Funken Lodge

Fantastic place, so worth a visit. Nice and helpful reception staff, very good breakfast with a nice view, decent gym, great with sauna, quiet, nice view from the room. Thought it was nice that it was not in the middle of the village, but still walking distance to shops and restaurants. A little overpriced! The only thing I missed were hooks in the hall to hang the jacket, and more hooks/towel racks to hang the shower towel.

We had an amazing time at the Funken Lodge. It is very cosy and we felt very good take care of, in an aspect. I hope I can come back sometime!

This is definitely the nicest of the hotel offerings in Longyearbyen. It looks very modest on the outside, but is lovely and comfortable on the inside. You are initially greeted by staff on the lower level who asks you to take off your snow boots and put on the hotel-provided felt slippers. There are cupboards to leave your boots as you come and go during your stay. The hotel slippers were fine (and literally everyone was wearing them) but I opted to wear my own indoor-only Ugg slippers. Up one level, now in your slippers, is reception, as well as a spacious bar and lounge. This is an attractive and comfortable place to sit and relax or work, and you can order drinks and light food. We had lunch here several times. Staff is extremely helpful and attentive. We had booked a Superior room with a view. Since you are in a narrow valley the view is of the other side of the valley, which is really just across the road. I imagine the view in the “back” of the hotel is really just up a hill, but it’s probably still a view. We found the room to be small—typical of a European hotel room, but I’m glad we sprang for “superior” as I would not want to be a couple in a smaller room. Nevertheless the bed was comfortable and super clean with a nice bathroom and shower. Anyway, we were not hanging out there much as there is so much to do! And if you want to hang out the lobby lounge has lots of cozy and private corners to read your book. We booked many tours with Hurtigruten, which were all great: snowmobiling, ice cave tour, northern lights etc. Breakfast buffet was huge and delicious with some a la carte choices like fresh omelette. We had one dinner there, but enjoyed exploring Longyearbyen restaurants. Our favorite was Stationen (excellent fries!!). “Town” is really a block or two of stores & restaurants within easy 10 minute walking distance of Funken Lodge. **If you are there during the winter, be sure to bring your Yak Trax (available at Amazon ) or ice cleats for your boots as salt is not used on roads or walkways and they are super icy!** It took us forever to get there from Boston, but it was so worth it and I hope we will be back!

Great hotel. This felt like real luxury. The hotel smells great, the decor is relaxing and calming and there is so much relaxing/communal/lounge space to surf the web, relax after a busy day of activity and chill out. From the outside it doesnt look anything special but inside is a hidden luxury. It is about 20 mins walk from the town centre but we enjoyed the walk up and down (bring spikes as its so slippery)! Bar service was amazing. Restaurant was beautiful but the breakfast offering wasnt as good as some of the other hotels. annoyingly we were told the restaurant was already fully booked when we checked in. As the hotel is a 20 min walk to the other restaurants, this wasnt ideal arriving late. The hotel should make this clearer before you arrive or reserve ample space for guests.

Um, everything is absolutely amazing! Funken Lodge is a relatively luxurious stay in a very remote part of the world! We LOVED the entrance with the decorative logs and flame, the boot room, and ascending to the lobby. The staff was always engaged, friendly and willing to converse, proactive at making suggestions and reservations, and very professional. The opportunity for lounging amongst other travelers or alone was vast! The breakfasts every morning were an event and the best the island has to offer. Views are out of this world and the perks like a small shop, northern lights alerts, and tea and sweets each evening made it a place you want to come back to every day. Loved we could get a simple meal at the bar or in the lounge in addition to more elaborate offerings in the restaurant. Loved the arctic-inspired offerings. I haven't even mentioned anything about the bedrooms. We had a room on the third floor at the front with a gorgeous view. It was quiet and restful. Bed and linens super comfy and clean. Everything we could need. One of the highlights of our travels anywhere! Exceptional!