Norway: Hotel Excellence in These Luxury Establishments in Oslo
Norway: Hotel Excellence in These Luxury Establishments in Oslo
Oslo
Welcome to Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway, where stunning modern architecture meets breathtaking natural beauty. A city surrounded by fjords and forests, Oslo offers a unique blend of urban culture and outdoor adventure. From the Opera House to the Viking Ship Museum, our guide to the best luxury hotels in Oslo will help you experience true hotel excellence.
Welcome to Oslo: A Fusion of Nature and Nordic Design
Welcome to Oslo, the vibrant and green capital of Norway, a unique city where stunning, cutting-edge modern architecture meets the breathtaking natural beauty of the fjord and surrounding forests. Oslo offers a unique and captivating blend of sophisticated urban culture and thrilling outdoor adventure. From the magnificent, iceberg-like Opera House that rises from the fjord to the historic Viking ships that tell tales of a seafaring past, our comprehensive guide to the best luxury hotels in Oslo will help you experience true Norwegian hotel excellence in this world of refinement.
1. Grand Hotel
The Place: Oslo’s most iconic and historic grand hotel, located on the city’s main street, Karl Johans gate. Since 1874, the Grand Hotel has been a symbol of timeless elegance and has hosted Nobel Peace Prize laureates. It offers a unique sense of history and classic grandeur, making it the most legendary of all luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s beautiful Artesia Spa, with its stunning swimming pool and serene atmosphere, is the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
1. Grand Hotel: The Historic Heart of Oslo
The Place: As Oslo’s most iconic and historic grand hotel, the Grand Hotel is perfectly located on the city’s main street, Karl Johans gate, between the Parliament and the Royal Palace. Since it first opened in 1874, this magnificent hotel has been a symbol of timeless elegance and has famously hosted Nobel Peace Prize laureates each year. It offers a unique sense of history and classic grandeur, making it the most legendary of all luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s beautiful and serene Artesia Spa, with its stunning heated swimming pool, steam room, and classic Scandinavian sauna, is the perfect place to unwind and relax after a day of sightseeing in the city.
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2. Sommerro
The Place: A magnificent and transportive hotel housed in the former headquarters of Oslo’s original electrical company, a stunning 1930s Art Deco building. Sommerro is a true destination, celebrating Norwegian design, art, and culture. It features a spectacular rooftop pool and spa, making it one of the most exciting and unique luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: The spectacular, year-round rooftop pool and terrace, the city’s first, offers incredible panoramic views and is part of a magnificent wellness center.
2. Sommerro: A Dazzling Art Deco Masterpiece
The Place: A magnificent and transportive new hotel, Sommerro is housed in the former headquarters of Oslo’s original electrical company, a stunning and protected 1930s Art Deco building in the charming Frogner district. Sommerro is a true destination in itself, a vibrant celebration of Norwegian design, art, and culture from the Roaring Twenties. It features a spectacular rooftop pool and spa, making it one of the most exciting and unique luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: The spectacular, year-round rooftop pool and terrace, Vestkantbadet, is the city’s first. It offers incredible panoramic views and is part of a magnificent wellness center that includes beautifully restored historic baths from 1932.
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3. The Thief
The Place: A chic and contemporary design hotel located on the waterfront in the vibrant Tjuvholmen arts district. The Thief is celebrated for its stunning, modern architecture and its impressive, museum-quality collection of contemporary art. It offers a sophisticated and culturally rich experience, setting it apart from other luxury hotels in Oslo with its edgy, cool vibe.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s direct access to the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art and its own curated art collection make it a true art lover’s paradise.
3. The Thief: A Waterfront Icon of Art and Design
The Place: A chic and contemporary design hotel, The Thief is located on the waterfront in the vibrant Tjuvholmen arts district, which was once a haven for smugglers. The hotel is celebrated for its stunning, modern architecture and its impressive, museum-quality private collection of contemporary art, with pieces personally selected by the former curator of the nearby Astrup Fearnley Museum. It offers a sophisticated and culturally rich experience, setting it apart from other luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s direct access to the adjacent, world-class Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, designed by Renzo Piano, and its own curated art collection in every room and public space, make it a true art lover’s paradise.
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4. Claridon Hotel The Hub
The Place: One of Scandinavia’s largest and most modern hotels, located directly next to the Central Station. The Hub is a vibrant and sustainable hotel with a focus on technology and social connection. It features a stunning rooftop bar and a relaxing pool and wellness area, a top choice among large, modern luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: The Norda bar and restaurant on the 13th floor, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and the Oslo Fjord from its rooftop terrace.
