Where to Stay in Stavanger, Norway: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

Trying to decide where to stay in Stavanger? You’ve come to the right place!

Before traveling here ourselves, we didn’t know much about Stavanger. Upon landing, we quickly learned that this is a pretty compact city, so choosing where to stay is pretty straightforward. However, there is a right place for each type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for old historic charm, easy access to the outdoors, or something walkable and convenient, you can find it here.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best areas to stay in Stavanger and the best hotels to book for every budget. This is your one-stop shop for finding the perfect base!

Where To Stay In Stavanger Map

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Stavanger

Stavanger is pretty compact, so choosing where to stay is fairly straightforward. For most visitors, Downtown Stavanger is the best base, especially if it’s your first time in the city. You’ll be close to the harbor and the Old Town, so you’ll have the best restaurants and attractions right on your doorstep. We love being able to do most of our exploring on foot!

South Stavanger is less atmospheric, but it can work well if you’re traveling by car or visiting for business. This area includes places like Våland, Bekkefaret, Tjensvoll, Stavanger Forum, and Ullandhaug.

Then there’s Sola Airport, which is the practical choice for early flights, late arrivals, stopovers, and fly-drive trips. It’s not where I’d stay for sightseeing, but it makes life much easier if you just need a convenient overnight base. 

Basically, stay Downtown if you want to walk everywhere, and choose South Stavanger or Sola Airport if practical logistics matter more!

• Downtown Stavanger – Best for first-time visitors – This is our favorite place to stay in Stavanger, and the most convenient area for exploring the city and accessing fjord cruises. We loved our stay at Scandic Royal Stavanger as it was modern and airy – and not too expensive, either! 

• South Stavanger – Best for a quieter stay – This area is calm and it’s a practical choice if you’re driving and need easier parking. Clarion Hotel Energy is bold and funky, and it’s very reasonably priced.

• Sola Airport – Best for stopovers & shorter stays –Staying near Sola Airport is perfect for early flights, late arrivals, and short stopovers in Stavanger. Scandic Stavanger Airport is convenient and spacious, with fantastic facilities including a well-equipped gym, a sauna, and a stylish bar. 

Where to Stay in Stavanger

Downtown Stavanger

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Easy to explore on foot
• Close to the harbor, Old Town, museums, restaurants, shops, and fjord cruise departures
• Best choice if you don’t want to rely on taxis, buses, or a rental car

Cons

• Usually more expensive than staying further out
• Parking can be limited or pricey
• Less peaceful than the outer areas

Downtown Stavanger is where I’d stay if I were visiting the city for the first time. It’s compact and walkable, so you’ll be able to do a lot of your sightseeing on foot. In fact, we walked pretty much everywhere, from the harbor and colorful Øvre Holmegate to Gamle Stavanger and IDDIS. Oh, and don’t forget about the Norwegian Petroleum Museum – it’s a lot more interesting than you’d think! 

This area is also the most convenient base if you’re planning to do a fjord cruise or boat tour, as many departures leave from the central harbor. We loved being able to just stroll down and hop on board! If you’re most excited to visit Stavanger to see Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock, we strongly recommend staying downtown.

Adventures and attractions aside, there are also tons of bars, restaurants, and shops in this area. I always think this makes such a difference on a city break, because it makes it so easy to grab coffee or head out for a bite to eat, and you can always pop back to your hotel whenever you need to. For the vast majority of visitors, I really think that Downtown is the clear choice.

Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel – $$$

Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel is one of the best high-end stays in Downtown Stavanger, especially if location is your top priority. It sits right by Breiavatnet lake, close to the train station, and you can walk pretty much everywhere!

This property has more of a polished city-hotel feel than a cozy boutique vibe, but that can be exactly what you want in Stavanger. There’s a restaurant and bar on-site, plus a top-floor gym and sauna with city and fjord views. We think that’s a pretty lovely bonus after a day of walking around or cruising on the water!

Prices generally start at around $180 USD per night, but can climb above $300 USD depending on the season and room type. 

If Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel is fully booked, Hotel Victoria is another beautiful option right on the waterfront. It’s the oldest hotel in Stavanger and has more historic character, so it’s a great pick if you want something classic and atmospheric.

Home Hotel Skagen Brygge is another strong choice by the harbor, especially if you like getting more included in the rate. Breakfast, afternoon fika, and dinner are included here, which actually makes it pretty great value for money! 

Scandic Royal Stavanger – $$

Scandic Royal Stavanger is where we stayed in Downtown Stavanger, and we loved it! It was central and comfortable, and super close to the Old Town. We were easily able to walk to the harbor, restaurants, and all the top city sights. We hardly used buses or taxis at all! 

The real reason we loved this hotel so much, though, was the facilities. For a mid-range hotel, we thought it offered a pretty impressive range of amenities, including a spa and wellness center, indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, gym, and an on-site restaurant. It was a super convenient and comfortable place to stay, and we thought it was well worth the nightly price.

Speaking of which, rates here usually start at around $120 USD per night.

