Easily one of the most interesting hotels I've ever stayed in. On the airport shuttle bus, the driver described it as "the cutest little hotel in Svalbard," and he was absolutely right. Warm and cozy rooms, and a comfy lounge to relax in. The staff are all very friendly and helpful, and the location is very convenient – within easy walking distance from all the interesting locations in Longyeabyen. Breakfast is filling, and the restaurant serves an excellent dinner.

The single rooms aren't soundproof, so if you're a light sleeper, you may be disturbed if other guests are noisy in the hallway – but the reception has earplugs for those who need them. Be careful in the shared showers, because some of the drain covers are loose.

I had a great stay for a week. The living room is one of the loveliest and cosiest places on this island, you can spend hours there just chilling. The breakfast had nice variety. The restaurant attached to it is so great that people all over town come and you need to book in most nights, the view from there is probably awesome, but I did not get to see it in the dark season. I am definitely coming back to this hotel when I re-visit Sbalbard!

There is not much that can be improved really. Forced to find something, I would say that it was a bit of a hassle moving from the restaurant/room area to the living room, as you had to get out and re-enter and it was quite cold. But given the history of this hotel, how it really was miners' cabins, it is reasonable. It also explains the somewhat small room, but I didn't really care about that, as everything else was great.

This place was AMAZING and everything I had hoped for. Our trip to Svalbard was made extra special by staying here - we really wanted a unique, interesting atmosphere that felt it complemented the unique experience of traveling to Svalbard. The Polarrigg really made that possible! Rather than stay in a stock standard 'hotel' with vibes you could get anywhere else in the world, why not stay at an awesome historical polarrigg with amazing staff, comfy rooms, and a delicious breakfast spread? Also, it's only a 5-10 minute walk to the main road of town! How convenient! We were lucky enough to catch amazing northern lights right out front of the polarrigg too. The breakfast spread is incredible, I highly recommend it! We also tried the restaurant for dinner one night and were able to taste some local dishes (reindeer and seal) which were amazing too. Additionally, the shared bathrooms are awesome - they're not like hostel style where multiple people are in there at the same time. The polarrigg instead has multiple shower/toilet/sink rooms for personal use. The rooms are small, but we expected that since this the polarrigg is converted from previous coal miner barracks. But honestly the rooms felt so cozy and cool! Plus, there's an amazing lounge area for guests to use with free coffee/tea throughout the day. I honestly can't recommend this place enough - we will definitely be staying here again on our next trip to Svalbard!

Wonderful atmosphere of the place. It's filled with so many local memorabilia that it rivals the local museum (not a hyperbole). Super friendly and helpful staff. Laid-back feeling, but with all the required comforts, even in the basic rooms (shared bathrooms are not an issue, as there are so many of them that you can always find one that's available). Breakfast was one of the best I had in any hotel. The restaurant is not the cheapest in town, but offers high-level cuisine with local ingredients, and is definitely worth a visit for dinner. And if you want to save money, they offer you a shared kitchen. The common area where you can rest even after checking out (or before checking in) is also a very nice and thoughtful touch.

There's nothing really to complain, the only (likely personal) issue is that the music constantly playing in the common areas gets monotonous after a while. I mean, smooth jazz is inoffensive to everyone, but after a few hours some change (or, even better, silence) would be nice.

Good staff available all the time. My room, specifically the bed which was more comfortable that it looked, and a desk/table in the room. Restaurant was good and very caring about food sensitivities, access tocommon spaces - kitchen and lounge, luggage storage, conveniences like water and snacks available at any hour. Easy bus, excursion, and taxi pick up.

shared bathrooms. The were kept clean looking, but felt old and gross, often smelled, and water backed up while showering, etc. The mirror and small shelf in my room were placed at about the right height for someone 2meters tall, which I am not, So effectively, there was no mirror or usable shelf in my room. Having to go outdoors from the reception and common areas and back indoors (shoes and coat on-off-on-off) to get to rooms. A hallway or even "outdoor only crocks" would help this a lot!

