Hotel Christiania Teater, Oslo

Pros  

• Enjoy an upscale boutique hotel with an elegant facade, a theatrical bi-level lounge, and a popular pizzeria with street views and a notable wine list.
• You'll be located just minutes on foot from shopping, restaurants, and some of Oslo's top attractions, like the Nobel Peace Center.
• Rooms were part of the hotel's extensive 2023 renovation, and are stylishly furnished with velvet headboards, brocade wallpapers, and brass fittings.
• The complimentary breakfast buffet is a cut above the usual offerings, with freshly baked sourdough breads, fresh-squeezed juices, organic jams, fair-trade coffees, and locally-sourced eggs and bacon on offer.

Cons

• The courtyard-facing rooms are quieter but have lackluster views. 
• There's no pool or spa on-site, but guests have free access to a nearby fitness center.

Authenticity

Though the hotel opened in 2008 and was extensively refurbished in 2023, the building dates back to 1918 when it began as a theater. That original venue is still intact in the rear of the property and is used for private events ranging from business conventions to weddings, so the hotel's vibe can alter slightly depending on what's taking place at the time. You have to walk through the lobby to access the theater, and this bi-level lounge feels like a film set, with jazz music and ostentatious Art Nouveau decor accented with velvet chairs, sofas, and banquettes that are particularly atmospheric at nighttime. 

Location

The hotel is located on an attractive street that runs parallel to a public plaza that hosts seasonal events from Pride festivals to a Christmas market. Across the plaza is Karl Johans gate, the city's main street. You're less than a 10-minute walk from the Oslofjord, where Aker Brygge's waterfront path leads to shopping, dining, and museums, including the Nobel Peace Center and the National Gallery. It's a 15-minute walk to Oslo Central Station for express trains to and from the airport, and you can access public transportation at the National Theater Station. Parking for a fee is available at Saga Garage nearby.

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are 110+ rooms on the property, from compact singles to spacious suites, and no two are quite alike, with bespoke decor featuring details like brocade wallpapers, velvet headboards, and brass fittings. What they do have in common are hardwood floors, tall ceilings, and modern bathrooms with rain showers and eco-friendly toiletries. Upgraded rooms add Nespresso machines and bathrobes, and some suites feature deep soaking tubs. All rooms either face the street side—great during the holidays when the Christmas market takes place right in front—or the back courtyard, with less interesting, but quieter environs. 

Amenities

The hotel serves a complimentary buffet breakfast, but this one is particularly noteworthy with egg dishes made-to-order and a range of healthy and organic items. The spread is located in a trendy dining space with Art Nouveau touches called Restaurant Teatro, which transitions to a pizzeria in the late afternoon. Downstairs is a bi-level lobby lounge with a bar serving cocktails, though hours of operation may vary depending on events taking place in the theater tucked behind the lobby. Quiet common areas are located on the fourth and fifth floors, and guests have free access to a nearby fitness center. 

Family-Friendliness

The hotel welcomes children, though there aren't any specific amenities here for the younger set. The recent renovations aimed to create more spacious and adjoining rooms for families, so you'll now find options with a sofa bed to sleep up to four. Cribs and extra beds are available at an extra fee, and children over three are charged as adults.

Sustainability

Hotel Christiania Teater is operated by Nordic Choice Hotels and Resorts group, with a sustainability program called WeCare. There are initiatives at each property that aim to reduce its environmental impact. In 2019, all of the hotels stopped using unnecessary plastic products. The extensive program also includes ways to reduce food waste. A plan is also in the works to power as many hotels as possible with renewable energy. The food and beverage program at Hotel Christiania Teater includes organic ingredients and fair-trade coffee.