Amerikalinjen, Oslo

Pros  

• Enjoy a stylish, international hotel with an upscale brasserie where impressive free breakfasts are served for guests (including bagels from the onsite bakery).
• Gorgeous rooms have quality decor, tall, soundproofed windows, and historic relics.
• Cocktails in the lobby are served in vintage glasses and a low-lit jazz club plays weekend gigs.
• Guests can focus on health and wellness in the sleek, low-lit fitness center and Finnish sauna—perhaps the best hotel gym in Oslo.

Cons

• Though the fitness center is impressive, there's no indoor pool or spa.

Authenticity

The Amerikalinjen is thorough in its concept, highlighting the building's roots as the former headquarters for the Norwegian America Line, where immigrants were processed on their way to America in late 19th century. Staff members are proud to tell you about the hotel's many historic elements, like the statues on each side of the building that tell a story of immigrants before their journey or the unearthed historical details, like passenger photos and nautical maps, that adorn the walls of the library lounge and guest rooms. You can even sip craft cocktails in vintage glasses that once made several Atlantic crossings. 

Location

The hotel is steps from Oslo Central Station and the Flytoget express train, with regular 20-minute journeys to and from the airport. The surrounding area has seen a renaissance in the last two decades and is now a popular place for shopping and dining. A short walk from the hotel is the Oslofjord, where the opera house and Munch Museum are located, while a bit farther is Aker Brygge, with more waterfront museums and restaurants. Shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Karl Johans gate is also within walking distance. The Amerikalinjen also offers discount rates with a nearby parking garage.

Rooms & Bathrooms

All of the hotel's 120+ rooms have tall ceilings and soundproofed windows, and stylish interiors include parquet floors, mosaic tiles, and light fixtures from a Norwegian glass maker. Amenities include Nespresso machines, bathrobes, walk-in showers, heated bathroom floors, and upscale bath products. Each room comes with a brand book where you can learn more about the building's history or just take a look at the unique objects on the wall that help tell the story. Suites offer more space and amenities, with living room areas and some of the hotel's best views.

Amenities

With enormous windows, the art-filled lobby offers a place to enjoy plush seating, design books, and international newspapers. It's also home to the Pier 42 bar with its award-winning cocktail program. Across the hallway is Atlas, a brasserie where an impressive complimentary breakfast is served (with bagels from the bakery) before transitioning to all-day dining. There's also a jazz bar called Gustav with weekend events including comedy nights. Health nuts can use the spacious, low-lit fitness center any time of day, as well as the Finnish spa and heated lounge chairs. Other common areas include a courtyard space for events and a library room decorated with more historical artifacts.

Family-Friendliness

Families are welcome at the hotel, though there are no child-specific amenities, and ages 10 and over are charged as adults. Cots and infant beds are available for a fee, and there are a dozen or so connecting rooms that offer both space and privacy for larger groups.  

Sustainability

The hotel belongs to the Nordic Choice Hotels and Resorts group, and the company operates an extensive sustainability program called WeCare. There are several initiatives in place at each property that aim to reduce its environmental impact. In 2019, all of the hotels stopped using unnecessary plastic products and offer ways to reduce food waste. Look for future projects involving renewable energy.