The 226-room Scandic Solli is an simple mid-range property with partial sea views, located near the Aker Brygge waterfront promenade and Royal Palace. Contemporary rooms have bright and funky decor and some offer balconies, but they lack air-conditioning and open windows let in tram noise. This business-friendly hotel has 11 large meeting rooms, a lounge space in the restaurant and bar, and a market with refreshments. There's also a gym, saunas, and on-site bicycle rentals. Guests who want rooms with air-conditioning may wish to consider the Clarion Collection Hotel Folketeateret instead.
The 226-room Scandic Solli is an simple mid-range property with partial sea views, located near the Aker Brygge waterfront promenade and Royal Palace. Contemporary rooms have bright and funky decor and some offer balconies, but they lack air-conditioning and open windows let in tram noise. This business-friendly hotel has 11 large meeting rooms, a lounge space in the restaurant and bar, and a market with refreshments. There's also a gym, saunas, and on-site bicycle rentals. Guests who want rooms with air-conditioning may wish to consider the Clarion Collection Hotel Folketeateret instead.
The mid-range Park Inn by Radisson Oslo is a three-minute walk to shops and restaurants on Karl Johans Gate. Its 118 basic but modern rooms are accented by bursts of color and come with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi; some have small balconies with seating. Splashes of bright color also punctuate the sleek gray-and-white lobby and other common spaces, such as fire-engine red in the bar or lime green in the breakfast room. Six meeting rooms, PCs, and printers in the lobby are convenient for business travelers. While there's no on-site fitness center, the Park Inn has an arrangement with a nearby gym. Travelers who want an on-site fitness center should consider the Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion, though its rates tend to be higher.
The mid-range Park Inn by Radisson Oslo is a three-minute walk to shops and restaurants on Karl Johans Gate. Its 118 basic but modern rooms are accented by bursts of color and come with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi; some have small balconies with seating. Splashes of bright color also punctuate the sleek gray-and-white lobby and other common spaces, such as fire-engine red in the bar or lime green in the breakfast room. Six meeting rooms, PCs, and printers in the lobby are convenient for business travelers. While there's no on-site fitness center, the Park Inn has an arrangement with a nearby gym. Travelers who want an on-site fitness center should consider the Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion, though its rates tend to be higher.
Opened in 2003, the 349-room Rica Nidelven is a modern structure standing over the Nidelva River, with a soaring ceiling in the lobby and lots of lovely water views from public spaces. Its standout features are its delicious food and abundance of sun-filled meeting rooms, though the 24-hour fitness center and rotating art gallery in the lobby also add to the appeal. Lower-level rooms were renovated in 2009, followed by higher-level rooms getting an update in 2012, and are sharp and bright, with sleek contemporary accents. The hotel isn't in the heart of the action, but it's a short walk to most sights, including the charming Bakklandet neighborhood.
Opened in 2003, the 349-room Rica Nidelven is a modern structure standing over the Nidelva River, with a soaring ceiling in the lobby and lots of lovely water views from public spaces. Its standout features are its delicious food and abundance of sun-filled meeting rooms, though the 24-hour fitness center and rotating art gallery in the lobby also add to the appeal. Lower-level rooms were renovated in 2009, followed by higher-level rooms getting an update in 2012, and are sharp and bright, with sleek contemporary accents. The hotel isn't in the heart of the action, but it's a short walk to most sights, including the charming Bakklandet neighborhood.
This 160-room Clarion Collection Hotel, just a few blocks from Central Station, succeeds at combining style and function. Its rooms and decor are decidedly hip, and most rooms feature a unique wall unit with a TV, mounted mini-fridge, and hidden pull-down desk (though bright red velour and black bathrooms may not appeal to everyone). But there's substance, too: a fitness center, strong free Wi-Fi, an attractive restaurant right next door, free nightly dinner, and one of the city's best free breakfasts. Several of the Signature Suites (each one is different) make for great meeting spaces. Popular attractions are within walking distance, but just barely; other hotels are more centrally located for sightseeing.
