Oslo's Best Boutique Hotels
Flanked by mountains and sea, Norway’s natural capital is a compact city bursting with culture, first-rate dining and a vibrant nightlife. It’s also heaving with places to stay that go way beyond the ordinary; bijou retreats with freestanding baths and grand city-centre pads await you in this sublime Nordic haven. Here’s our pick of the best boutique hotels in Oslo.
1. Lysebu Hotel
Hotel
2. Amerikalinjen
Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel
Stylish and laid-back, this hotel sits right in the centre of things on Jernbanetorget Square, adjacent to Oslo Central Station. The iconic pink building was the headquarters of cruise ship company Norwegian America Line, but has been transformed into its current 122-room glory with a collection of cool bars and restaurants that attract fashionable locals. As well as the all-day brasserie and basement jazz bar, there’s a floating bartender who will shake and serve cocktails in your room.
3. Comfort Hotel Karl Johan
Hotel
There’s a quirky feel to this centrally-located hotel, with its pop art colour schemes, neon-lit headboards and vibrant pot plants. Its 181 rooms are spread across four interconnected buildings and feature pink sofas and modern light fixtures. Breakfast boasts organic options and there’s a lobby shop and gym. Rodins Bistro and Bar serves tasty seafood including scallops and lobster. Don’t be surprised to see dogs on leads – this is a pet-friendly hotel.
5. Hotel Christiania Teater
Chain Hotel, Boutique Hotel
If you’re seeking old-world opulence, try this art deco style boutique hotel close to the National Theatre and Royal Palace. Think plump booths in the restaurant, blue and gold colour schemes and 102 sumptuous rooms with individual touches such as striped feature walls and velvet throws and curtains. Teatro restaurant is known for its gourmet pizzas, topped with delights such as fennel salami and pickled mushrooms, or ham, walnuts and honey mustard.
6. Scandic Vulkan
Chain Hotel
Scandic Vulkan (or Volcano) is a great choice for the eco-conscious; it’s the first hotel in Norway to receive an Energy Class A rating. You’ll find it in the hip Vulkan neighborhood – a former industrial area that’s been transformed into a buzzy collection of hotels, bars, restaurants and food markets. Spread over 10 floors, its 149 rooms feature unique touches such as wall-mounted bikes and vibrant blue and orange bedding.
7. Saga Hotel Oslo
Budget Hotel
Housed in this 1890s building, the four-star Saga design hotel is brilliantly located in Frogner, close to the Royal Palace. All 47 rooms have the same black and gold theme, and range from singles and doubles to suites with large bay windows and room for up to four guests. The ground floor Fangst restaurant is a highlight – serving Japanese fare with an innovative twist. Arrive hungry for the miso beef carpaccio, sashimi and sushi.
8. Scandic St. Olavs Plass
Hotel
9. Hotel Bristol Oslo
Boutique Hotel
This newly-renovated traditional hotel has been around since 1920 and retains an elegant feel. Think glass chandeliers and intricately-carved ceilings, bedrooms featuring upholstered headboards and chintz wallpaper. Enjoy afternoon tea with live piano accompaniment in the Winter Garden and Library Bar, or tuck into fresh steak and shellfish in the low-lit Bristol Grill. Walk it all off with a stroll to the Royal Palace, around 10 minutes away on foot.
10. Camillas Hus
Boutique Hotel
With seven individually-designed rooms, personalised service is available on tap at this bijou hotel, and its exclusive feel extends way beyond the location, next to the Royal Palace gardens. Rooms feature chandeliers, four-poster beds and antique writing tables with lavish touches such as freestanding baths and L’Occitane toiletries. Its restaurant, Park29, can be found inside the oldest wooden-built villa in Oslo, dating back to 1847. Menu highlights include fish soup and chevre salad with beets and walnuts.
11. Comfort Hotel Grand Central
Hotel
12. Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Oslo
Boutique Hotel
There’s great attention to detail in this colourful and modern design hotel, one block from bustling Karl Johans gate, in the heart of downtown Oslo. With its flamboyant throws, vibrant Chesterfields and modern artwork, quality and comfort are on display throughout its rooms and communal spaces. Accessibility is also key here – you can request a disabled-friendly or allergy-friendly room – and Brasserie Paleo serves healthy dishes with an organic bent.
13. First Hotel Millennium
Hotel
14. Oslo Guldsmeden
Independent Hotel
This cosy boutique hotel knows how to do hygge. With its unique Nordic-Balinese design, pared-down rooms feature whitewashed walls, polished wooden floors and the odd deerskin throw, plus luxurious four-poster beds. You’ll be well-placed for exploring the capital – the hotel is right beside the lively hub of Aker Brygge with its culture, shopping and dining scene. If you’d prefer to relax, there’s a Turkish hammam and sauna, ideal for unwinding at the end of a fun-filled day.
15. The Thief
Hotel
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