4. Clarion Hotel The Hub: A Modern and Sustainable Landmark
The Place: As one of Scandinavia’s largest and most modern hotels, The Hub is perfectly located directly next to the Oslo Central Station, making it incredibly convenient. The Hub is a vibrant and sustainable hotel with a strong focus on technology and creating social, inviting spaces. It features a stunning rooftop bar with its own urban garden and a relaxing pool and wellness area. A top choice among large, modern luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: The Norda bar and restaurant, located on the 13th floor, is a true highlight. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and the Oslo Fjord from its beautiful and popular rooftop terrace, Grow Hub.
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5. Amerikalinjen
The Place: A vibrant and stylish boutique hotel housed in the magnificent former headquarters of the Norwegian America Line cruise company. Amerikalinjen masterfully blends its rich, historic character with a modern, sophisticated design. It is a true cultural hub with its own jazz club and cinema, one of the most unique and lively luxury hotels in Oslo.
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My Top Pick: Gustav, the hotel’s intimate jazz club, is located in the building’s historic vaults and offers a fantastic and authentic musical experience for guests.
5. Amerikalinjen: A Journey Reimagined
The Place: A vibrant and incredibly stylish boutique hotel, Amerikalinjen is housed in the magnificent former headquarters of the Norwegian America Line cruise company from 1919. This hotel masterfully blends its rich, historic character with a modern, sophisticated design that celebrates its heritage of travel and discovery. It is a true cultural hub with its own jazz club, cinema, and art collection, one of the most unique and lively luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: Gustav, the hotel’s intimate and atmospheric jazz club, is located in the building’s historic vaults. It hosts world-class musicians and offers a fantastic and authentic musical experience, paying homage to the golden age of jazz.
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6. The Well
The Place: A magnificent and sprawling spa resort located a short drive from Oslo, offering the largest wellness experience in the Nordics. The Well is a true sanctuary of relaxation, with 11 different pools, 15 saunas, and hundreds of treatments. While outside the center, it is one of the most unique wellness-focused luxury hotels in Oslo‘s vicinity.
My Top Pick: The incredible variety of saunas and steam rooms, each with a different theme and temperature, offers a truly unique and comprehensive wellness journey.
6. The Well: The Ultimate Wellness Resort
The Place: A magnificent and sprawling spa resort located just a 20-minute drive from Oslo, The Well offers the largest and most comprehensive wellness experience in the Nordics. This resort is a true sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation, with 11 different pools, 15 unique saunas and steam rooms, hundreds of treatments, and a strong focus on global bathing rituals. While outside the center, it is one of the most unique wellness-focused luxury hotels in Oslo‘s vicinity.
My Top Pick: The incredible and diverse variety of saunas and steam rooms, each with a different theme, temperature, andAufguss rituals, from a Japanese-style onsen to a jungle sauna, offers a truly unique and comprehensive global wellness journey.
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7. Hotel Bristol
The Place: A historic and timelessly elegant hotel in the heart of the city. The Hotel Bristol has been a beloved institution since 1920 and is celebrated for its classic, traditional design and its magnificent, historic library bar. It offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, a true classic among the traditional luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: The Library Bar and Winter Garden, with its beautiful glass roof and classic ambiance, is a legendary and beloved spot for afternoon tea or coffee.
7. Hotel Bristol: A Timeless Classic
The Place: A historic and timelessly elegant hotel located in the very heart of the city, the Hotel Bristol has been a beloved Oslo institution since it first opened in 1920. The hotel is celebrated for its classic, traditional design and its magnificent, historic library bar and winter garden, which have been a meeting place for writers, artists, and locals for generations. It offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, a true classic among the traditional luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: The legendary Library Bar and the adjacent Winter Garden, with its beautiful glass roof and classic, old-world ambiance, is a beloved and historic spot for enjoying afternoon tea, coffee, or a classic cocktail while listening to live piano music.
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8. Thon Hotel Storo
The Place: A modern and sophisticated hotel located in the Storo district, just outside the city center but with excellent transport links. The Thon Hotel Storo is known for its bold, colorful, and contemporary design. It offers spacious, comfortable rooms and a fantastic restaurant, providing excellent value for those seeking stylish luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s acclaimed restaurant and bar, with its stylish design and high-quality cuisine, is a true destination in the neighborhood for both guests and locals.
8. Thon Hotel Storo: A Splash of Contemporary Color
The Place: A modern and sophisticated hotel located in the up-and-coming Storo business district, just a short metro ride from the city center. The Thon Hotel Storo is known for its bold, colorful, and contemporary design, which is a hallmark of the Thon brand. It offers spacious, comfortable rooms and a fantastic restaurant and bar, providing excellent value for those seeking stylish luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s acclaimed and stylish restaurant and bar, with its sophisticated design, high-quality cuisine, and extensive wine list, is a true destination in the neighborhood, popular with both hotel guests and local residents alike.
