Choosing among all the great accommodations in Norway's growing capital can be tricky, and we're here to help. Here are six favorite hotels in three categories depending on your budget—standard, mid-range, and luxury—with either new or renovated rooms, standout complimentary breakfasts, and desirable locations steps from Oslo's top attractions.

Hotel Continental

Rooms have plush furnishings and Molton Brown bath products (photo courtesy of Hotel Continental)

This Hotel Continental is one of Oslo's longest-running hotels, dating to 1860; today, it's run by the fourth generation of the same family. It's also centrally located, just a short walk to the Nobel Peace Center and Aker Brygge waterfront area, as well as Palace Park and Karl Johans gate. The hotel completed a major renovation in recent years and today features plush room interiors with upscale amenities, like coffee machines, Apple TV, and Molton Brown bath products. Some suites have lovely walkout terraces with table seating and fjord views. 

Another aspect of this hotel's popularity is its drinking and dining scene. The elegant lobby attracts locals for predinner drinks before performances at the National Theater (across the street). The historic restaurant Theatercafeen—with a Viennese vibe—features portraits of Norwegian's famous writers and artists from the years gone by (check out actual photos of the many celebrities and dignitaries who have dined here). There's also a fine dining restaurant that serves set course menus that change weekly, plus a trendy pizzeria for a more casual night. Learn more

Amerikalinjen

The stylish lobby has a cocktail bar and floor-to-ceiling windows (photo courtesy of Amerikalinjen)

Opened in 2019, one of Oslo's newest luxury options, Amerikalinjen, capitalizes on the building's historical roots as the former headquarters for the Norwegian America Line—where immigrants were processed on their way to America in the early 20th century. After a thorough restoration, the hotel's iconic red facade has a great location mere steps from Oslo Central Station, with quick access to 20-minute trains to and from the airport). It's also a short stroll to luxury shopping, the Oslo Opera House, and Munch Museum.

The 122 stylish rooms have parquet floors, tall ceilings, and light fixtures from a Norwegian glass maker. Luxe amenities include coffee machines, bathrobes, heated bathroom floors, and upscale bath products. Each room has a brand book where you can learn more about the building's history or look at the unique nautical objects on the wall that help tell the story. 

The art-filled lobby is the place to sip cocktails in vintage glasses, while the all-day brasserie, Atlas, serves upscale Nordic cuisine from an open kitchen. On weekends, there's Gustav, an underground jazz bar with weekend gigs. Health nuts can use the spacious, low-lit fitness center any time of day. Learn more

Plan your trip to Norway
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

Karl Johan Hotel

MID-RANGE

Upgrade for street views and extra amenities like bathrobes (photo courtesy of Karl Johan Hotel)

You can't miss Karl Johan Hotel as it has one of the more elegant 19th-century exteriors on the famous thoroughfare of the same name: Karl Johans gate. The hotel dates to 1874, when it was run by two sisters named Marte and Marie, who had a knack for hospitality. New owners completed a major renovation in 2021. However, you can still find many of the building's original details, like the lobby staircase with wrought iron handrails or the glass atrium that provides natural light during breakfast. 

The hotel's 157 rooms take advantage of the tall ceilings, especially the large corner suites with arched windows. Modern wood furnishings include plush beds and bedside outlets, while new tile bathrooms have upscale bath products. When not in the rooms, guests can enjoy a cozy bi-level lounge with seasonal outdoor tables, where they can sip drinks with views of the Parliament building across the street. 

When it's time to explore, the central location is steps from the city's best shopping and theaters and about a 15-minute walk to Oslo Central Station with regular express trains to and from the airport. You can also walk to the Nobel Peace Center and the lively Aker Brygge waterfront area in about 15 minutes. Learn more

Clarion Hotel Oslo

MID-RANGE

This modern hotel has an inviting restaurant and lounge (photo courtesy of Clarion Hotel Oslo)

The sleek Clarion Hotel Oslo blends into its ultramodern surroundings in Bjørvika, just a quick walk to the Oslo Opera House and Munch Museum. The minimalist vibe is evident as soon as you step inside the hotel's art-filled lobby with rotating artworks, including a Munch painting that underwent more than 200 hours of restoration. 

More than 250 rooms and suites rise six floors with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide city or fjord views. Rooms have contemporary furnishings, hardwood-style floors, and kettles, and superior rooms and above have coffee machines and bathrobes. Some deluxe rooms have balconies or terraces (request upon check-in).

When it's time to eat, the hotel's stylish Kitchen & Table Fishery restaurant is adjacent to the front desk with a seasonal terrace, where guests can dine on seafood-focused dishes created by Swedish chef Marcus Samuelsson. In addition to the restaurant, a separate bar serves cocktails with space for lounging or catching up on emails. Walking and jogging paths along the waterfront are steps away, or head for the fitness center with modern equipment. Learn more

Hotell Bondeheimen

STANDARD

Renovated rooms are dedicated to historical figures (photo courtesy of Hotell Bondeheimen)

Hotell Bondeheimen is a budget-friendly hotel in the heart of Oslo—one block from Karl Johans gate—with an impressive sustainability program. Though the interiors are fully renovated, you can find elements of history dating back to 1913, when it attracted writers, artists, and actors who stayed there. Each of the 145 guest rooms is attached to a former writer or cultural figure; look for a quotation accompanied by a portrait and biographical information in each room. Some rooms also offer original details like wood-beamed ceilings. 

A trendy lobby restaurant prepares an extensive breakfast buffet daily with organic items. Norwegian specialties are available for lunch and dinner when the space transitions to a restaurant called Kaffistova, which is popular with locals. There isn't a hotel bar, but the front desk sells beverages and snacks throughout the day, including wine and beer. Learn more

Scandic Vulkan

STANDARD

Explore the area's upscale restaurants or dine on-site at this Italian restaurant (photo courtesy of Scandic Vulkan)

There are a few properties from the Swedish brand Scandic that we love, like Scandic Byporten, steps from Oslo Central Station, but we have to highlight Scandic Vulkan, a hotel slightly off the beaten path in a hip area steps from Grünerløkka. The hotel's 180 rooms have contemporary decor, hardwood-style floors, and oversized windows with blackout shades. Superior rooms are located on the upper floors for better views and have a bit more space; families can opt for the studio suites on the top floor that can sleep three or four guests.

The real draw is the hotel's location, right next door to Mathallen, a spacious indoor food mecca with various eateries and vendors selling local Norwegian products—great for souvenirs. There's also an intimate concert venue nearby, Vulkan Arena, pulling in notable acts, and several more independent eateries, shops, and some Michelin-starred restaurants. Or, you can always stay and dine at Scandic Vulkan's industrial-style Italian restaurant on the lower level that faces a pedestrian walkway. Learn more