Where to Stay in Svalbard: Best Hotels & Budget Accommodation in Longyearbyen

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Wondering where to stay in Svalbard? This guide covers the best places to stay in the main town, Longyearbyen. With practical tips and an overview of all 10 main hotels – including short descriptions – you’ll get a clear sense of what to expect, why you might choose one over another, and the main pros and cons.

We’ve listed the top hotels first, followed by more budget-friendly options. At the end of this article, you’ll also find information about accommodations outside Longyearbyen, in Barentsburg and Pyramiden.

TIP: Don’t have the time to read the entire guide and are simply looking for the best hotels in Longyearbyen? Here are our top picks for every budget. All are central or a short walk away from the main street – ideal for both summer and winter stays:

• $$$$ Basecamp Hotel.
• $$$ Svalbard Hotell Polfareren.
• $$ Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg.

Good to know: All Longyearbyen hotels offer free Wi-Fi. Most also include breakfast, but double-check, as it can make a big difference when comparing options.

Where to Stay in Svalbard

The best place to stay in Svalbard is Longyearbyen. It’s the main town, close to the airport, with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour operators. You’ll find all the facilities you need here. While there are a few hotels in other settlements, it’s not a good idea to stay outside Longyearbyen unless you have a very specific itinerary.

Longyearbyen isn’t a large town, but some accommodations are better located than others. Staying in the center means you can walk everywhere. Restaurants, shops, and museums are just minutes away, and you don’t have to worry about transportation or polar bears.

Budget-friendly hotels are usually located a bit further from the center. In summer, a 15–30 minute walk or a quick bike ride is not a big deal, but in winter, the cold, darkness, and icy roads make it a lot less convenient. The good news is that nearly all tours include hotel pick-up, and the airport bus stops throughout town. Just keep in mind that staying outside the center takes a bit more planning.

My experience: I stayed at Svalbard Hotell Polfareren, right in the town center, and the location couldn’t have been better. I felt safe walking around in the dark winter evenings, and having everything within easy reach made the trip very convenient. Radisson Blu Polar Hotel is a comparable option, with the added benefit of an on-site hot tub. Both have excellent restaurants.

READ ALSO: Info & Tips for Visiting Svalbard

Here is our complete guide to Longyearbyen Hotels (ranked starting with the most luxurious hotels to budget stays):

Funken Lodge

MOST LUXURIOUS (BUT NOT CENTRAL)

4-star Funken Lodge is the nicest hotel in Svalbard. It offers stunning views across Longyearbyen and up towards the Longyear and Lars Glaciers. This high-end hotel has 88 chic and comfortable rooms, including single, double, and twin accommodations, as well as suites. There is also a fully accessible room for disabled visitors.

Funken Lodge is rated as ‘fabulous’, and everyone I talked to who stayed here was impressed by the high level of service and the rooms themselves.

The hotel has a warm, inviting atmosphere, creating a ‘home away from home’ feeling. There’s attention to detail, from the slippers provided on arrival (common in Svalbard) to afternoon treats like cookies and coffee.

You can enjoy mountain views from the restaurant. Buffet breakfast is included in your room rate, and the restaurant is also a great spot for dinner, offering a range of Arctic specialties, including dry-aged meats and Svalbard reindeer. Don’t miss their King Crab! The restaurant is popular with locals, so it’s a good idea to reserve a table, especially in high season.

Funken Lodge is about a 15-minute walk from the town center, which is the only minor downside. I visited in winter, and people staying there said the walk was fine. In summer, a 15-minute walk is no problem at all. Room rates are similar to other top hotels in town, so given the high standard of accommodation, it’s very good value.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Svalbard in Winter

Basecamp Hotel

UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION IN THE CENTER

Basecamp Hotel is one of the more expensive hotels in Longyearbyen, but it also offers one of the most unique experiences.

Situated directly in the center of town, along the main pedestrian street, it also offers direct access to the very popular Kroa Restaurant (my personal favorite in town). Basecamp Hotel is decorated in traditional and authentic trappers’ style. From the sealskin rugs, driftwood furniture, and maps on the wall to the log cabin-style feel of the individually decorated rooms… You can’t help but get the sense of being an Arctic explorer (with a few luxuries thrown in, of course!).

The hotel is part of the Basecamp Explorer Group, which has 5 lodges across Spitsbergen, all offering ecologically focussed adventures. You can book unique excursions with the group directly from the hotel, including wildlife trips.

There are single, twin and triple rooms available, plus a suite for up to 4 guests, and a family room for up to 6. A wonderful breakfast made with fresh, natural ingredients is included in the cost of your stay.

At the end of the day, be sure to unwind with a beer and enjoy a magnificent view of the starry skies through the glass roof of the Cognac Bar.

Svalbard Hotell – Polfareren

EXCELLENT VALUE & LOCATION

Svalbard Hotell Polfareren is an elegant 4-star hotel offering excellent value for money at one of the best locations in town. Located along the main pedestrian street and right next to the tourism information office, the hotel comprises of several separate buildings just across the pedestrian street.

