Britannia Hotel

Overview

In the heart of Trondheim’s compact city centre, Britannia Hotel marries grand-dame heritage with a fresh, contemporary polish. Established in 1870 and reborn after a meticulous three-year restoration completed in April 2019, the property now anchors the city’s growing profile as a northern culinary and cultural destination. From the mirrored splendour of its fine-dining room to an expansive urban spa, the hotel is designed for travellers who value craftsmanship, quiet luxury, and a sense of place.

Location & Sense of Place

Set on Dronningens gate, the address places guests within easy walking distance of Trondheim’s highlights, including the Nidelva riverfront, the cobbled lanes of Bakklandet, and the Old Town Bridge—known locally as “Lykkens Portal.” Despite the central setting, interiors feel calm and insulated from street bustle. For exploring farther afield, rail connections and the waterfront are close by, making the hotel a practical base for both city breaks and fjord day trips.

Design & Heritage

Public spaces blend original bones with modern detailing: high ceilings, marble and polished woods, contemporary art, and discreet lighting. The renovation respected the building’s timeline—from its 19th-century origins to its early-20th-century expansions—while introducing updated comfort and technology. The atmosphere is elegant without being ostentatious; the narrative is “historic Nordic house of influence” rather than museum piece.

Rooms & Suites

The accommodation comprises 224 rooms and suites in a variety of categories, from cosy doubles to statement suites in the tower. Expect thoughtful amenities: plush bedding (including premium Scandinavian mattresses), generous wardrobes, marble-clad bathrooms, a well-curated minibar, and turndown service. Acoustic hush and blackout make rest easy, while contemporary controls and casting options reflect the hotel’s tech-friendly stance. For families or longer stays, several suites interconnect to create apartment-style layouts.

Dining & Drinks

The hotel functions as a mini dining district with six distinct venues. At its pinnacle is Speilsalen, a modern tasting-menu restaurant in a mirrored hall recognised by the MICHELIN Guide; it is the city’s most sought-after fine-dining reservation. Palmehaven, the palm-court at the building’s heart, stages an elevated breakfast and a classic afternoon tea that draws locals as much as guests. Brasserie Britannia offers polished comfort dishes throughout the day. For a livelier, hands-on meal, Jonathan Grill introduces smoke-free Japanese table grills—guests sear premium meats and vegetables at the table. Vinbaren, the cellar-level wine bar, carries a deep, global list with rare vintages by the bottle and an extensive by-the-glass program, while Britannia Bar mixes refined cocktails in a clubby setting. In-room dining mirrors the kitchens’ breadth for late arrivals and lazy mornings alike.

Spa, Pool & Fitness

Downstairs, the wellness area reads like a city-spa wish list: a heated lap pool with relaxation zones, sauna and steam rooms, a cold-plunge pool, and an infrared cabin. Treatment rooms host facials and body therapies using premium products, and the gym features modern cardio and strength equipment suited to proper workouts rather than token sessions. The mood is serene, materials are tactile and warm, and circulation through wet and dry zones is intuitive.

Service & Scene

Service is classically trained yet informal, with staff fluent in English and comfortable offering both itinerary tips and dining guidance. The guest mix skews toward design-minded leisure travellers, Nordic weekenders, and business guests who prefer independent character over chain predictability. Evenings often see a gentle flow between restaurants and bar; afternoons, the palm court hums with tea trays and soft conversation.

Verdict

Britannia Hotel succeeds as both an address and a destination: central enough for effortless sightseeing, complete enough that you never need to leave. With serious restaurants, a quietly luxurious spa, and rooms that prioritise rest, it delivers a well-rounded Trondheim stay with a distinct sense of Nordic heritage.