This 160-room Clarion Collection Hotel, just a few blocks from Central Station, succeeds at combining style and function. Its rooms and decor are decidedly hip, and most rooms feature a unique wall unit with a TV, mounted mini-fridge, and hidden pull-down desk (though bright red velour and black bathrooms may not appeal to everyone). But there's substance, too: a fitness center, strong free Wi-Fi, an attractive restaurant right next door, free nightly dinner, and one of the city's best free breakfasts. Several of the Signature Suites (each one is different) make for great meeting spaces. Popular attractions are within walking distance, but just barely; other hotels are more centrally located for sightseeing.
The Clarion Hotel Admiral, housed in a historic former boat warehouse on the Bergen harbor, is a solid option within walking distance of popular sights. Though the restaurant area and many of the rooms are dated and awaiting renovation (slated to be completed by November 2013), the renovated rooms are contemporary and stylish; some have balconies with views of the water. The updated room decor is on par with that at the Clarion Collection Havnekontoret and the Radisson Blu Royal, but prices here tend to be lower -- perhaps due to the less impressive common spaces, fewer features, or location farther from Bryggen. tag:revisit 11/1/2013
The Clarion Hotel Admiral, housed in a historic former boat warehouse on the Bergen harbor, is a solid option within walking distance of popular sights. Though the restaurant area and many of the rooms are dated and awaiting renovation (slated to be completed by November 2013), the renovated rooms are contemporary and stylish; some have balconies with views of the water. The updated room decor is on par with that at the Clarion Collection Havnekontoret and the Radisson Blu Royal, but prices here tend to be lower -- perhaps due to the less impressive common spaces, fewer features, or location farther from Bryggen. tag:revisit 11/1/2013
The four-pearl, 480-room Thon Hotel Opera offers fabulous views of the Oslo Opera House, plus easy walks throughout central Oslo. Design is playful and ultra-contemporary, softening the business hotel atmosphere with splashes of color throughout -- from the lobby to the bar and the whimsical guest rooms. Rooms feature minibars and flat-screen TVs, while some include Nespresso machines and views the Opera House. There is a well-stocked fitness center on site and the hotel's Scala Restaurant serves an excellent free breakfast buffet and meals throughout the day. Guests looking for a boutique stay in the same area of town may want to consider Comfort Hotel Grand Central, which seamlessly blends modern design and historic features.
The four-pearl, 480-room Thon Hotel Opera offers fabulous views of the Oslo Opera House, plus easy walks throughout central Oslo. Design is playful and ultra-contemporary, softening the business hotel atmosphere with splashes of color throughout -- from the lobby to the bar and the whimsical guest rooms. Rooms feature minibars and flat-screen TVs, while some include Nespresso machines and views the Opera House. There is a well-stocked fitness center on site and the hotel's Scala Restaurant serves an excellent free breakfast buffet and meals throughout the day. Guests looking for a boutique stay in the same area of town may want to consider Comfort Hotel Grand Central, which seamlessly blends modern design and historic features.
Rica Park stands out for its old-world ambiance: Think floral drapery, studded leather armchairs, and wooden bookcases lined with colorful books. It's intimate at 59 rooms, and the cozy feel is furthered by a lobby fireplace and the smell of freshly-baked waffles wafting through the lobby all afternoon, a treat for returning guests or those checking in. The decor and style of guest rooms (particularly the bathrooms) is a bit unexciting, especially considering the pleasant lobby, but they're large, and the hotel has a fairly central location near the lake and theater.
Rica Park stands out for its old-world ambiance: Think floral drapery, studded leather armchairs, and wooden bookcases lined with colorful books. It's intimate at 59 rooms, and the cozy feel is furthered by a lobby fireplace and the smell of freshly-baked waffles wafting through the lobby all afternoon, a treat for returning guests or those checking in. The decor and style of guest rooms (particularly the bathrooms) is a bit unexciting, especially considering the pleasant lobby, but they're large, and the hotel has a fairly central location near the lake and theater.