If Scandic Royal Stavanger is all booked up, Thon Hotel Stavanger is another good central option with breakfast included and a gym. It’s practical, modern, and close to the main sights, and we love the boutique, jewel-toned decor.

Clarion Hotel Stavanger is also worth checking out, as it’s super central, with a contemporary Scandinavian vibe. It’s close to shops, restaurants, museums, and Gamle Stavanger, and the airport bus can stop outside on request.

The Villa – $

The Villa is a good budget-friendly option if you want to stay central without paying premium Downtown prices. It’s a self-check-in boutique hotel, so it’s best for independent travelers who don’t need a big hotel setup or lots of extra facilities.

Location-wise, it’s really handy. You’ll be close to Stavanger Maritime Museum, Stavanger City Hall, the harbor, shops, restaurants, and the main sightseeing areas, so you’re not sacrificing convenience to save money. It’s a practical base, but we also love that it feels chic and contemporary! 

Prices often start from around $90 to $120 USD per night, but they vary a lot depending on dates.

If The Villa is fully booked, Scandic Stavanger Park is another option to consider, as it’s still central but a little removed from the very busiest harbor streets. It’s simple and contemporary with parking available and breakfast included, and it’s right near the train and bus stations, which is ideal for day trips.

Similarly, Scandic Stavanger City is another great choice with fantastic amenities. It’s right near the ferry port and within walking distance of Øvre Holmegate and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, so it offers an excellent location on a modest budget.

South Stavanger 

BEST FOR A QUIETER STAY

Pros

• Quieter and less touristy than Downtown Stavanger
• Better if you’re traveling with a car or want easier parking
• Handy for Stavanger Forum, Ullandhaug, and business or event trips

Cons

• Less atmospheric than staying by the harbor
• You’ll need to rely more on buses, taxis, or a rental car
• Not as convenient for restaurants and museums

South Stavanger is where I’d stay if I wanted somewhere quieter and more practical, rather than being right in the middle of the sightseeing action. It covers areas south of the center, including Våland, Bekkefaret, Tjensvoll, Stavanger Forum, and Ullandhaug. It’s a bit more spread out than Downtown, so this area generally works best if you’re traveling with a car or don’t mind relying on the local bus system.

This is also a convenient area to stay in if you’re visiting Stavanger for an event. It’s a good spot for business travelers because lots of conferences and conventions are held here, especially around Stavanger Forum and the university area.

You won’t get the same historic harbor atmosphere here, and I probably wouldn’t choose it for a quick city break to Stavanger if I’m being completely honest, as I love to get to know a new place on foot. However, if you’re traveling with a car, then that’s not such an issue! And the area certainly does have its perks, as you’ll be closer to places like Ullandhaug and the Iron Age Farm, as well as some of the greener and quieter parts of the city.

Clarion Hotel Energy – $$

Clarion Hotel Energy is the best pick in South Stavanger, especially if you’re visiting for an event, conference, or business trip. It’s right by Stavanger Forum and DNB Arena, so the location makes a lot of sense if you need to be in this part of the city rather than down by the harbor.

The hotel itself feels modern, and it has great facilities for business travelers, including a restaurant, bar, gym, and a big conference room. It’s practical, but we also like the fact that it doesn’t feel too bland! I’d choose this one if I had a car, wanted easier parking, or needed to be close to Stavanger Forum.

Prices usually start at around $150 USD per night, but can rise during popular event dates.

If Clarion Hotel Energy is fully booked, Thon Hotel Stavanger Forum is another good option in this area. It’s right by the convention and sports center, and it even boasts its own spacious and well-equipped gym. Plus, the breakfast room is on the 21st floor with panoramic views, which is a pretty nice way to start the day if you ask me! 

Related Read: Need help planning the rest of your trip? See our ideal 2-day Stavanger itinerary, including top tours and hidden gems!

Bjørvika Apartments – $

Bjørvika Apartments is a great option if you want more space than a standard hotel room. It’s not quite the same as staying in a full-service hotel, but that’s the whole point! It’s more of a self-catered setup, which is great for longer stays and families. Having a fully equipped kitchen is ideal when you don’t want to eat every single meal out.

Location-wise, it’s more practical than atmospheric, but still very workable. The Lagårdsveien/Paradis location is around 800 meters from Stavanger Central Station, so you’re not miles away from the center, but you’re not right in the prettiest harbor streets either. However, the apartments feel new and stylish inside, with neutral colors and lots of natural light.

Prices often start from around $140 USD per night, although they vary a lot depending on apartment size and travel dates.

If Bjørvika Apartments is fully booked, Best Western St Svithun Hotell is another budget-friendly option to consider. It’s a simple, practical hotel with parking, a restaurant, and good transport connections, so it works best if you care more about convenience than charm.