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9. The Clarion Hotel
The Place: A vibrant and art-filled hotel located in the heart of the new and architecturally stunning Bjørvika district, right next to the iconic Opera House. The Clarion is celebrated for its strong focus on contemporary art and its stunning rooftop pool and bar. This is one of the most modern and conveniently located luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: The stunning, heated rooftop swimming pool and terrace, which offers breathtaking, direct views of the Opera House and the beautiful Oslo Fjord.
9. The Clarion Hotel: An Architectural Gem in Bjørvika
The Place: A vibrant and art-filled hotel located in the heart of the new and architecturally stunning Bjørvika district, right next to the iconic Oslo Opera House and the new Munch Museum. The Clarion is celebrated for its strong focus on contemporary art and its stunning rooftop pool and bar. This is one of the most modern and conveniently located luxury hotels in Oslo for culture lovers.
My Top Pick: The stunning, heated rooftop swimming pool and the adjacent Shutter Bar terrace offer breathtaking, direct views of the magnificent Opera House and the beautiful, ever-changing Oslo Fjord, creating a spectacular setting for a swim.
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10. Lily Country Club
The Place: A large and modern resort hotel located just outside the city, close to the airport. The Lily Country Club offers a true escape, with extensive facilities including a golf course, a large spa, and multiple restaurants. It provides a comprehensive resort experience, a unique option compared to the urban luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s extensive and beautiful Lily Spa, with its indoor and outdoor pools and variety of wellness experiences, is a perfect retreat for relaxation.
10. Lily Country Club: A Modern Resort Escape
The Place: A large and modern resort hotel located just outside the city, conveniently close to Oslo’s main airport. The Lily Country Club offers a true escape and a comprehensive leisure experience, with extensive facilities including a PGA-level golf course, a large and luxurious spa, and multiple restaurants. It provides a complete resort experience, a unique option compared to the urban luxury hotels in Oslo.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s extensive and beautiful Lily Spa is a true highlight. With its indoor and outdoor pools, various saunas, and a wide range of wellness experiences, it is a perfect and convenient retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.
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Bonus: Villa Inkognito
An exquisite and incredibly exclusive private villa hotel, part of the Sommerro house. Housed in a magnificent 19th-century mansion, it offers just 11 lavishly decorated suites, a private kitchen, and dedicated hosts. It provides the ultimate experience of discreet, residential-style luxury and is arguably the most exclusive of all luxury hotels in Oslo.
Bonus: Villa Inkognito: The Ultimate Private Residence
The Place: An exquisite and incredibly exclusive private villa hotel, which operates as part of the magnificent Sommerro house next door. Housed in a stunning 19th-century mansion, it offers just 11 lavishly and individually decorated suites, a private kitchen, and dedicated hosts. It provides the ultimate experience of discreet, residential-style luxury and is arguably the most exclusive of all luxury hotels in Oslo, perfect for those seeking ultimate privacy.
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Expert’s Opinion: One to Choose?
Here’s our recommendation to help you choose the perfect luxury hotel in Oslo for your trip:
- For iconic, historic grandeur: Grand Hotel is the quintessential classic Oslo experience, located on the city’s main promenade.
- For a unique, design-led experience: The Art Deco masterpiece Sommerro or the art-filled The Thief are perfect for design lovers.
- For a vibrant, cultural hub: Amerikalinjen, with its own jazz club, offers a lively and historically rich atmosphere.
- For the ultimate wellness escape: The Well provides the most comprehensive and luxurious spa and wellness experience in the entire Nordic region.
Expert’s Opinion: One to Choose?
Here’s our recommendation to help you choose the perfect luxury hotel in Oslo for your trip:
- For iconic, historic grandeur: Grand Hotel is the quintessential classic Oslo experience, perfectly located on the city’s main promenade and steeped in Nobel history.
- For a unique, design-led experience: The magnificent Art Deco masterpiece Sommerro or the contemporary, art-filled The Thief are perfect for design and art lovers.
- For a vibrant, cultural hub: Amerikalinjen, with its own high-end jazz club and rich history, offers a lively and culturally immersive atmosphere.
- For the ultimate wellness escape: The Well, located just outside the city, provides the most comprehensive and luxurious spa and wellness experience in the entire Nordic region.
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Travel Guides: Oslo, Norway
A stay at a luxury hotel is just the beginning of your Oslo adventure. To make the most of your trip, here is a travel guide that complements the article on luxury hotels in Oslo.