From booking to payment to check-in and check-out, it's self-service at the budget Citybox Oslo, with kiosks handling the functions usually assumed by a front desk. Located within a five-minute walk of the train station, this boutique-style property is modern and stylish -- with plenty of cool art and lights -- in a minimalist way. The 216 air-conditioned rooms are sleek but utilitarian -- with work desks, chairs, reading lights, beds with pillow-top mattresses, pegs to hang clothes, and free Wi-Fi. Lounges have lots of mod seating and two flat-screen TVs, and there's a small kitchen area off the lobby with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and vending machines for snacks and drinks. While the do-it-yourself concept keeps room rates low, it's not for everyone, and travelers might want to check out the Best Western Karl Johan Hotell, a mid-range alternative with slightly higher rates.
From booking to payment to check-in and check-out, it's self-service at the budget Citybox Oslo, with kiosks handling the functions usually assumed by a front desk. Located within a five-minute walk of the train station, this boutique-style property is modern and stylish -- with plenty of cool art and lights -- in a minimalist way. The 216 air-conditioned rooms are sleek but utilitarian -- with work desks, chairs, reading lights, beds with pillow-top mattresses, pegs to hang clothes, and free Wi-Fi. Lounges have lots of mod seating and two flat-screen TVs, and there's a small kitchen area off the lobby with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and vending machines for snacks and drinks. While the do-it-yourself concept keeps room rates low, it's not for everyone, and travelers might want to check out the Best Western Karl Johan Hotell, a mid-range alternative with slightly higher rates.
Hotel Christiania Teater is an upscale boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Oslo, within easy walking distance of most major attractions and near public transportation. Interiors are a gorgeous mix of contemporary comforts and Art Nouveau details echoing the hotel's history as a theater. Its 102 rooms are sunny and bright, with dramatic orange-and-gold wallpaper and modern amenities including flat-screen TVs and safes. However, tea and coffee cost extra. On-site features are also a bit limited given the property's four-pearl status, though there is a popular pizzeria, wine bar, and meeting spaces on hand. However, there's no wellness or fitness facility on-site (though guests do have access to a nearby gym). Business travelers may want to also consider the nearby Scandic Victoria, which as modern meeting facilities.
Hotel Christiania Teater is an upscale boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Oslo, within easy walking distance of most major attractions and near public transportation. Interiors are a gorgeous mix of contemporary comforts and Art Nouveau details echoing the hotel's history as a theater. Its 102 rooms are sunny and bright, with dramatic orange-and-gold wallpaper and modern amenities including flat-screen TVs and safes. However, tea and coffee cost extra. On-site features are also a bit limited given the property's four-pearl status, though there is a popular pizzeria, wine bar, and meeting spaces on hand. However, there's no wellness or fitness facility on-site (though guests do have access to a nearby gym). Business travelers may want to also consider the nearby Scandic Victoria, which as modern meeting facilities.
This hotel, connected to the city's main train station, is a juxtaposition that works splendidly: The building is from 1854 and was Oslo's first train station, and in spring 2012 opened a stylish, tech-savvy boutique hotel decorated with funky, colorful motifs -- while still preserving some original details. High-tech features abound, and guests can check in on computers in the lobby, use their smartphones as a room key, and store their luggage in a personal lockbox. There's an Italian restaurant on-site, and the hotel's adjacency to the train station makes it as convenient to transportation as it gets (for both within Oslo and outward). Still, it's relatively far from most of the city's sights, and there aren't many features besides the restaurant and a small fitness center.
This hotel, connected to the city's main train station, is a juxtaposition that works splendidly: The building is from 1854 and was Oslo's first train station, and in spring 2012 opened a stylish, tech-savvy boutique hotel decorated with funky, colorful motifs -- while still preserving some original details. High-tech features abound, and guests can check in on computers in the lobby, use their smartphones as a room key, and store their luggage in a personal lockbox. There's an Italian restaurant on-site, and the hotel's adjacency to the train station makes it as convenient to transportation as it gets (for both within Oslo and outward). Still, it's relatively far from most of the city's sights, and there aren't many features besides the restaurant and a small fitness center.