Realized we'll need to overnight in Oslo, as our family's home is too far
away to make the connection times by train the morning of our flight.

However, our flight is late enough to not have to stay *directly*
at the airport. I'm not yet sure pricewise w/the trains from where
they live (Sandefjord area) that it makes sense to first go to airport,
leave burdensome bags, and then, head downtown for a one night's stay
& a dinner out.

However, since we only have this one brief night to get a little of Oslo's culture,
are tempted. (vs. staying in a more sterile airport area)

Any tips? Are there lockers or a secured room at the airport,
where one can safely unload luggage, and then, just travel w/a light nightbag
to the town center on the Express train? (so the walk from the train
to lodging not a hassle?)

Leaning towards an older historic spot to stay in town. May post a thread
for ideas, but will have to see how much damage the stay would be.
As this will be for a Monday night, so rates may be high for the business
crowd.

Considering: The Grand or Bristol...and any others close-in, as I'd really love
to get to one of the larger bookstores in town prior to our flight at noon,
to hunt down some Norwegian textbooks to help me progress w/the language,
a bit. (for my hubby's family's sake!) ;-) Thanks for any tips!

Luggage storage in the east end of the Arrival hall: http://www.osl.no/en/osl/services/20_Baggage+Service

Grand and Bristol are both great, and perhaps the best, ideas. Close to the large Tanum and Norli bookstores and not far from the excellent Tronsmo bookstore.

If you are in for a traditional Norwegian meal, I would suggest the newly refurbished Olympen restaurant (you would have to the take a taxi from the hotel, or walk some 20 minutes): http://www.olympen.no/olympen

Some favourites close to Grand/Bristol:

Restaurant Fjord, perhaps the best fish and seafood restaurant in town: http://www.restaurantfjord.no/index.html

I like French inspired Ylajali very much: http://www.tekehtopa.no/yla_p/index.php

Thai based on Norwegian produce in Plah, 10 mins walking:
http://www.plah.no/

Dinner is an excellent Chinese restaurant:
http://www.dinner.no/

Great value Asian Food at Four Seasons in Vikaterrassen, just by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
http://oslopuls.aftenposten.no/resta...icle241649.ece
http://vikaterrassen.no/butikkoversi.../four-seasons/

kihme.. flamenco expert and norwegian foodie.
You cease to amaze me! Would love to be able to try out some of your Oslo restaurant recs.

he-he, just give me a notice if you are on these latitudes.