We moved to Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg from Radisson Blu due to the fact that Radisson had almost doubled its room rate, to the point which I thought was just too expensive. Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg was charging the same rate so I booked there instead. I would say the polarrigg is located less than 300 metres from Radisson Blu on the map, but unfortunately is separated by an arctic tundra which was impossible to cross with all our luggage. We had to follow the road instead, making a large turn. In the summer it would be alright but in the winter, it was quite a walk. We didn’t see anyone else walking on the roads and drivers could have found us rather peculiar too, giving us a wide berth.
Camilla checked us in and there were hardly any other guests for the 3 nights while we were there. On the first night, we had the whole place to ourselves! Camilla had kindly let us used the Internet and the kitchen free-of-charge, which would have cost us quite a bit otherwise. This place has lots of character and Mary-Ann, the owner, has decorated the place with many interesting trinkets. The 3 nights we stayed there were very peaceful and we had a very good rest.
Accommodation rating: 3
The bunks are all standard sizes which were previously used to accommodate miners. However, the room is indeed quite small and some guests may complain. The toilets and showers are shared by all. I did encounter a minor problem with one of the boilers running out of hot water. The boilers were pretty big, so I am not sure why. The lack of ventilation seems to be the other problem with the toilets so I think installing some air deodorizers will certainly make the place more pleasant. Some amenities in the polarrigg can be rather basic so functional seems to be the theme here. The kitchen for guests is also quite small and it could really use some updating on the kitchen appliances especially the microwave.
Value rating: 3
Since every place in town is expensive, you don’t really have much of choice unless you want to freeze. Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg is an interesting place to stay and not your usual hotel. The location is also quite good and to get to the town center you can just cross the bridge spanning across the tundra. In the winter Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg is a good place to stay but in the summer more places are open and some may offer better value.
Information:
Nights stayed: 03 Jan 2011 – 05 Jan 2011, total of 3 nights
Total cost: 895 NOK per night
Room stayed: Twin bunk room
Washing and drying laundry: see photo below (please refer to ratings explanation)
Review of Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg, Svalbard Norway
We moved to Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg from Radisson Blu due to the fact that Radisson had almost doubled its room rate, to the point which I thought was just too expensive. Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg was charging the same rate so I booked there instead. I would say the polarrigg is located less than 300 metres from Radisson Blu on the map, but unfortunately is separated by an arctic tundra which was impossible to cross with all our luggage. We had to follow the road instead, making a large turn. In the summer it would be alright but in the winter, it was quite a walk. We didn’t see anyone else walking on the roads and drivers could have found us rather peculiar too, giving us a wide berth.
Camilla checked us in and there were hardly any other guests for the 3 nights while we were there. On the first night, we had the whole place to ourselves! Camilla had kindly let us used the Internet and the kitchen free-of-charge, which would have cost us quite a bit otherwise. This place has lots of character and Mary-Ann, the owner, has decorated the place with many interesting trinkets. The 3 nights we stayed there were very peaceful and we had a very good rest.
Accommodation rating: 3
The bunks are all standard sizes which were previously used to accommodate miners. However, the room is indeed quite small and some guests may complain. The toilets and showers are shared by all. I did encounter a minor problem with one of the boilers running out of hot water. The boilers were pretty big, so I am not sure why. The lack of ventilation seems to be the other problem with the toilets so I think installing some air deodorizers will certainly make the place more pleasant. Some amenities in the polarrigg can be rather basic so functional seems to be the theme here. The kitchen for guests is also quite small and it could really use some updating on the kitchen appliances especially the microwave.
Value rating: 3
Since every place in town is expensive, you don’t really have much of choice unless you want to freeze. Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg is an interesting place to stay and not your usual hotel. The location is also quite good and to get to the town center you can just cross the bridge spanning across the tundra. In the winter Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg is a good place to stay but in the summer more places are open and some may offer better value.
Information:
Nights stayed: 03 Jan 2011 – 05 Jan 2011, total of 3 nights
Total cost: 895 NOK per night
Room stayed: Twin bunk room
Washing and drying laundry: see photo below
(please refer to ratings explanation)
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This wooden structure marks the entrance to the polarrigg.
On the left is the restaurant and on the right is the reception for guests.
The polarrigg is laid out in a single file.
The reception area.
There is a computer available at the reception but it didn’t work when I was there.
The kitchen for guests.
Mary-Ann’s polarrigg has a large lounge area.
Mary-Ann’s polarrigg has a restaurant with a nice ambience.
Every room has a photo hanged at the door and this one is an interesting one.
Some the rates may not be updated. For example breakfast costs 125 NOK from 2011 onwards.
See more photos we took in Svalbard at Globe Nomads Facebook photo album.