Radisson Blu Hotel Caledonien is a well-known hotel located in the heart of Kristiansand, Norway's southernmost city. After a recent renovation, we decided to test the hotel during a business trip. Here’s our honest review, covering the location, rooms, facilities, and service at this popular accommodation.
Location and parking
Situated centrally, the hotel offers several advantages despite not being directly on Markens (Kristiansand's main street). For instance, guests can find parking outside at reasonable daily rates. Additionally, there are electric vehicle charging options available via Kople. Moreover, it’s just a short walk to the city center.
Check-in and service
Upon arrival, we experienced a quick and smooth check-in process. However, as a Premium member of the Radisson chain, I found myself missing some key elements. Specifically, I hoped for recognition of my membership status and information about member benefits.
Tip for the hotel: Improving follow-up on the loyalty program could significantly enhance customer loyalty.
Read our review of Amerikalinjen in Oslo
The Room
We were assigned a room on the fourth floor that appeared to be a business room. It featured:
- A good size with ample space around the bed
- A small chair and chaise lounge for relaxation
- A work desk with an ergonomic chair
- A closet for storage
- A safe and minibar for convenience
Bathroom
The bathroom was impressive as well. It offered:
- A spacious layout
- Bright, inviting decor
- A generous shower with excellent water pressure
- Effective drainage—no water spillage on the floor!
Sleep quality
When it comes to sleep quality, there were both positives and negatives.
Positive aspects included:
- A comfortable bed
- Good duvets and pillows
- Effective blackout curtains ensuring a dark room
- Pleasant temperature throughout the night
On the downside:
- Noise from elevator motors was noticeable
- Some disturbances from other guests could be heard
Breakfast
Breakfast at Radisson Blu Hotel Caledonien was enjoyable and maintained a high standard. The breakfast hall had a pleasant atmosphere, making it a great place to start the day.
Guests could choose from a good selection of both hot and cold dishes. However, there was one area for improvement: Bacon was only available with fried eggs and was of average quality.
Conclusion
Overall, Radisson Blu Hotel Caledonien offers excellent value for money, especially given its central location.
Strengths:
- Competitive pricing
- Convenient location
- Delicious breakfast options
- Comfortable rooms
Weaknesses:
- Lack of follow-up on loyalty program benefits
- Some noise issues in the rooms
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I would recommend this hotel for both business travelers and tourists seeking a central base in Kristiansand. With just a few minor adjustments—particularly in customer service—Caledonien has the potential to become one of the top hotels in the city.
Kristiansand: Tips and attractions
Kristiansand, often referred to as the "Summer City," offers plenty of attractions and activities to explore:
- Dyreparken (Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park): This is a must-visit for families, featuring animals, rides, and the famous Cardamom Town.
- Kunstsilo: A groundbreaking art museum Originally a grain silo built in 1935, it has been transformed into a center for art and cultural experiences.
- Bystranda (City Beach): Enjoy this beautiful urban beach that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Fiskebrygga (Fish Market): This charming area is filled with restaurants and boats—ideal for seafood lovers.
- Posebyen: Wander through the old town with its well-preserved wooden houses that showcase 18th-century architecture.
- Kilden Performing Arts Centre: Attend concerts, theater performances, or opera shows at this modern venue.
- Ravnedalen Nature Park: This scenic park features a small lake—perfect for picnics or leisurely walks.
Take a look at Visit Kristiansand´s webpage.
How to get there
Getting to Kristiansand is easy thanks to various transportation options, if you come by:
Air: Kristiansand Airport (Kjevik) is located about 12 km from the city center, offering regular flights from major Norwegian cities as well as some international destinations.
Train: Regular train services connect Kristiansand to Oslo and other major cities along Norway's southern coast.
Car: The E18 highway provides direct access to Kristiansand from Oslo and other coastal cities. E39 connects from Bergen and Stavanger.
Ferry: There are international ferry connections from Denmark. Both Color Line and Fjordline has connections to Hirtshals in Denmark.
Best time to visit
The summer months (June to August) are particularly popular among visitors due to warm weather and numerous outdoor events. However, spring and early autumn can also be delightful times to visit with fewer crowds and mild temperatures.
To ensure availability — especially during peak season — remember to book your stay at Radisson Hotel Caledonien in advance. You might even find better rates by doing so. Kristiansand is known for extremely high prices at hotels during summer holidays.