Sola Airport 

BEST FOR STOPOVERS & SHORT STAYS

Pros

• Most convenient option for early flights and late arrivals
• Handy if you’re renting a car or starting a fly-drive trip
• Good for quick overnight stays when logistics matter most
• Easy access to Sola Beach

Cons

• Not ideal for sightseeing in Stavanger
• You’ll need a taxi, airport bus, or car to get into the city center
• Much less atmospheric than staying Downtown
• Hotels can be more expensive 

Sola Airport is where we would stay if we had an early flight, a late arrival, or just needed a quick overnight base before heading elsewhere. It’s not the place to stay if you want to wander out to the harbor for dinner or spend your evenings exploring Downtown Stavanger, but that’s not really the point of staying here.

Instead, this area is all about convenience. If you’re flying in late, picking up a rental car, or starting a road trip around southwest Norway, staying near the airport can make life so much easier. You can land, check in, sleep, and deal with the fun stuff the next day!

There are also a few things nearby if you do have a bit of time to spare, including Sola Beach and some coastal walking routes. This is a lovely, strong stretch of sand along the North Sea, and it’s very beautiful on a sunny day. But realistically, this area is normally used as more of a practical base than a sightseeing one.

For most visitors, Downtown Stavanger is still the better choice. But if airport access, parking, or a quick stopover matters more than charm, Sola Airport makes a lot of sense. Just don’t assume airport hotels will be the cheapest option. You’re often paying for convenience!

Scandic Stavanger Airport – $$ 

Scandic Stavanger Airport is the most convenient place to stay if you want to be as close to the terminal as possible. It’s right by Stavanger Airport, so if you’ve got an early flight, late arrival, or a short stopover, this is exactly the kind of hotel that makes travel days feel much less stressful.

It’s very much designed for airport stays, but that doesn’t mean it feels bare-bones. There’s a restaurant, bar, gym, sauna, and meeting rooms, plus breakfast is available if you want to fuel up before a flight. I’d choose this one if convenience is the main priority and you want to be able to roll out of bed and head straight to the terminal.

Prices often start at around $200 USD per night, although they can climb depending on dates and demand.

If Scandic Stavanger Airport is fully booked, Clarion Hotel Air is another great option close to the airport. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the terminal and has a restaurant, bar, large gym, and a smart contemporary feel, so it works well if you want something practical but still stylish.

Sola Strand Hotel – $

Sola Strand Hotel is a lovely place to stay if you want your stopover to feel a little more special! It sits right by Sola Beach, so instead of waking up next to a car park, you can wake up close to the dunes and the North Sea. It’s definitely not your typical airport stay, as I’m sure you’ll agree! 

This is still practical for airport access, but it has more of a coastal hotel feel than a standard airport hotel. There’s a spa on site with a sauna, indoor swimming pool, and cold water plunge pool, so it’s ideal if you want to relax and refresh before or after your flight. This would also be the perfect place to enjoy a nice final afternoon and evening before heading home.

Prices start at around $185 USD per night, but can rise during summer and busy dates.

If Sola Strand Hotel has no availability for your dates, Quality Airport Hotel Stavanger is another practical option nearby, with spacious rooms, plus a great bar and gym. It’s more of a classic airport hotel, and it’s a kilometer from Sola Beach, so you don’t get the same gorgeous views, but it still offers great beach access while being convenient for early flights and car hire. 

Top Activities to do in Stavanger

Now that you’ve picked out your favorite area and hotel, you can plan the rest of your trip! Stavanger is an outdoor lover’s paradise with stunning fjords and epic hikes at your fingertips. There is some unique culture to discover right in the city, so don’t miss out on Stavanger’s top activities.

• Boat through the Lysefjord – See the Lysefjord up close on this inflatable boat tour! This is a thrilling, scenic, and immersive experience, and honestly, the one thing you HAVE to do in Stavanger.

• Hike the Preikestolen Trail – This guided hike makes tackling the iconic Preikestolen Trail a breeze. With transportation included and a guide to show you the way, all you have to do is focus on hiking and taking in the views!

• Explore Gamle Stavanger – As the most scenic part of downtown, taking some time to properly explore Gamle Stavanger is essential! Just know that this is still a residential area, so enjoy the views but be respectful of the homes.

• Hike to Kjeragbolten – We loved this guided hike to Kjeragbolten, which is the boulder wedged between two cliffs above Lysefjord. While this is not for the faint of heart, it’s one of those bucket list travel experiences!

Related Read: Looking for more fun activities? See our list of the best things to do in Stavanger here!

Thanks for reading!

Picking out the right place to stay can really shape your trip. Whether you are looking for convenience or downtown charm, one of these hotels will be a great place to rest after all that adventuring! Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance, as the good places get snapped up quickly during peak tourism season.

Before you go, check out the rest of our Europe blogs. We love helping fellow travelers plan their next great getaway, from choosing the best place to stay and planning out can’t-miss activities to deciding on which restaurant and museum to visit. Here are a few related blogs to get you started – cheers!

How to Spend TWO DAYS in Oslo, Norway: 2-Day Itinerary

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Tromsø, Norway: 3-Day Itinerary

Where to Stay in Reykjavik, Iceland: 4 Areas & Hotels

10 Best Things to do in Bergen, Norway