The Stalheim has possibly one of the best views of any hotel. It also has access to great hiking. But, the hotel itself is just okay. It's equivalent to an older American motel. Much of the staff is very young and international and likable. But don't expect a five-star experience just because it is ghastly expensive ($6 for a cup of tea.)
As for the food, you can save a bundle if you skip the evening buffet (about $60 per person) and ask to eat al la carte. This worked well for us since we eat very lightly at night (soups and salads only.) But if you're very hungry and longing for a huge meal the buffet is the way to go.

The history of the hotel is very interesting. According to the hotel's own website, it was built in 1885. Kaiser Wilhelm II first visited in 1889 and was a regular visitor for twenty-five years. The hotel burned down in 1900. It was immediately rebuilt and then it burned down again in 1902. It was rebuilt again. Then, during world War II it was occupied by the Germans (There are still two bunkers there you can visit if you want) and it was used as part of the Lebensborn program.
After the war it resumed being a hotel and it burned down again in 1959.
The building that is there now is what one would expect for that period in time. It's got a definite mid-century modern feel with some very cool furnishings mingling with some antique pieces.

But back to the view: there is a reason there are no televisions in the rooms; the view is so amazing and ever-changing that it is worth going for even if you don't do any hiking at all and just sit and stare out the window all day.

But if you do hike, you will undoubtedly be met by free-roaming friendly sheep and cows who will fearlessly approach you with curiosity as long as you are very gentle and calm.

If you are planning a trip to Norway anywhere near this area, then staying at the Stalheim Hotel is a must-do.

We used this hotel as a stop over on a self-conducted Norway in Nutshell trip to the fjords. The hotel is perched on the mountainside with a fantastic view of the glacial valley below. The view was very much like looking at part of Yosemite. We requested a "view" room and were not disappointed. The rooms are better than basic, but not luxurious, comfortable and clean. The dinner buffet was perhaps a little over priced but the included breakfast was excellent. We found the receptionist and other staff to be very attentive and helpful. The receptionist even called the manager to cover the desk while she drove us to the bus stop in the morning. We could easily have spent several days here just relaxing and hiking, Wish we had.

Stalheim Hotel was probably once grand but that time is long past. Rooms and bathrooms are basic, to be generous, and the public areas are also a little tired. There are posters all over the hotel of how it featured in a 'must see' hotels of the world guide in the 1980s and I don't think much money has been spent on it since then. Even by Norway's standards, this is not good value for money but you are a captive audience in this region.

Stayed here for 7 days on a HF Holidays guided walking holiday...Our room was clean and somewhat dated but the views were sensational from our room... the bathroom was spotlessly clean and warm and the shower was great with ample hot water and pressure...The breakfasts and dinners were buffet style and the quantity and quality were exceptional...Huge choices and we were able to take our lunch from the buffet at an additional cost...Staff were very helpful and easy going...Wifi was free and worked well from the public areas...All in all we would not hesitate to highly recommend the Stalheim Hotel and should we ever venture back to this part of Norway again would most definitely stay at the Stalheim.