Places to stay: hotel, hostel, b&b, cottage

Hotels I liked for cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, great location, etc. Not in any order:

1) Grand Terminus

Across the road from the train station, which is next to the bus station. At the bus station you can get a city bus, ski bus, bus to surrounding islands or further out, taxi, or find various local shops and groceries stores inside attached to the bus station. An indoor walkway links the two buildings. Between the bus station and train station you can also find a taxi. The train station has a coffee shop, tiny store selling convenience stuff; toilets and luggage lockers area; trains to Oslo and other places. Both are on the bybanen line. There is a bybanen stop right outside the train station, between the two buildings. And right outside the bus station near the main bus area, there is a bybanen stop.

The staff at Grand Terminus is always very friendly and helpful, even if you are not staying there! If you are staying there, I like how they have

- local information and brochures

-a cozy lounge area to read books,local magazines, use the computer, sip your coffee in cozy chairs

-cozy self-serve area with comfy lounge chairs, low tables, hot coffee, tea, etc for relaxing, talking with friends

-etc overall the hotel is very nice, with charming traditional features, and architecture

-benches outside to sit on to enjoy the view, or wait for friends

2) In-City

Also a great location, right across from the Blue Stone, a central location to what might be considered a high street, main street square with two large central shopping centers within traditional buildings, restaurants, bookstores, bars, etc, gardens, open areas. Very easy walking to all this, the fish market, Byrggen, movie theatre, ferry landing, traditional parts of town, city bathhouse, Kloverhuset another shopping center in a traditional building, and further shops, etc.

Rooms are cozy, tidy, simple, clean, sleek. Not too expensive, comparative to general local hotel prices.

3) First Marin Hotel

Directly off Bryggen area. Location means you walk nearly directly out onto the wharf/pier areas, or are on Bryggen Hanseatic area, close walk to Sandviken etc. Very good location, and views.

4)Fjordslotten Hotel, Osteroy

Very charming, traditional hotel with pretty architecture, views, balconies. Not too expensive, about an hour out of Bergen proper.

5) Herdla Guest House

Very charming hotel, lovely friendly staff, family-run. About an hour out of Bergen proper, on furthest end of local island. Surrounded by sea, backing off the sea, with picnic tables out back (or front if you boat in) where you can eat outside overlooking the sea. The beach and tiny places to swim are minutes walk away. Nature reserve, farm with cows, wildlife, bird lovers paradise. Several beaches to choose from, great walks and hikes out from hotel. Smaller cottages to rent nearby. You can boat in if you like, or come in from the city by car. Lots of things year round to do. Golf course across the road and down a few minutes walk. Herdla museum and local historic church near the hotel. Swim in the sea. Kayak, hang glide, paraglide, surfboard-glide, boat etc. Lots of water sports to do here.

City bus doesn´t run much out from there to Bergen during the week, but even less on the weekend. If you want to see the city, you will need a car. Or sometimes someone from the hotel can drive you out, then pick you up later (not sure this is free).

6) guest cottages

There are a few cottages to rent on the surrounding islands, if you ask around or do a search. Often a boat is included in the rental.

7) Bergen Hostel

There is a hostel located in Bergen city centre, near the fish market/Bryggen area. Staff is friendly, seems clean, have stayed there in the day for other events. Location is great, walk out into the city from the front door, about a block from the sea. There is a tiny bodega (grocery store) next door, several restaurants on either side, and close to many main areas of town. You can catch buses about a block away. Or walk in opposite direction toward churches, more shops, grocery store, restaurants, Marken and other sights.  This is probably also one of the least expensive options of staying in Bergen area, unless you stay with a friend, or boat in to the harbour or one of the local islands.

8) Misc

Obviously there are many more hotels. I´ve only named a few I like, for my own reasons, as written above.

9)Misc

Great location, charming. 3-4 minute walk from Bryggen @ fish market area.

http://www.hotelsbase.org/hotels/326010/HordalandNorway/To-Sostre-Guesthouse.html

http://www.tosostre.no/