Basecamp Hotel is situated right at the heart of Longyearbyen, among restaurants, pubs, shops and bank. It is absolutely Longyearbyen's most amazing hotel; decorated in traditional trapper's style with driftwood, sealskins, pictures and objects that illustrate the past and current trappers' life in the Arctic. Despite its rusticity, Basecamp Hotel offers high quality accommodation with unique style! Basecamp Hotel is part of Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen, which operates day trips and expeditions to Isfjord Radio, Trapper’s Station and Nordenskiöld Lodge.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Family
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish, Dutch, Norwegian and 1 more
Location
Longyearbyen 9171 Norway
Name/address in local language
Basecamp Spitsbergen Hotel
342 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
I visited Svalbard with my son in dec/ Jan and split my time between basecamp and another hotel. BASECAMP is right in the middle of the town centre so within safe walking distance of most cafes restaurants etc. As there was a bear about!! From we arrived we felt totally at home and comfortable enough to ask all the stupid questions tourists probably ask!! They helped book excursions for us in advance, helped with taxis to restaurants etc. I was concerned as the first night we were booked on an overnight elsewhere and would have several hours to kill before heading there but the hotel gave us our room a night early as no one had booked it. ! Incredibly cosy, like a log cabin, with ladders to beds on mezzanine and a hatch into a communal lounge space with tv and games. It’s not for everyone, and somewhat unconventional but it was perfect for us.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â I chose one of the larger family rooms which had two separate double beds.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Torill Brandal B, Kundeansvarlig at Basecamp Spitsbergen Hotel
Responded Jan 21, 2020
Dear graceandnature, Thank you for staying with us in Svalbard. We are happy to hear that you like our style and enjoyed your time in Longyearbyen. Hope to see you again for more adventures in the future. Next time perhaps under the midnight sun at Isfjord Radio? Kind regards Team Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The hotel is located in the centre of town close to the shops and restaurants. You can get a shuttle bus from the airport which drops you right outside. Its design is along the lines of an old hunting lodge with lots of wood, seal skin and related memorabilia. It is very warm and cosy. Most guests are on short stays, maybe waiting to join a ship to sail around the archipelago or to go on ski trips. It is very informal. The receptionists are very helpful and kind. I was on my own there for five days and they looked after me very well, sorting out some problems with tours. I had a very nice room, compact with a double bed and my own shower room. It was very simple. Many rooms have bunk beds. There is no disabled access that I could discern and stairs have to be climbed to get to rooms. The breakfast is the best I have had in a Norwegian hotel with lots of top quality options, hot food, smoothies etc. You are permitted to make a packed lunch. The staff are very helpful. Coffee, tea and biscuits are available most of the time in reception where they also sell alcohol and soft drinks. You have to go out elsewhere for lunch and dinner but there is a lovely cafe nearby and several bars and restaurants a short walk away. There is also a very good supermarket which sells rolls and cakes. Various tour buses collect guests outside reception. So all very easy.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Ask whether or not your bed will be a bunk as this may not suit you.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What an experience! We visited in Jan to embrace the polar night, had 3 nights in this hotel and one at the trappers lodge up at Bolder Valley with the huskies. The hotel was lovely, traditionally made from wood, welcoming atmosphere and lovely and warm. The reception was really nice with cosy seating and a community feel. Breakfast was a buffet style which was nice, basic but absolutely fine. They have a seating area upstairs under a clear roof which is fab to see the northern lights sat under a blanket. The hotel is on the main street so really accessible for the local coop and other shops and restaurants. We found the staff very friendly and the rooms comfortable.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Torill Brandal B, Kundeansvarlig at Basecamp Spitsbergen Hotel
Responded Feb 4, 2020
Dear Bexandco Thank you for staying at Basecamp Hotel while in Longyearbyen. We are happy to hear that you had a good time, that you like our style and that the loft offered northern light during your stay. Welcome back sometime in the future. Next time we may recommend a summer adventure or snowmobile safari to Nordenskiold Lodge or Isfjord Radio. Best regards Team Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen
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Spent 5 nights here, the most comfortable 5 nights ever! The hotel is cosy and warm even when the temperature drops outside, the rooms are of wooden construction but perfectly clean, and the ensuite toilet/shower room is modern with constant hot water available. The beds are particularly comfortable! Buffet breakfast is excellent and comprehensive, and there's an option to order extra items. We had the porridge, which was freshly made, hot and tasty. The reception staff are simply amazing, very friendly and welcoming and nothing is too much trouble. They answered our questions and booked restaurants etc for us without any fuss. There's constant (free!) tea and coffee available in the reception area, also alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Don't let the "trapper" style appearance put you off, this is every bit as comfortable as any glass and plastic modern hotel, and twice as friendly. Can't recommend Basecamp highly enough, well done and thank you for a memorable stay.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Bring a pair of slippers, you have to remove your shoes at the door. One of Longyearbyen's...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We loved the coziness and ambience of Basecamp Hotel! All surfaces are made out of beautiful wood - the breakfast was good and the staff were so friendly and helpful. You can tell they enjoy their jobs, helping travelers enjoy their small city. Located right in the heart of tiny Longyearbyen, we enjoyed eating at nearby restaurants and shopping in the local stores. I highly recommend this hotel if your looking for something more rustic. There are no TVs in the room, but do have a general TV room if that is important to you.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Most rooms are twin beds, but I do believe they have some rooms with double or queen beds.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My sister and I have just spent eight wonderful days over Christmas at Basecamp and we have a new fondest place! The staff from housekeeping to reception and breakfast team were all so very very lovely, engaging and so helpful. Even providing some home made treats for my sisters birthday. Magical! Breakfast was plentiful and varied. Whilst not providing evening meals might be inconvenient for some, we found it a good opportunity to explore Svalbard Cuisine by touring a different eatery each evening. We stayed in a family room (No.1) and the two bedroom set up was perfect for an older brother sister combo. Very clean bathroom, regularly cleaned. Basic amenities provided and plenty of hot water. If we had one minor moan about the room we might suggest a more comfortable sofa to relax into at the end of the day. The hard pine bench seats were difficult to be comfortable on for any length of time. Centrally located in the city, activities are all at your fingertips. An absolute gem.
