Oslo Guldsmeden, Oslo

Pros     

• Enjoy a unique sustainable hotel with Asian- and Nordic-inspired decor and local, organic cuisine.
• Rooms have wood floors, quality furnishings, and mounted iMac screens instead of televisions, while suites have standalone tubs.
• The location is close to museums and restaurants along the Aker Brygge waterfront area, as well as public transportation.
• A cozy lobby lounge offers drinks and snacks while a Turkish spa offers infra-red, steambath, and dry saunas. 

Cons

• Many rooms and bathrooms are compact, though higher categories, starting with the superior rooms, offer more space.
• Breakfast is not included but guests can pay for a completely organic made-to-order breakfast for a daily fee (kids have a discount).

Additional Notes From Lilly

The small hotel property beckoned from the street thanks to its cozy lighting and open-air entrance. It had a distinct traveler vibe with a few guests sipping wine and chatting in the lobby surrounded by a mix of oversized leather furnishings, textures, and funky accessories that seemed curated from around the globe. During my brief visit, I witnessed a solo female traveler entering with a backpack and a young couple with rolling suitcases, while a personable staff member helped them get checked in and oriented to the property and neighborhood.

Authenticity

The clean white exterior of this historic hotel property is a contrast to its colorful bohemian interiors. The decor encompasses various continents and is a trademark of the Guldsmeden franchise, with six properties (and growing) spread out in Scandinavia, mainland Europe, and Bali. With the comfortable lobby and pretty breakfast room decorated in wood and stone, as well as a range of room types for all types of guests, this is a unique boutique alternative to more well-known hotel brands nearby in the city center.

Location

The hotel is located in a quiet neighborhood, just outside the city center, and yet close to some major attractions in Norway’s capital and biggest city. The lively Aker Brygge harbor area is a short walk away and offers bars, restaurants, and museums, as well as lengthy walking paths for when the weather behaves. Another easy walk from the hotel is the Palace Park where members of the Norwegian monarchy reside (tours and changing of the guard ceremonies take place during the summer months). You can walk a bit further to get to either Vigeland Sculpture Park in one direction or Karl Johans gate and the Oslo Opera House in the other direction or utilize public transportation to get around the city. Street parking is available near the hotel.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms have hardwood floors and Balinese-style furnishings including four-poster beds that often combine with unique deerskin throws and Scandi-style textiles. They range in size for solo travelers, couples, friends traveling together, and families with two separate bedrooms or adjoining rooms. Each room has a 27-inch iMac that you can connect with your own device; movies can also be purchased for a fee. Bathrooms have eco-friendly bath products and some higher categories come with bathrobes, slippers, and standalone bathtubs. 

Other Highlights

The lobby space has rustic-chic decor with colorful rugs, leather furnishings, and interesting art installations. Here you can relax with a drink and snack from the bar area. The restaurant serves organic a la carte breakfasts with fresh bread with weekly changing menus (for a daily per person fee; kids get a discount). Also on site is a small Turkish-inspired hammam with dry and infra-red saunas, a steam bath, and a small relaxation area that can be reserved for an hourly fee. Friendly staff are available 24/7 and can assist with local restaurant suggestions and luggage storage.

Sustainability

The hotel brand has been awarded for its significant steps towards environmentally and socially conscious practices. The hotel uses energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs throughout the property. Rooms have organic linens and bath towels and they are only changed every three days to help reduce water consumption. Bathrooms have eco-friendly dispensers for bath products. There are recycling initiatives in place, and the restaurant uses only organic ingredients for breakfast and is made-to-order to resist food waste.