Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kongensgate 6, N-3701 Skien. & 35-90-58-00. Fax 35-90-58-05. www.rainbow-hotels.no. 70 units.
910NOK-1,400NOK ($129-$199) double; 2,500NOK ($355) junior suite. Rates include continental breakfast.
AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking. Closed Dec 22-Jan 2. Amenities: Restaurant; bar. In room: TV w/pay movies,
minibar, coffeemaker (in some), hair dryer.
Rica Ibsen Hotel This well-rated hotel stands near the Brekkepark,
where Ibsen is said to have received much of his early inspiration. A stylish hotel,
it was designed and built in 1979 of red brick and panes of insulated glass, and
is considered the best hotel in town. It boasts a high-ceilinged interior with
many trees, whose combined effect is to create the impression of a vast green-
house burgeoning with seasonal flowers and plants. Each midsize bedroom is
well furnished and maintained, and decorated in a contemporary style that is
kept up-to-date. Only 15 units contain bathrooms with a tub and shower, the
rest come with a shower only. The staff is helpful in making arrangements for
excursions, including trips to the Telemark Canal. The on-site Susannah's
Restaurant is reviewed separately below (p. 224).
Kongensgate 33, N-3701 Skien. & 35-90-47-00. Fax 35-90-47-01. www.rica.no. 119 units. June 10-Aug 10
860NOK ($122) double; rest of year 1,330NOK ($189) double; 1,450NOK-1,950NOK ($206-$277) year-round
suite. Rates include continental breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Dec 22-Jan 2. Amenities: Restaurant; bar;
indoor heated pool; sauna; limited room service; laundry service/dry cleaning. In room: TV.
WHERE TO DINE
Boden Spiseri NORWEGIAN/INTERNATIONAL Even though it was
established in 1987, this restaurant has quickly become the town's most charm-
ingly old-fashioned restaurant. A 10-minute walk south of the rail station, it's
housed in the oldest building in town—a clapboard-sided building originally
erected as a harborfront warehouse in the 1870s. The chefs here prepare first-
class food with quality ingredients to match the impressive surroundings.
Launch your repast with the likes of shrimp salad with bacon or perhaps a slice
of melon with delectable Parma ham. The main courses include a familiar array
of typically Norwegian fare such as grilled filet of reindeer served with creamy
potatoes and fresh vegetables, and filet of lamb in a port wine sauce. A recom-
mended fish course is the grilled dogfish with white-wine sauce, fried potatoes,
and fresh vegetables.
Langbryggene 5. & 35-52-61-70. Reservations required. Main courses 159NOK-220NOK ($23-$31). AE,
DC, MC, V. Daily 4-10:30pm.
Restaurant Couenar NORWEGIAN This is a good choice for mod-
erately priced food served at the oldest and most traditional hotel in town, the
Rainbow Hotel Hoyers (p. 222), which lies almost 1km (about 1 2 mile) south of
the railroad station. During the day many locals drop in for a feast of smør-
brød—open-faced sandwiches. The kitchen also turns out more substantial and
rib-sticking fare. On our last visit we were enticed by the appetizer of smoked
trout, served with a creamy apple-and-celery salad. The main courses are well
prepared and concentrate on Norway's field and stream. Try the filet of reindeer
steak with mushrooms and steamed vegetables or the filet of river trout stuffed
with shrimp and crayfish. For something more exotic, sample the halibut
shipped over from Greenland and served with a mustard and dill sauce. The
dessert specialty is vanilla ice cream with raisins, marinated ginger, and a dash
of rum.
Kongensgate 6. & 35-90-58-00. Reservations recommended. Main courses 182NOK-210NOK ($26-$30).
AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Sat 4-10pm.
Value
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