Karl Johan Hotel, Oslo

Pros    

• Enjoy a prime location in Oslo within walking distance of the city’s best shopping, dining, and cultural sites.
• Modern interior renovations were completed in 2021; rooms have high ceilings, large windows, and upscale bath products.
• A quality breakfast buffet is included in the price with healthy options, while a cashless lounge area in the lobby sells beer and wine.

Cons

• No restaurant or room service, though dining options are nearby.
• Many standard rooms face the inner courtyard and will likely lack views.

Authenticity

History buffs will appreciate the fact that this hotel dates back to the 19th century when it was run by two sisters named Marte and Marie who had a knack for hospitality. Upon entering the sleek lobby, you can find charming reminders of the past, including a winding staircase with wrought iron handrails and stained glass windows. A glass elevator also whisks guests to their rooms, leading to several floors with wide hallways with high ceilings that make the hotel feel spacious and airy. These historic elements from the past mix well with a spate of recent renovations including common areas like the breakfast room and lobby area, which feel urban with lounge music and flickering candles. 

Location

The hotel has a prime corner location on Karl Johan Gate—hence the hotel’s name—across from the Parliament and a short jaunt to the city’s best shopping and theaters. With a pair of good walking shoes, you can easily get to Aker Brygge, the Oslo Opera House, Palace Park, and other key cultural sites around the city. It’s also just a 10-minute walk to Oslo’s main train station with express service to and from the airport.  

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel offers 157 modern rooms that come in various categories ranging from cozy single rooms to palatial corner suites. What they do have in common are tall ceilings, large windows, and black-out shades. Renovations in 2021 also included new gray carpeting, beds with pillow top mattresses, working desks, and plenty of outlets for charging devices. Bathrooms have walk-in showers and upscale bath products from Rituals, while higher room categories include bathrobes, slippers, and front-facing rooms towards the leafy street with possible views of Karl Johans Gate and the Parliament building. Families can reserve the deluxe quadruple room with a pullout sofa that can sleep four people. Laundry service is offered in all the rooms (for a fee) with same-day service. 

Other Highlights

A quality free breakfast is served every morning in the atrium with a wide selection of hot and cold items that can easily accommodate vegetarians. The naturally-lit space has chic decor with plenty of seating (not as crowded as other hotel buffets in Oslo) while added ambiance comes from lit candles and hip, lounge music. There is no lunch or dinner served at the hotel, nor room service, but the front desk sells espresso, tea, beer, and wine, as well as a few snacks that can be charged to the room. Guests will find ample space in the trendy lobby with two floors of lounge seating as well as outdoor tables on the sidewalk (seasonal). A fitness center is due to open by the end of 2022.  

Sustainability

Bath products in each bathroom have eco-friendly pumps. Guests are given glasses in the bathrooms for tap water as Norwegians are proud of their clean, drinkable water, thereby reducing the use of plastic water bottles.