Hotell Bondeheimen, Oslo

Pros  

• A mix of modern amenities and touches of historic charm elevate this Oslo favorite above the standard city center hotel.
• Renovated rooms have Scandinavian decor and Rituals bath products.
• An on-site restaurant serves traditional Norwegian specialties and draws locals.
• You'll be within walking distance of Oslo's best theaters, shopping, and several restaurants.
  

Cons

• The hotel's room sizes and standards vary—make sure to book a Superior or Deluxe if you're looking for more space and amenities.
• Front-facing rooms can be a little noisier due to the trams and foot traffic below.

Authenticity

The renovated lobby of this historic property might feel like a typical international hotel, but you can find hints of its storied past as a base for writers, artists, and actors who were part of Norwegian's growing cultural scene of the 20th century. The owners even started a project to link each of the 145 guest rooms to a former writer or cultural figure connected to the local history. Look for a quotation accompanied by a portrait and biographical information in each room, and if staying in the Junior Suites, you'll also find original details like wood-beamed ceilings that have been preserved from 1913. 

Location

Hotel Bondeheimen is centrally located in Oslo, within walking distance of theaters, shopping, and cultural attractions. Travelers arriving from the airport can take the express train to Oslo Central Station and then walk to the hotel (10 minutes). Guests can also use public transportation; a tram stop is around the corner. Those arriving by car can pay for public parking near the hotel— ask the hotel for directions.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel offers 145 rooms in various categories with hardwood-style floors and Scandi-style furnishings like Jenson beds. Rooms have modern desks and wardrobes with irons and ironing boards and flat-screen TVs with Chromecast. Most bathrooms have walk-in showers (some have bathtubs) complete with Rituals bath products. Bigger groups can opt for Family Rooms that fit two adults and two children—some with city views. Meanwhile, spacious Junior Suites, like wood beams, have original architectural details from 1913. 

Amenities

The free breakfast buffet on the first floor has a wide range of healthy and organic items. This modern space has natural light from street-side windows and transitions to a restaurant called Kaffistova, serving traditional Norwegian food for lunch and dinner (closed on Sundays). Though there isn't a hotel bar, the front desk sells beverages and snacks throughout the day, including wine and beer. Other amenities include a fitness center, laundry service, and a meeting room.

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome at the hotel and those under 12 stay for free when sharing with an adult. There are cribs and extra beds available (the latter at an added cost), and you can opt for the Family and Junior Suite rooms to accommodate up to two adults and two kids comfortably.

Sustainability

Hotel Bondeheimen is an Eco-Lighthouse-certified hotel and meets strict requirements in various areas, including waste management and recycling. Bathrooms have eco-friendly dispensers, and the housekeeping staff members use eco-friendly cleaning methods with minimal use of water and chemicals. The hotel is also on a path toward reducing food waste and energy consumption.