Member portrait: Hôtel Charmante
In a back street in the center of Bergen, nightlife is flourishing. Skostredet has been important since the Middle Ages, and today is home to some of the country's very best restaurants - and now also hotels. This is a journey back in time - in the heart of Skostredet.
Photo: Hôtel Charmante
Historically important location
Skostredet in Bergen has left its mark on Bergen's city history for centuries. At one time, 36 shoemakers' stalls shared the iconic street. Today, it is filled with a rich nightlife. Frank Ditlaroche is one of those who has really seen the potential here, and owns a number of the restaurants located in Skostredet. - We have established ourselves in Skostredet in Bergen and want to develop the street further within gastronomic experiences - and then it also became a hotel. Skostredet has today become a trendy little "destination within the destination", a growing district, says owner Frank Ditlaroche.
“ Skostredet has today become a trendy, small “destination within a destination ”
The creative staff at Brasserie Chérie, in the same building as the hotel - And the food? exquisitely French-inspired and charming too, of course!
Every detail plays a role in creating the perfect, French, early 20th century atmosphere.
The city's first brasserie – and boutique hotel
– It actually started with us establishing a French restaurant in Skostredet. The plan was to start a brasserie, but those plans quickly changed. We were given the opportunity to get larger premises – and then it became a French-inspired boutique hotel as well. Brasserie Chérie and Hôtel Charmante are located in the same building, so you get both fantastic food and drink, and a memorable hotel experience in one. – Morten Tungesvik manages the kitchen, and the restaurant has been fully booked every single night since we opened, says hotel director Renate Morild.
The era that reflects the good life
– Why did you choose French decor? – We are in love with the French era that took place at the beginning of the 20th century. It represents the good life, liberalism, bubbly drinks and not least – a taste of the heyday of Moulin Rogue. In terms of design, we have defined it through wallpaper with extravagant patterns, velvet-covered furniture, beautiful curtains, ornate lamps, mystery and not least – good comfort. Another fun fact is that none of the hotel rooms have a TV – but all are equipped with speakers for pleasant music and a wine cabinet as a “minibar”, filled with exquisite wines, smiles Frank.
A unique experience in Norway
With its elaborate interior and extravagant concept, Hôtel Charmante is unique in our long country. Renate says that they are the only ones in Norway with this concept, and that there is no other like it.
Andreas Wassbjer and Frank O. Ditlaroche are behind the concept, together with their beloved Malene Rønning and Linn B. Ditlaroche, we have collected all the details through trips both abroad and domestically. There are many little treasures that we have found, and our customers really appreciate all the details, says Frank.
– We already have plans to expand Hôtel Charmante in Bergen, with more rooms and conference rooms. Today the hotel consists of 41 unique rooms in shape, colors, wallpaper, carpets and furniture. I can also reveal that if we find the right premises in the right area, it is not impossible for us to expand outside Bergen, he says.
“ Our guests are good at sharing their experiences, and that makes people want to try it themselves. ”
A great start in the hotel industry
Since opening in September 2023, both the restaurant and the hotel have experienced great success. Thanks to good planning and extensive experience in the industry, the team behind it has managed to establish itself as a serious player in the market. Renate says that most guests come there because they have heard good things about the hotel, and that regular guests are good at spreading the word on the street. They can also say they are pleased with the good publicity, as they have almost exclusively received five-star reviews since opening.
– People choose us for the experience. Our guests are good at sharing their experiences, and that makes people want to try it themselves. We simply offer a little trip to Paris, says the hotel director.
Parisian Sunday
To make the end of the week a little easier for people, Hôtel Charmante is running Parisian Sunday, every single Sunday. For guests, it means half price, for Hôtel Charmante, it means guests all week long. It has quickly become a popular concept, with many regulars.
– Parisian Sunday allows our guests to end Sunday evening with a good meal, before waking up on Monday morning in a comfortable bed to a delicious à la carte breakfast – in 19th-century Paris. Our guests love the concept, smiles Renate.
Proud System Purchaser Customer
Frank Ditlaroche's company Cristal Management, which runs Brasserie Chérie, in addition to several restaurants in Skostredet, has been associated with Systemkjøp's purchasing partnership for several years. Since 2019, they have been taking part
of the many benefits of being a member, and he mentions that they have been a key partner in the process of opening new restaurants. He also says that they have used Servicegrossisten Måkestad for purchasing raw materials since 2010, and says that they make the supply of raw materials both flexible and predictable.
Facts about Hôtel Charmante
• Opened its doors in September 2023
• Completely unique hotel concept in Norway
• 41 gorgeous rooms with French décor
• Own brasserie with exquisite food
• "Parisian Sunday" – half price on Sundays