Union Øye Hotel

It's hard to do justice to Hotel Union Øye for it is one of a kind and a truly incredible place. You could spend hours checking out the objects of interest housed here from the World War II stone and the shrapnel from the bomb that set it rolling down the mountain on course for the hotel roof. Katrina, who was practically raised in the hotel will regale you with stories to accompany the objects such as Kaiser Wilhelm's golden goblets or his own crested bath over a steaming cup of coffee by a roaring log fire.

Make sure you explore the three floors of rooms, each named after a famous past resident and left open when not in use for guests to peep into. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Karen Blixen lead the charge on the literary front, while Kaiser Wilhelm, Queen Wilhelmina and Princess Alexandra make sure the royals are well represented.

Each room is unique, channelling the past guest's persona with memorabilia as well as wonderful trinkets, four poster beds, vast bedspreads and painted wooden panels. The bathrooms, though not modern, are spacious and prettily decorated. Among the 27 rooms are some bunk rooms, perfect for children who will love playing hide and seek along the corridors and among the three sitting rooms.

The Blue Room deserves a mention for it is claimed to be haunted by a beautiful girl called Linda with a rather poignant tale. Katrina will divulge more but we will note that if you do end up in the Blue Room you are given the choice of taking a silver salver of garlic with you which allows you to decide if you want a brush with the ghostly being!

Log fires abound, as do cosy corners for reading and relaxing. Come summer time, the garden is dotted with wicker chairs and tables near the weeping willow and you are always but a stones throw from the water.

Union Øye has to be one of the most remarkable hotels on our whole portfolio and worth a visit without a doubt. Belle Époque grandeur, history and charm await.