A Family Legacy Ends: Hotel Park Bergen Set for Sale
The Klohs family, owners of the historic Hotel Park in Bergen, Norway, have decided to sell the beloved establishment, marking the end of a nearly 50-year family chapter. The decision, long anticipated by the family’s founders, comes as the next generation pursues different career paths.
Hotel Park, a family-run establishment in Bergen, is being sold after decades of ownership by the Klohs family.
A History Rooted in Family and Tradition
Hotel Park’s story began in 1979 when Fredrik and Julie Helene Klohs purchased the building. Prior to that, the building, completed in 1890, served as a home for a prominent Bergen merchant family and later as a foundation for elderly widows established by Consul Conrad Mohr, a friend of composer Edvard Grieg. The family’s connection to hospitality extends further back, with Fredrik having been a trained maitre d’hotel and Julie Helene working as a housekeeper at another hotel.
The hotel, a member of Historic Hotels of Europe, boasts a unique blend of tradition and modernity, featuring antiques alongside contemporary art. The Klohs family also owns and operates the nearby 2 Døtre studio apartments, acquired in 1996, which will also be included in the sale.
Generational Shift and Future Plans
Anne Margrete Klohs, who has served as the hotel’s daily manager, explained that the decision to sell was a mutual agreement with her parents. With five members in the next generation, maintaining family ownership proved challenging. Her brother, Ole Aleksander Klohs, supports the decision, acknowledging the difficulty of shared ownership among a larger group.
The family has always prioritized a personal touch, with multiple generations contributing to the hotel’s operations. Anne Margrete recalls childhood memories of the hotel, including enjoying cocoa in the hotel lobby during the holidays.
Anne Margrete and Ole Aleksander Klohs, representing the second generation, acknowledge the bittersweet nature of selling the family business.
Unique Guest Experiences and Quirks
Hotel Park has cultivated a loyal clientele, particularly among researchers and academics visiting the University of Bergen. The hotel is known for its personalized service, including accommodating long-standing guests’ room preferences based on seniority. A humorous anecdote involves a guest who claimed to be a chef trained by Gordon Ramsay, attempting to cook a meal in the hotel kitchen – with less than stellar results.
The hotel’s interior reflects a unique aesthetic, blending antique furnishings with modern design elements. The family even had to request a travel guide remove a recommendation for a specific room due to its popularity among American guests.
The hotel’s interior blends antique furnishings with modern design elements.
Sale Details and Future of the Property
The Klohs family is selling Hotel Park, the adjacent annex building and the 2 Døtre apartments as a single package. They have received interest from eight potential buyers, including both companies and private individuals. The sale is expected to be finalized in June. While the family hopes the new owners will continue to operate a hotel, they will not dictate the property’s future.
Anne Margrete Klohs expressed a mix of emotions, acknowledging the sale feels like selling a childhood home. She and her family are looking forward to new chapters, including travel and exploring different career opportunities.
FAQ
- When was Hotel Park established? Hotel Park was established in 1979 when the Klohs family purchased the property.
- Who owns Hotel Park currently? The Klohs family currently owns Hotel Park.
- What is included in the sale? The sale includes Hotel Park, the adjacent annex building, and the 2 Døtre apartments.
- When is the sale expected to be finalized? The sale is expected to be finalized in June.
Pro Tip: When considering a hotel stay in Bergen, look for establishments with a strong local connection and a commitment to personalized service.
What are your favorite memories of family-run hotels? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
