The Route to the North Cape - Norway - page 426

A bit farther outside of town, an equivalent, and perhaps even more esoteric
collection of merchandise is for sale at Manndalen Husflidslag ( & 77-71-
62-72 ), lying at Løkvoll in Manndalen and reached along the E6 15km
(9 miles) west of Alta. The Sami (Lapps) often make marvelous weavings on their
vertical looms, some of which are suitable as wall hangings. You can also purchase
such clothing as knitwear. It's open Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 3pm.
WHERE TO STAY
Nordlys Hotell Alta Our favorite place for an overnight stopover
in the area is this well-run far-northern inn, lying just off the E6 heading north.
It lies in Bossekop, a residential suburb about half a kilometer ( 1 ⁄ 4 mile) south of
Alta's center. This is a comfortable hotel whose allure increased greatly in 2004
after a renovation and upgrading. We now consider it the most appealing hotel
in the area. Bedrooms are attractively and pleasantly furnished, without gener-
ating too much excitement. Each unit comes with a small bathroom with
shower and toilet. There is a computer with Internet access in the reception
area. The hotel enjoys a well-deserved reputation in the area for its food, attract-
ing many locals because its cuisine is based in part on raw materials from
Finnmark—that means reindeer and fresh fish.
Bekkefaret 3, N-9512 Alta. & 78-45-72-00. Fax [phone]. www.nordlyshotell.no/bistro.htm. 32 units.
995NOK-1,295NOK ($141-$184) double; 1,495NOK-1,695NOK ($212-$241) suite. MC, V. Closed Dec 2-Jan.
Amenities: Restaurant; bar; sauna; whirlpool; nonsmoking rooms; rooms for those w/limited mobility. In
room: TV, dataport (in some), minibar (in some), hair dryer.
Park Hotel Alta Sentrum Built in 1987, this is a cozy alternative to the
more expensive and expansive Rica Hotel Alta nearby. It's what Norwegians call
a Frokosthotellet or “breakfast hotel.” Just off the North Cape Road, it provides
a suitable and comfortable overnight before pressing on the next day to the out-
posts in the north. Furnishings are modern, and the small to midsize bedrooms
have wooden floors. Each has an immaculate bathroom; eight come with a bath-
tub and shower, the rest come with a shower only. Breakfast plus a light meal in
the evening are served to guests daily.
E6, N-9501 Alta. & 78-45-74-00. Fax [phone]. www.parkhotell.no. 31 units. 995NOK-1,195NOK
($141-$170) double; 1,595NOK-1,695NOK ($226-$241) suite. Rates include breakfast and light evening
meal. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; lounge; sauna; laundry service; nonsmoking rooms. In room: TV,
dataport (in some), hair dryer.
Quality Vica Hotel Built right after World War II, this was a former
farmhouse before its conversion to an affordable hotel in 1988. In a town of
buildings with no architectural distinction, this timber-built structure has some
atmosphere and style. Rooms are decorated in a homelike way and are tastefully
furnished with warm colors and small bathrooms with showers. Many locals
drop in for the traditional north Norway fare, a three-course meal in the evening
going for 350NOK ($50).
Fogdebakken 6 Bossekop, N-9500 Alta. & 78-43-47-11. Fax [phone]. www.vica.no. 24 units.
1,040NOK-1,485NOK ($148-$211) double. Rates include continental breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Dec
22-Jan 5 and 1 week at Easter. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; sauna; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; laundry
service; nonsmoking rooms; 1 room for those w/limited mobility. In room: TV, minibar (some units).
Rica Hotel Alta This is the city's biggest hotel address. Built in the 1980s,
it was last renovated in 1998 into a very contemporary design. In an often gray
and gloomy climate, this hotel stands out for its brightness, even using white
furnishings to decorate its midsize bedrooms. Half of the units are carpeted, and

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