Risør Hotel is one of the places where the town's history can almost be read layer by layer. After the town fire, the house was built by merchant and shipowner Thomas Thiis, but hotel operations had also taken place here before the fire.

The first part, Skipperstua, was built in 1861 to house traveling workers during the rebuilding of the city after the fire.

At first, it was a storage room and dormitory, but over time, it evolved into a hotel with rooms, a laundry room, and space for up to 40 people.

The Saastad family later took over the operation, and the hotel continued to evolve through several expansions and families. Today, the hotel is owned and operated by the Eikeland family.

Looking out at the sea, it's easy to understand why this spot is a popular place to stay.

The old toll booth facing Enghavgata is used today as a meeting room, and newer extensions have provided space for conferences and social gatherings.