This is the hotel where I stayed on my winter trip to Svalbard. I stayed in two different rooms in two different buildings and they were both very comparable and both excellent. Hundreds of excellent customer reviews can confirm that.

The hotel has a restaurant in the main building where complimentary breakfast is served, and a cozy lobby with a crackling open fire plus free tea and coffee all day. You can also enjoy lunch and dinner at the restaurant, which offers a mix of Nordic, French, and Asian-inspired dishes and is considered one of the best restaurants in Longyearbyen. Also the earlier-mentioned Kroa restaurant is located literally next door.

Hotel Polfareren offers rooms in various sizes, mostly for two people, but some rooms can also accommodate 3 or 4 people as well. Children are welcome – with cots available on request. They also have an on-site tour desk, allowing you to easily plan day trips and excursions.

The staff can alert you when the Northern Lights are visible, just make sure to ask them. The hotel has a luxurious Polar Bear Suite and some other rooms also face southwards – so if you stay at one of those rooms, you may be lucky enough to enjoy auroras without even having to go outside. And in case you wonder if it’s not a mistake… Svalbard is so high in the North that the Northern Lights are usually visible in the South.

READ ALSO: Top Places to See the Northern Lights Around the World

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel

GREAT MID-BUDGET OPTION IN THE CENTER, ALSO FOR FAMILIES

The 4-star Radisson Blu Polar Hotel has a great location in the center of Longyearbyen, at the end of the main pedestrian street, and close to the Svalbard Museum. It prides itself as the northernmost full-service hotel in the world!

It’s one of the best-value hotels in the center of Longyearbyen, and one of the most popular hotels in Svalbard. Many groups stay here as well.

This hotel is a good choice for families, with family rooms and suites for up to 4 people. A big advantage of staying here is the open-air hot tubs on the common terrace. There is also an on-site sauna.

The hotel also has an on-site restaurant, which serves both Arctic specialties and international cuisine. Guests particularly rave about the seafood buffet, which is served every Saturday evening. A daily buffet-style breakfast is included in the cost of your room.

Svalbard Hotell – The Vault

CONTEMPORARY MID-BUDGET HOTEL, BEST FOR COUPLES OR SINGLES

The Vault is a stylish mid-range 3-star hotel, one of the three accommodations owned by the ‘Svalbard Hotell’. Centrally located, this hotel is the perfect place from which to explore the historic local surroundings, with everything you need right on your doorstep. Airport shuttle bus stops right outside as well.

The Vault is a smaller hotel, offering just 33 standard double rooms and 2 single rooms. This makes it ideal for couples or single travelers.

One of the newest hotels in the area, it was designed with the environment in mind, with features to prevent wasted energy and a focus on recycling. Many rooms have multiple windows, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area during your stay.

Also here breakfast is included in your stay. And while the hotel doesn’t have its own restaurant, guests rave about the fabulous food at the Japanese sushi restaurant Nuga, which is located just downstairs. Or you can walk to one of the many restaurants nearby.

Svalbard Hotell – Lodge

SPACIOUS APARTMENTS IN THE CENTER – BEST VALUE FOR FAMILIES

Svalbard Hotell Lodge is located in the center of Longyearbyen, just near to the Polfareren hotel that belongs to the same group. The Lodge offers apartments with either 2 rooms (sleeping up to 4) or 3 rooms (for up to 6 people).

This is a great option for families who require a little extra space. Furthermore, apartments come with a well-equipped kitchen (including a washing machine), private bathroom and seating area with sofa and TV.

The Longyearbyen supermarket is right next door, which is perfect if you are self-catering, but there is also an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Keep in mind that breakfast is not included in the cost of your stay (but is available at an additional charge), which makes a stay here quite expensive compared to the other Longyearbyen hotels, especially if you are not using the maximum capacity of the apartments.

Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg

QUIRKY & HOMEY, SHORT WALK FROM THE CENTER

Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg is one of the most special hotels in Longyearbyen. Previously a miners’ barracks and retaining lots of mementos from the old mines, this is a lower/ mid-range budget guesthouse with a quirky style and homey ambiance.

Just 5-10 minutes walk from central Longyearbyen, Mary-Ann’s is in the perfect location to enjoy both the wonders of the Arctic wildlife and the convenience of the amenities in town.

The rooms are warm and comfortable, and you can choose between accommodation with private or shared bathrooms. Single, twin, double, and family rooms sleeping up to 4 are available. Complimentary breakfast is also served in this unique restaurant, which is described as the greenest place in Svalbard! Dining in the floor-heated conservatory – surrounded by lush plants and trees whilst looking out at the Arctic landscape – is an unforgettable experience.

All guests have access to a shared kitchen, so you can choose to cook for yourself if you prefer. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the delicious Arctic specialties served at the on-site Vinterhagen (winter garden) Restaurant.

