x28. We headed back to the lobby, where after spending several minutes convincing the desk staff that we're not idiots, they realized that our rooms were through the library and up the _secret_ back elevator. Normally one would expect to be told of this immediately, but we set out again.

Problem #2: the secret elevator was located down a flight of stairs. Not relishing the prospect of toting two cranky children and 60 kilos of luggage over this, we again returned to the front desk and asked for help. We were told this was not possible, with a smile more condescending than sympathetic.

After lugging everything down the stairs, up the elevator, and splitting it between the two rooms on two floors, we headed down yet again to park the car.

Problem #3: the parking available for this hotel is not directly affiliated, and is difficult to find. Our ever-helpful front desk told me to drive around the block to the entrance. After driving around the block twice and not finding it, I took another trip to reception. Again several minutes to convince them we're not feckless, followed by the missing information: one has to press the small button next to the 1.5cm by 4cm sign marked "First Hotel Marin" to get the (unmarked) garage door to open.

After this, we were finally settled in for the night (and the night staff went off shift, thank god.) Things improved the next day- we were able to get two rooms together, and housekeeping did the luggage transfer for us. The rooms were nice enough, though the window safety latches in both were broken or missing (see picture); we kept them locked to prevent the kids from climbing on the sill and descending without benefit of elevator. Cleaning of the rooms was also spotty - we found receipts and toiletry articles from the previous occupants.

Not getting rooms together was unfortunate but perhaps unavoidable given the hour- not telling us where to find the correct elevator or how to open the garage smacks of incompetence. First Marin should review their customer service training lest others have the same experience we did.

We stayed in this hotel in June 2007 and found it to be in a wonderful location, it was hot whilst we were there but had no problems with lack of air-con as we had a room at the rear, this also proved to be beneficial noise wise as it was very quiet. We had a nicely furnished room with a large bed and a nice bathroom with a heated floor. they also provided tea/coffee in the foyer and facilities to make same in the rooms. We found the location to be excellent, very near the centre and some good restaurants. For breakfast there was plenty of choice and the dining room is very pleasant.
We booked via the tourist office on arrival and got a good rate - so worth considering.

We stayed two nights (Thu and Fri) after arrival from US and had a corner room on upper floor opposite the harbour. Partying in the street prevented sleep until 4:30 am. Front desk seemed surprised we resented the situation. We will return to Bergen but never stay at the First again, or at any hotel close to the night clubs in that immediate area. My worst nights in a hotel after 40+ years of business and personal travel in Europe.

We stayed for 3 nights at this hotel for the first time in Bergen in June 2007. It was our first time in the beautiful city of Bergen. The visit itself was memorable, but the hotel was quite a let-down in many ways.

Firstly, there is NO air-conditioning in this hotel, hence if you are planning to stay in Bergen in the summer, please be warned that it can get quite hot and stuffy in the rooms.

We booked a junior suite and got "upgraded" for an additional NOK 200 to a rooftop suite. The suite itself looked nice, with a separate living room and bedroom. Thats where the good part ends. The room is in real need of a thorough spring cleaning and refurbishment. It was dusty when we arrived! The sofa upholstry was torn and tattered. On the day of arrival, the weather was really hot, and we had to keep the door to the balcony open. Unfortunately, its a common shared balcony so you can hear the noise from the other suites which have access to the balcony too.

The bedroom had no ventilation so it was very stuffy at night. It didn't help of course that in Bergen, the summers have essentially all day and night sunshine. Since the bedroom was so stuffy, we ended up sleeping on the floor of the living room where there was at least some ventilation!

Breakfast was your average mass production type of continental food. Nothing great.

The only saving grace is the location which is good because its right at the heart of the city centre, near the fish market, Bryggen area and funicular, etc.

Bergen is a beautiful gem of a city which is probably best visited in late Spring or early Fall. I would definitely visit the city again but not stay at the First Marin until and unless it undergoes a radical refurbishment and cleaning up!