Mary-Ann's Polarrig is a destination within a destination. It's quirky, unique, welcoming and homely. the staff were all very friendly and helpful. Facilities included a beautiful restaurant area, large and cosy living room area, spacious boot rooms, access to free unlimited tea and coffee. Our twin room was in the buildings opposite the main reception and accommodation, it was small but cosy with a fantastic view over the mountains.

The twin beds were very narrow, but I already knew this as it was clearly explained in the room description.

I’ve maybe never felt so much “home” anywhere else in the world, and I’ve travelled a lot. Mary Ann’s is just the perfect place to stay being that far up north. The warmth and love for detail in every corner are amazing. The restaurant is great, breakfast buffet is outstanding! Very nice and helpful staff helped me make some last minute changes to my prebooked excursions. The rooms are simple, but perfectly fine. I think I never slept that good in a hotel bed :). Most important for me: it was exceptionally clean everywhere!! All in all, a straight 10 out of 10!

t’s not my first stay at Mary Anns, and won’t be my last. It’s one of my reasons for returning to Svalbard! The staff always give such a warm welcome. I was in a foul mood following a luggage loss and they were so helpful and offered me spares of some items. The rooms are basic, but have more than everything that you need, controllable heating, a desk, wardrobe, mirror, even black out blinds. The bed is probably the most comfortable bed I’ve ever stayed in! The shared bathroom are immaculately cleaned (cleaned 3 times daily) and have piping hot, good pressure showers. The décor is amazing as always, from stuffed polar bears and foxes, to old mining maps. The exterior has been furnished with 100 christmas trees imported on pallets. The common lounge is also amazing, comfortable, with a full (immaculate) kitchen, TV, fireplace, wifi, tea and coffee. It’s pure bliss. The breakfast is also just incredible. Freshly cooked, and well presented it has a huge range of meats, berries, cereals etc. The breakfast makes a stay here incredible value. 100% recommend and WILL be visiting again. Vinterhagen: I came here a couple of years ago, and it has been a big reason for re-visiting Svalbard! The best restaurant on Svalbard. The space is incredible, you enter through a ‘cave’ filled with mining ephemera, which slowly opens out into a large airy conservatory offering views all up the Longyear valley. The service is fantastic, the menu beautifully presented, and on my first visit they offered me a special hors d’oeuvre. The food. The food is our of this world. It is one of the only places where you can enjoy a seal steak, and you will enjoy it, it is immense. I revisited for reindeer steak which is also beautifully cooked. The wine on offer is also superb, and the whole meal is great value. 100% recommend and hope to visit again.

Polarrigg is a rustic property converted from the quarters of miners who founded Longyearbyen, and has many mementos and pictures from those days. The decor is in keeping with that history and era, and some whimsy added as posted pictures show. That is its charm, and why I chose it instead of a "plain vanilla" hotel. - for an adventure. There are bathrooms with showers every 4 or so rooms - good hot water. Cozy warm and nice beds in simple rooms. Sounds in the hallway can be heard, but it is nice for single rooms to be in the area of the breakfast / lunch / restaurant area. The hostel-style shared kitchen is in the other side of that building with the reception. Family rooms are across the parking area. The airport bus (NOK 110 OW) stops here. If staying in the polar night (dark) period, I recommend taking the 3rd party tour offered, and asked to be let off at the museum and then walked to a nearby hotel to take the airport bus back. There are other adventures both in winter darkness and summer light.

We had a pleasant stay here and everything was absoultely wonderful, spotless clean and food was amazing!! We stayed in a small cozy room with shared toilet which was spotless!! All the modern amenities. The reception was super helpful. I mean really they made us feel like home. Talking about home, the guest kitchen was LOVELY !!! We had some of our food we could cook and they also had some complimentary rice and pasta etc. We didn't feel like leaving. Oh the fireplace and the amazing collection of books were amazing too! I cannot stop praising this enough. Like I said, I felt very heavy when I was leaving this place. This place is just magical and like a home away from home!!

Whats there not to like! Nothing! Absolutely amazing!