There is also a spa with a sauna on-site, plus a bar and free coffee all day. Staff can arrange tours and excursions for you, all of which will pick you up directly from Mary-Ann’s.

Haugen Pensjonat Svalbard

BEST RATED BUDGET ACCOMMODATION

Haugen Pensjonat Svalbard is a wonderful option if you are looking for more budget-friendly accommodation in an otherwise expensive area.

This cozy guest house has 9 rooms (for a maximum of 3 guests) and 2 apartments (for a maximum of 6 guests), making it ideal for families or small groups. The rooms have shared bathrooms and shared access to a kitchen, whereas the apartments are self-contained.

This pension has great reviews and excellent service. There are many nice little touches, including homemade baked goods and individual shelves in the shared bathrooms and kitchen.

It’s located near the earlier-mentioned Funken Lodge, approximately a 15-minute walk from the town center, and offers great mountain views. Although you have everything you need to prepare your own meals, the excellent Funken Restaurant is just nearby, or you can also walk to the restaurants in town. The airport shuttle stops nearby as well.

Coal Miners’ Cabins

QUALITY BUDGET OPTION WITH HISTORIC CHARACTER

The Coal Miners’ Cabins is a great budget accommodation in Longyearbyen, especially for families. It also gives you a taste of the history of the region that you just can’t experience in a hotel! Known locally as ‘Stormessa’ (big mess hall) the property is a former coal Miners bunkhouse converted into individual rooms.

The mess hall itself has been converted into the Coal Miners’ Bar and Grill, with excellent burgers. Their spare ribs are amazing too, but portions are huge (I never finished mine – it would have been enough for a coalminer or even two).

While not luxurious, the rooms here are comfortable and spacious, with shared facilities including bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, a TV lounge, and a laundry room. Family rooms (for up to 4 people) have private bathrooms.

All guest accommodation is located in annex buildings, while the reception is located in the main building. A very good breakfast is included in the cost of your stay.

Coal Miners’ Cabins is around a 35-40 minute walk from the center of town (2,5km), but still on the airport bus route. While you may not have all the amenities of town on your doorstep, its unique location allows you to see lots more wildlife – including reindeer and Arctic foxes – sometimes from the comfort of your room!

Gjestehuset 102

BEST LOW-BUDGET OPTION WITH SHARED FACILITIES

Gjestehuset 102 is one of the most affordable accommodations in Longyearbyen, offering budget rooms with shared facilities. This comfortable guest house has a wonderfully sociable atmosphere and provides a great way to meet fellow travelers.

Rooms – which are a mixture of singles, doubles and 4-person quads – have shared bathrooms and access to a fully equipped shared kitchen. A good breakfast is included in the cost of your room and although the guest house does not have a restaurant, it does sell snacks and drinks. You also have the option of dining at the local Coalminers’ Grill bar/restaurant, which is excellent.

This guesthouse is situated just outside Longyearbyen, in Nybyen, 30 minutes walk from the town center. The airport bus stops here, and most tours will pick you up as well. However, if you need to take a taxi to town, it will be quite expensive. In summer, you can rent bikes at the accommodation, and a walk to town is also quite manageable.

But while the location may be remote – which is reflected in the budget price – there are distinct advantages to staying somewhat ‘off the beaten track’. Staying here, you can better appreciate the region’s natural tranquility. You are also away from the bright lights of town, meaning that the skies are darker and any views of the Northern Lights are likely to be even more spectacular!

More Svalbard Hotels & Accommodation Options

Longyearbyen is the biggest and the best town to stay in Svalbard and the vast majority of tourists stay there. However, if you have more time in Svalbard or want to explore the other settlements, you’ll be glad to know that there are some additional options.

Hotel Pyramiden

The ghost town Pyramiden (another popular day trip destination) has one hotel – Hotel Pyramiden. It’s only open from March to October, but it has all the amenities you need for a stay in this super remote location.

Barentsburg Hotels

Barentsburg is a Russian-Ukrainian settlement in Svalbard. Most tourists visit Barentsburg as a day trip from Longyearbyen. If, however, you want to stay here, there are two options: Hostel Pomor and Hotel Barentsburg. When comparing the rates, keep in mind that the hotel rate includes breakfast.

So, this is our guide to Longyearbyen hotels and other accommodation options in Svalbard.

TIP: If you have any practical questions for your trip, make sure to check our complete guide to visiting Svalbard. It should answer all your questions about traveling to Svalbard – interesting facts, safety tips, weather, packing tips, wildlife, best places to eat, and much more. Check it out!

More travel tips & inspiration for visiting Svalbard:

• Best Things to Do in Svalbard in Winter
• Snowmobile Tour in Svalbard
• Dog Sledding to Ice Caves Tour in Svalbard
• Svalbard Fjord Cruise
• What to Wear in Svalbard in Winter
• Svalbard in February

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