Oslo, Norway
The 10 best boutique and luxury hotels in Oslo
Oslo’s most stylish and personal hotel stays
Ask a dozen people about their favourite hotel, and you’ll likely get a dozen different responses. A favourite hotel is as much of a personal preference as your favourite movie, book or singer. But in our opinion, the best hotels have a few things in common: they feel intimate and personal (regardless of size or number of rooms), they have a distinctive vibe, the staff offers superb service and the architecture and interior design are unique and full of character. We love them even more when they are deeply ingrained in the local neighbourhood and culture. Here’s our list of ten carefully crafted Oslo boutique and luxury hotels that tell a strong story.
Overview: Oslo’s top 10 hotels
What are the best areas to stay in Oslo?
Oslo, with its unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication, offers an array of neighbourhoods each with distinct characteristics. Here’s a personal look at our favourite Oslo areas, emphasising why we choose to stay in each.
Sentrum – the heart of everything
Sentrum, the city centre, is where we stay when we want to be in the middle of everything. The convenience of having the city’s top attractions, shopping streets and cultural institutions within walking distance is unbeatable. We love the energy here, where the historic and modern aspects of Oslo converge, making every visit vibrant and full of possibilities.
Aker Brygge – waterfront delight
Aker Brygge is our choice for leisure and luxury by the water. We choose to stay here for the stunning fjord views and the lively atmosphere of its restaurants and bars. The area’s modern architecture and the relaxing boardwalk are perfect for evening strolls. Aker Brygge is where we find a dynamic blend of leisure and scenic beauty, ideal for unwinding in style.
Frogner – a posh retreat
Frogner captivates us with its elegance and grandeur. This neighbourhood’s wide avenues and posh boutiques provide a serene backdrop for our strolls, particularly through the iconic Frogner Park. It’s our sanctuary for experiencing Oslo’s upscale lifestyle amid historical landmarks.
Read the article on our top hotel picks in Frogner.
Majorstuen – the trendy hub
Majorstuen calls to us with its lively streets and contemporary pulse. Here, the city’s trendiest shops and eateries offer a youthful spirit that’s hard to resist. This neighbourhood is our springboard for urban exploration, positioned perfectly for both spontaneous adventures and planned excursions.
Sankt Hanshaugen – a charming escape
Sankt Hanshaugen offers a quaint respite with its idyllic parks and local vibe. This area’s charming cafes and unique shops create a warm community feel, making it an ideal spot for days when we seek both relaxation and a touch of local Oslo life.
Grünerløkka – the bohemian beat
Grünerløkka’s artistic streets lure us with a promise of creativity and vibrant street life. The neighbourhood’s bohemian spirit, showcased in its eclectic markets and indie galleries, inspires us to embrace its lively culture, perfect for those who thrive in a dynamic and youthful environment.
Read the article on the best spots in Oslo’s Grünerløkka neighbourhood.
Grønland – cultural mosaic
We are drawn to Grønland for its rich tapestry of cultures and flavours. The neighbourhood’s bustling markets and diverse eateries allow us to traverse the globe gastronomically, enriching our experience with every visit and making it a hub of multicultural encounters.
Gamle Oslo – the historical core
Gamle Oslo connects us to the city’s roots. Exploring this area’s blend of historical sites and modern developments offers a unique perspective on Oslo’s evolution. It’s where we go to uncover the layers of the city’s past, surrounded by the architectural reminders of its long and storied history.
01
Sommerro
Electrifying is undoubtedly the word that comes to mind when stepping inside Sommerro, an Oslo hotel housed in the 1930s building that was the former HQ of Oslo Lysverk, the city’s electrical company. Located in Frogner, one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, this impressive property has 231 rooms (including the accompanying Villa Inkognito with eleven suites), four restaurants, three bars, a gym and the uber-cool public Vestkantbadet Art Deco pool, which features a stunning mosaic by artist Per Krogh.
Read the full article on Sommerro.
Sommerro
Sommerrogata 1
Oslo
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Sommerro
02
Att Kvadraturen
Att Kvadraturen, which opened in the summer of 2022, sets out to challenge the traditional idea of a hotel in the same building that once saw the opening of Oslo’s first boutique hotel. The traditional hotel lobby has been replaced by a fully digitised check-in, welcoming guests of the 65-room and apartment property to a bustling house filled with various bar and restaurant experiences. With a friendly vibe and jovial design, by local interior design studio Gathe + Gram, the team behind Att Kvadraturen offers an embracing spot for both locals and visitors alike.
