Clarion Collection Grand Olav

The Clarion Collection chain is geared toward business travelers, and many of its regular customers spend the majority of the year in hotel rooms. With that in mind, the Clarion Collection Hotel Grand Olav has a number of extras designed with business travelers in mind: a DVD library and in-room DVD players for those lonely nights on the road, organized activities to help guests mingle, and most notably, free breakfast, afternoon waffles, and light evening buffet -- which is not only convenient for business guests, but a major value add considering the price of dining out in Norway.The hotel is located in the same building as the Olavshallen concert hall, and has a distinct music-inspired theme. Numerous musical artists have stayed here, and some of the rooms are themed for the hotel's famous guests, such as Norwegian notables Mia Gunderson Lelianhof and Di Derre. There's also a jukebox in the lobby with music donated by past guests, and live piano music several nights a week (the performers are usually students from the Trondheim School of Music and the Performing Arts).

The Clarion Collection is located in the northeastern corner of Trondheim, a quieter area that's a bit removed from the city center but within easy walking distance of popular sights. The airport bus stops right across the street.Trondheim is a historic city -- it was founded in 997 A.D. -- but one might not guess it upon first glance. Fires have ravaged the city regularly over the years, and today, many of the buildings are modern, though cobblestones on some of the oldest streets and the iconic Nidaros Cathedral -- its spire is the most prominent feature of the city skyline -- give some sense of its true age. To feel immersed in the city's history, visitors should head to the Old Town Bridge, which faces a colorful row of wharves (some of which date back to the 18th century), and the Bakklandet area, a revitalized shopping and cafe hub with charming wooden buildings that were once worker's houses.Trondheim also has numerous cultural attractions. It's a university city (one in six residents is a student) with a lively nightlife scene, and there are many musical performances and festivals held here. Though this is the third largest city in Norway, the downtown area is compact and easy to explore on foot.- 40-minute bus ride from Trondheim Airport

• 1-minute walk to the airport bus stop
• 5-minute walk to Solsiden, a former shipyard that's now a trendy shopping and dining area
• 6-minute walk to Nordre gate, a main shopping street
• 8-minute walk to the Old Town Bridge
• 9-minute walk to Torvet (Market Square)
• 10-minute walk to Bakklandet
• 10-minute walk to the Royal Residence
• 12-minute walk to Nidaros Cathedral
• 7-minute drive to Trondelag Folk Museum
• 7-minute drive to Ringve Music Museum

The room decor is bold and glamorous, though individual details and layouts vary between rooms. Expect details such as blue striped carpets, plush fabrics in rich reds and purples, retro-modern furniture, and gold gilt detailing on headboards. Some rooms are themed after famous Norwegian musical artists.Most rooms are large for the area, and rooms types include Standard, Superior, Junior Suites, and Executive Suites. The main difference between categories is size and bed configuration, though Superior Rooms and above also have extra amenities -- namely, Nespresso coffeemakers, bathrobes, and bathroom toiletries. All rooms are non-smoking.Marble bathrooms come with shower/tub combos with both handheld and standing showerheads.- Reading lights attached to headboards

• Nespresso coffeemakers, tea makers, and free packets of coffee and tea in Superior Rooms and above
• Marble bathrooms with shower/tub combos and hairdryers
• Flat-screen TVs and DVD players
• Quality sound system with MP3 hookup and CD player
• Minibars
• Fans
• Family Rooms have two queen-size beds and a pull-out couch.

The Grand Olav offers not only a free breakfast with hot and cold items, but free afternoon waffles and a free evening buffet. This adds major value to the hotel, especially since restaurant prices in Norway are so expensive.Coffee and tea are offered free in the restaurant area throughout the day. The hotel also has a lobby bar serving light meals and drinks.

The hotel has two small meeting rooms, one that can fit 12 people and one that can fit 10. One is an Executive Suite that can be connected to a guestroom.The hotel is geared primarily toward business travelers, and has numerous business-friendly amenities including free Wi-Fi and free breakfast and dinner buffets.