🐾 Road Trip with a Dog in Norway: Day 2, part 2 First Time at a Hotel

📍 Sjøholt Summer Hotel

🛣️ Arrival in Sjøholt and Check-In

We drove a bit more today and finally arrived at Sjøholt Summer Hotel. I brought all the luggage and Gizmo to the reception to check in. The room had been booked in advance, three days and two nights cost 2790 NOK including breakfast. There was an extra 200 NOK fee for bringing a dog.

This was Gizmo's very first hotel stay, and I was just as excited (and nervous) as he was. Luckily, we got a ground-floor room right by the exit, making it easier to take him outside.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Always book dog-friendly hotels in advance, especially during peak season.

• Ask for a room near an exit to make nighttime bathroom breaks easier.

• Bring a familiar blanket or toy, the familiar scent will help your dog feel secure.

🐕 Walks and Settling In

We took three long walks today: one in the morning, one midday, and one in the evening. I also took Gizmo out before bedtime and whenever he showed signs he needed to go. He did really well but barked a little whenever someone walked past the room since he couldn't see who it was. Apart from that, he was excellent.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Let your dog explore the room first so they can feel comfortable in the new space.

• Frequent walks will help your dog relax in unfamiliar surroundings.

• If your dog barks at hallway noises, dim the lights or play soft music to mask outside sounds.

🛏️ The Room and Evening

The hotel used to be a folk high school converted into a summer hotel. The room had two single beds, so Gizmo even got his own bed! He alternated between sleeping with me and on his own. Clearly, staying in a hotel was exciting and new for him.

By the evening, we were exhausted after all the driving and new experiences. We ate some food, treated ourselves to a few snacks, and then quickly fell asleep. Gizmo was completely wiped out after such a big day.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Pack extra treats or a chew toy, it can help your dog settle down in a new place.

• Some hotels may require your dog's vaccination records, so bring them just in case.

• Plan shorter driving distances on days following a long drive so both you and your dog can recover.

🌟 Summary

Gizmo's first hotel stay went better than expected! A bit of barking at first, but that's normal for a dog in new surroundings. Sjøholt Summer Hotel was cozy and perfectly located for dog walks. After so much driving and so many new impressions, it felt great to relax and get some rest. This experience gave me confidence that Gizmo can handle hotel stays really well, an excellent sign for future adventures.