Read the full article on Att Kvadraturen.
Att Kvadraturen
Kongens gate 5
Oslo
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Pernilla Munster and Revier
03
Amerikalinjen
Occupying the grand neo-baroque former headquarters of the now-closed cruise ship company Norwegian America Line, which ferried thousands of hopeful immigrants across the Atlantic to America, is boutique hotel Amerikalinjen. The property fuses a generous pinch of nostalgia with the present to form a modern hospitality experience for the curious-minded modern-day explorers.
Read the full article on Amerikalinjen.
Amerikalinjen
Jernbanetorget 2
Oslo
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Amerikalinjen
04
The Thief
Oslo’s waterfront district Tjuvholmen, also known as Thief Islet, has since 2013 been the home of one the city’s hippest hotels, The Thief. The nine-storey hotel created by philanthropy-minded hotelier Petter A Stordalen, and built by Mellbye Architects, is surrounded by art galleries, swanky eateries and cool cocktail bars in an area of the Norwegian capital historically frequented by bandits and outlaws.
Read the full article on The Thief.
The Thief
Landgangen 1
Oslo
Norway
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Photography courtesy of The Thief
05
Hotel Christiania Teater
Right smack in the heart of town, a stone’s throw from the National Theatre, is Hotel Christiania Teater, an Oslo hotel where the vibe is spelled D-R-A-M-A. As a former theatre, performing arts and culture have been part of this Nordic Renaissance 1918 landmark building’s history for over a century, and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2015. Flaunting an eclectic and eccentric look, local interior designer Anemone Wille Våge has worked overtime to make sure this hotel won’t ever get boring.
Read the full article on Hotel Christiania Teater.
Hotel Christiania Teater
Stortingsgata 16
Oslo
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Hotel Christiania Teater
06
Grand Hotel
We have always been fond of old buildings with a rich history. The Grand Hotel in Oslo is one such place – the neoclassical building has undergone a number of transformations since it was erected in 1840, and the current facade from 1912 is designed by architect Ole Sverre. Most people associate the Grand Hotel with the Grand Café, but if you enter the hotel itself, you will find a cosy restaurant named Palmen that serves the best steak tartare in town.
Grand Hotel
Karl Johans gate 31
Oslo
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Grand Hotel
07
Saga Hotel
With its charming 19th-century façade, Saga Hotel was restored and modernized in 2011 by Delotis Design. An inviting outdoor terrace, a dimly-lit bar, and a stylish lobby give it a boutique feel. This hotel is a great choice for couples looking for a great base in the city.
Saga Hotel
Eilert Sundts gate 39
Oslo
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Saga Hotel
08
Clarion Hotel Oslo
Oslo’s newest district, Bjrvika, is home to the Clarion Hotel Oslo. Authenticity, art, and culture are always top priorities at Clarion, and this is no exception at Clarion Hotel Oslo. In collaboration with Oslo’s cultural institutions, the 255-room hotel boasts a permanent art collection complemented by exhibitions and events. The Kitchen & Table Fishery restaurant and bar, by Swedish top chef Marcus Samuelsson, is located on the ground floor of the hotel.
Clarion Hotel Oslo
Dronning Eufemias gate 15
Oslo
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Clarion Hotel Oslo
09
Hotel Oslo Guldsmeden
Hotel Oslo Guldsmeden is a boho-chic boutique hotel set close to the lively harbour. Stylish interiors feature a mix of Eastern decor with wickerwork lampshades and gorgeous Kilim rugs. The cosy rooms are all furnished with modern four-poster beds, snug pelts and quirky artwork, and the organic breakfast is a treat. There is also a spa with an infra-red sauna, a steam bath and a dry sauna.
Hotel Oslo Guldsmeden
Parkveien 78
Oslo
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Hotel Oslo Guldsmeden
10
Clarion Hotel The Hub
The largest hotel in Oslo (810 rooms over 13 floors) impresses with its emphasis on contemporary art, its rooftop herb and microgreen garden, Norda restaurant, where consultant chef Marcus Samuelsson offers Nordic fusion cuisine and Bon Bon cocktail bar. Modern art dominates throughout the interiors designed by interior designer Anemone Wille Våge. There is a digital art wall embedded in the elevators depicting water at various times of the year, and art pieces by Norwegian artists like Bård Breivik, Tom Sandberg and Ann Karin Furunes are found throughout the hotel.
Clarion Hotel The Hub
Biskop Gunnerus Gate 3
Oslo
Norway
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Photography courtesy of Clarion Hotel The Hub
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