1. Best Time to Visit Oslo
- Summer (June-August): This is the best time to visit, with long, sunny daylight hours, mild and pleasant temperatures, and a vibrant outdoor culture of fjord swimming, island hopping, and outdoor dining.
- Spring (May): A beautiful month to visit, especially for witnessing Norway’s festive Constitution Day on May 17th, with blooming flowers in the parks and a celebratory atmosphere.
- Autumn (September-October): The weather is crisp and cool with beautiful fall foliage in the city’s many parks, and there are fewer crowds than in the summer, making it ideal for museum visits.
- Winter (November-March): The city is cold and snowy but offers a cozy ‘koselig’ atmosphere. It’s great for cross-country skiing in the nearby forests, and there are magical Christmas markets in December.
1. When to Go?
- Summer (June-August): The best time to visit, with long, sunny days, mild temperatures, and a vibrant outdoor culture of fjord swimming and island hopping.
- Spring (May): A beautiful month to visit, especially for Norway’s Constitution Day on May 17th, with blooming flowers and a festive atmosphere.
- Autumn (September-October): The weather is crisp and cool with beautiful fall foliage in the city’s parks.
- Winter (November-March): Cold and snowy, but offers a cozy ‘koselig’ atmosphere, cross-country skiing, and magical Christmas markets.
2. Getting Around Oslo
- Public Transport (Ruter): Oslo has a highly efficient and integrated public transport system of trams, buses, metro (T-bane), and public ferries that cover the entire city and surrounding areas.
- Walking and Cycling: The city center is very walkable, and Oslo is increasingly becoming a bike-friendly city with many dedicated paths, making it a great way to explore.
- Electric Scooters: E-scooters are a popular and convenient way to cover short distances quickly throughout the city center and along the waterfront.
2. Getting Around Oslo
- Public Transport (Ruter): Oslo has a highly efficient and integrated public transport system of trams, buses, metro (T-bane), and ferries.
- Walking and Cycling: The city center is very walkable, and Oslo is increasingly becoming a bike-friendly city with many dedicated paths.
- Electric Scooters: E-scooters are a popular and convenient way to cover short distances quickly throughout the city.
3. Must-See Sights in Oslo
- Oslo Opera House: Walk on the magnificent, sloping white marble roof of this stunning modern architectural masterpiece for great views of the city and fjord.
- Vigeland Sculpture Park: Explore the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist, with over 200 incredible bronze, granite, and cast iron sculptures by Gustav Vigeland in Frogner Park.
- Munch Museum: Discover the works of Norway’s most famous artist, Edvard Munch, including his iconic masterpiece ‘The Scream,’ in a spectacular new waterfront building.
- Viking Ship Museum: See the world’s best-preserved Viking ships and artifacts from the Viking Age (Note: check for reopening as it’s part of a major new museum project).
3. Must-See Sights
- Oslo Opera House: Walk on the magnificent, sloping roof of this stunning modern architectural masterpiece.
- Vigeland Sculpture Park: Explore the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist, with over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.
- Munch Museum: Discover the works of Norway’s most famous artist, Edvard Munch, including his iconic masterpiece ‘The Scream.’
- Viking Ship Museum: See the world’s best-preserved Viking ships (Note: check for reopening as it’s part of a major new museum project).
4. Unique Experiences in Oslo
- Fjord Sauna: Experience the quintessential Norwegian wellness ritual of a floating sauna on the Oslo Fjord, followed by a refreshing dip in the water, a popular local activity year-round.
- Island Hopping: Take a public ferry from the city center to the small, charming islands in the Oslo Fjord for hiking, swimming, and exploring historic ruins.
- Explore Grünerløkka: Wander through this trendy and bohemian neighborhood, known for its independent boutiques, vintage shops, cool cafes, and vibrant street art scene.
- Holmenkollen Ski Jump: Visit the iconic ski jump, a landmark of winter sports, and take the elevator to the top for breathtaking, panoramic views of the city, fjord, and surrounding forests.
4. Unique Experiences
- Fjord Sauna: Experience a floating sauna on the Oslo Fjord, followed by a refreshing dip in the water, a popular local activity.
- Island Hopping: Take a public ferry to the small, charming islands in the Oslo Fjord for hiking, swimming, and exploring.
- Explore Grünerløkka: Wander through this trendy and bohemian neighborhood, known for its independent boutiques, vintage shops, and cool cafes.
- Holmenkollen Ski Jump: Visit the iconic ski jump for breathtaking, panoramic views of the city, fjord, and surrounding forests.
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