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Unfortunately, we were met with poor communication and understanding in connection with the fact that we wanted to change the booking over a month before check-in. The motel itself was stylish with tough furnishings and modern bathrooms, but there was little on offer at the motel and little information to get about excursions etc when we asked about it. The wine in the room was warm and without a wine opener and there was a strange smell at the entrance every evening wishing us "welcome". The breakfast was good.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Om du kun trenger seng og frokost er dette plassen. Ønsker du mere tilbud og service så dra en...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed for two nights when we were unable to get to Basecamp Explorer Isfjord. Easily the best hotel of the three we stayed in at Longyearbyen on this trip. I can't say enough about how capable, friendly and caring the staff are. They were extremely helpful when our trip ran into some problems. This is definitely the place to start your Svalbard adventure. Decor is impressively themed but don't worry, all the 21st century comforts are there. Excellent and abundant breakfast. Great location in the centre of town, airport bus stops a few metres away. Kroa restaurant can be reached without going outside and is well worth a visit.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Book early. We could not stay as long as we wanted on this trip.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed for one night before a ship-based tour. My back had seized up on the way and I could barely walk. The charming receptionist waived their "no shoes" rule (since I couldn't take mine off without a lot of difficulty) and carried my bag upstairs not only without being asked but without even offering, as if it were completely routine. The next day, they again helped me with the bag and I was allowed to lie down in my room until well after usual checkout.
The place itself is not remotely like a sterile chain. My room was small but perfectly adequate, completely finished in wood. There's coffee and cookies on a table in reception all day. Breakfast was included and perfectly fine.
I'll stay there again (if I'm ever in Longyearbyen, which I concede isn't terribly likely).
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Date of stay: September 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warm and unique hotel. It's situated in the heart of the city. very clean and comfortable. The hotel has excellent breakfast service. The hotel staff is the most crucial factor. They truly make you feel welcome and are incredibly kind and helpful. The personnel who are bringing us breakfast are really helpful and kind.They provide delicious breakfasts that are free of gluten and dairy. I highly recommend this hotel if you want to have a unique experience in Svalbard.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Boka i tid.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, and welcome to Svalbard!
It is dark the whole day in the middle of the polar night. You can see some light in the horizon (looking towards the south) around noon. If there are clear days and moonlight, the landscape will be lightened up. We have snow now, which makes it brighter outside than times with no snow.
You can also see the last photos posted in our Instagram profile (posted after October), which shares some moments from the polar night.
See you soon, kind regards
Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen
Hello Jen.
Thank you for your question.
In Desember it is dark 24/7 but you can still go on activities.
For more information regarding witch one, please send us an e-mail.
Best regards
Lise Gulstad
General manager
1. In July maybe the chance to see polar bears is when participating on a cruise/boat trip that visit glaciers and remote areas.
2. Airplane ARRIVALS differs. See SAS airline and Norwegian airlines
3. Airplane DEPARURES differs See SAS airline and Norwegian airlines
4. There will not be any aurora borealis in July. To see aurora borealis November to February is better.
5.-8. Contact Basecamp by visiting basecamp explorer web page
9. Svalbard Museum is approximately 750 meters from Basecamp Hotel
10. Airport bus is available for all hotels in Longyearbyen
Glad to have helped :)
There were a few people travelling on their own and everyone is so friendly so do not worry. It's a fabulous place full of people with the same interests.
Have fun!
As far as I know this hotel is open all year around. But to be sure you should contact the hotel. Or you could make an onlike booking (their own site) which would reveal the availability. The hotel is popular so early booking is recommended. Svalbard in August should be very nice. I prefer August. The midnight sun ends at 23rd August, even though it would still be a great deal of sun after this. The polar night starts late october.
There are more places to choose from in the Longyearbyen area.
PRICE RANGE
$293 - $397 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Trapper's Hotel
LOCATION
NorwaySvalbardSpitsbergenLongyearbyen
NUMBER OF ROOMS
16
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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