20 Best Hotels in Oslo, Norway

The feel at the Clarion group's latest outpost is similar to the others: somewhere between business stay and small design hotel, which is a good blend when you're staying so central, in the very new district of Bjørvika on the waters that also birthed the new Munch Museum and copious bars and eateries in the past couple of years. The gigantic breakfast buffet, which stops at nothing, will leave you full for the better part of a day. Rooms are airy, extremely clean, with a telephone, desk, and minibar. Downstairs, a bistro offers fresh oysters and steak, with the bar whipping up a good martini or mojito. Downsides are barely openable windows with dowdy blinds/curtains and an unimpressive gym---but the fjord and nearby floating saunas are all you need.

The handsome headquarters of the Norwegian America Line opened its doors in 1919, and 100 years later it was transformed into this boutique hotel appealing to the design-conscious explorer. Resembling a set from a Wes Anderson movie, the nautically themed lodging has an impressive brasserie, a basement jazz club, and a leafy courtyard area appropriately named Haven. The guest rooms are eclectic, sumptuous, and chic, with large walk-in showers, bay-window seating, and a mix of high tech (flat-screen TVs) and historic features (old maps and ship menus found during renovations).

Looking like it would be at home on any street in Paris, this grande dame with a mansard roof and Beaux Arts entrance is the choice of visiting heads of state, rock musicians, and Nobel Peace Prize winners. All the rooms have a regal touch, with the Mikado Suite—done up in cream, lilac, and red tones—being particularly palatial and plush. There are several different dining options, two bars, and a see-and-be-seen lobby. Norwegians book several years in advance for National Day, May 17, in order to have a room overlooking the parades below.

The inviting reception area with soft leather couches, a crackling fireplace, and charm to spare let you know you're in the ultimate Oslo escape. Rooms and suites have luxurious linens, fur throws, four-poster beds, and handmade rugs on the wood floors. A cozy downstairs bar (sometimes with live music) and excellent restaurant make this a place where you'll want to hang out. The basement spa is small but well equipped, and all the products they use are organic ones favored by the Norwegian royals.

History meets modernity at this landmark—it's a sophisticated stay with stylish guest rooms and posh common areas. The handsome lobby lounge has Munch lithographs on the walls. Gracious service prevails throughout, but is especially notable in the restaurants: Theatercafeen, an Oslo tradition, and Eik Annen Etage, another great choice for dinner. The hotel is opposite the National Theater and close to many cafés, clubs, and movie theaters, making it ideal for leisure as well as business travelers.

Dating back to 1894, this stunning and distinguished hotel has a peaceful mountaintop setting with unparalleled views of the city below. Guest rooms have relaxing color schemes and elegant wood furniture—public areas are vast spaces and resemble Alpine lodges with an edge—including open fires and big couches. Next to the Holmenkollen Ski Arena, the property provides the perfect base for outdoor pursuits such as cycling, skiing, and running.

A stunning new residence, health spa, and rooftop dining mecca, from an art and architecture perspective. This more-than-a-hotel is set in a restored art deco building from the 1930s with original details and murals from Norwegian painter Per Krogh. Design features include Oslo's first year-round rooftop pool and in-house wellness center, a gilded theater, and suites dripping with Scandi contemporary design and antiques; 231 rooms, four restaurants, and three bars.

Oslo's most tongue-in-cheek boutique hotel is located on Tjuvholmen, meaning Thief Islet, hence the unusual name. The lobby area has a sleek contemporary design and accommodates a bronze statue and other artworks from the adjacent Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. Rooms are palatial and sumptuously appointed, with gargantuan beds and TVs that can order room service. The indulgent spa has highly trained technicians on call, or you can just take advantage of the sauna, steam rooms, and neon-lit swimming pool. Breakfasts here hold nothing back, including every kind of cheese you can imagine (including Norwegian brown cheese). Hire the hotel's sleek boats to hit the fjord in style.

This slick business hotel has all the features of a design hotel: great restaurants and bar, contemporary interiors, and elegantly appointed rooms. You are likely to spot Norwegian supermodels rubbing shoulders with international politicians in the grand lobby or the futuristic elevator. It's known for resplendent breakfast buffets served in a softly lighted room with velvet armchairs. On the ground floor is the fitness room, relaxation area, and pool, while on the top floor you'll find the bar with views of the Opera House and the fjord beyond.

A stone's throw from the Royal Palace and near one of Oslo's premier shopping streets, Bogstadveien, this no-frills family-run guesthouse has reasonably priced, comfortable, and rather spartan rooms. Most have private bathrooms; some also have kitchenettes. The guesthouse can arrange for breakfast at nearby eateries.

Along the historic main street of Karl Johan—but tucked in its own courtyard away from the hustle and bustle—this handy hotel has nicely sized rooms and an eco-friendly vibe. There's a substantial gym and a fantastic buffet breakfast by candlelight, making it great for a winter visit. The courtyard, complete with overhead heaters, has an attached bistro serving great seafood that's perfect for a glass of wine all year round.

Extremely popular with young travelers, this budget-minded lodging is also a hit with families because of its low-key vibe and unbeatable location. You check yourself in and out in the casual common area, which includes a bar and small shop and is staffed around the clock. Rooms are extremely simple, with smartly designed desks and big windows letting in lots of light. What you don't get is daily housekeeping or a breakfast buffet, but there are sandwiches and fresh orange juice in the lobby.

Built as a guesthouse in 1912, this chic boutique hotel hidden behind an ivy-covered facade is one of our favorites in Oslo. The rooms are very Scandinavian, yet have a warm and inviting feel. It's in the West End, between stately embassies and prosperous-looking villas, a 15-minute walk from the center of Oslo. 

Rising 22 stories, this modern hotel blends the charm of Nordic design with the amenities of a chain hotel: spacious rooms, light-up wardrobes, cloud-soft beds, and stunning views of the city. There's great dining at 26 North Restaurant & Social Club on the ground floor, and the upper floor has a dreamy cocktail bar. The buffet breakfast is excellent, and you're as likely to spot business CEOs as you are touring rock stars over your morning coffee.

Powered by geothermal energy and championing other green initiatives, this contemporary, eco-friendly retreat is located in the heart of Grünerløkka with easy access to restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and the Akerselva River. It has an in-house Italian restaurant, a fitness center, and excellent views of the water.

An unassuming facade hides one of the most stylish large hotels in Oslo. The guest rooms are comfortable and colorful, the staff is attentive, and the breakfast buffet gets rave reviews, as does the Paleo restaurant. A delicious and generous supper on the 8th floor is included for guests. There's a spacious gym with free energy bars and free coffee at the reception desk.

The understated elegance helps keep the rooms filled at this business hotel. Rooms are modern and comfortable, with free high-speed Wi-Fi. Most rooms have great city views (the higher up, the better). The views from the popular bar and gourmet restaurant on the 34th floor (and from the treadmill in the gym on the 35th floor) are also spectacular. The location, next to Oslo S (Oslo Central Station), is also a plus: the Airport Express, the metro, and trains and buses are in easy reach.