Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardemoen, Oslo

Pros  

• Catch up on sleep in comfortable rooms with soundproof windows that are within walking distance to and from Oslo airport’s main terminal, as well as express train service to the city center.
• A spacious lounge and restaurant serve drinks and upscale local fare with Norwegian options; room service is available 24/7.
• Choose the superior rooms for hardwood-style floors and a more modern look; family-friendly options with sofa beds can sleep four guests (cots are also available).

Cons

• Standard rooms have slightly dated decor compared to the more modern superior rooms.
• Some soundproof windows do not open for fresh air and can feel stuffy.

Authenticity

With the bustling Oslo airport as its closest neighbor, the Radisson Blu provides a convenient base for a night or two. The gray industrial-style exterior is easy to spot from the terminal’s exit, and there is a hotel sign pointing guests to a covered walkway. The decor warms up upon entering the lobby with natural light from towering windows and multiple staff assisting with check-in and check-out. To get to the rooms, several elevators are located just beyond the lobby that passes a spacious lounge and restaurant—the only place in the hotel that serves dinner (reservations suggested). Whether you choose to have dinner or not, the lounge offers floor-to-ceiling windows and outlets so you can catch up on emails while sipping a cappuccino or local IPA. Expect to see a mix of leisure travelers and business travelers, since there are 36 meeting rooms on the property, as well as the occasional flight crew.

Location

The hotel is reached from Oslo Airport, Gardermoen terminal in under a five-minute walk. To enter, simply exit the terminal, cross the street at a marked crosswalk, and enter a covered walkway to get to the lobby. The airport is also the home of the Flytoget, the airport express train, with regular service to the city center in 20 minutes where many of Oslo’s top attractions can be reached on foot. Onsite parking is available for guests for a daily fee. Shoppers with time on their hands can consider a trip to the nearby Jessheim Storsenter shopping mall, with 145 stores and dining options. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are 500 rooms and suites along extensive hallways on each side of the elevators. Standard rooms have a gray and white color scheme, with carpeting, flat-screen TVs, blackout shades, soundproof windows, and kettles for instant coffee and tea. Bathrooms are on the smaller side but have counter space, tub/shower combos, and bath products including hair conditioner and body lotion. Superior rooms have a more contemporary look with hardwood-style floors, Nespresso machines, and mini-bars. Family rooms come with extra space including pull-out sofas (cots can be requested); there are also connecting rooms. Junior suites and suites have separate living areas, plus bathrobes and slippers. 

Other Highlights

Since the hotel tends to attract guests who are catching an early flight, and business travelers attending onsite meetings, a breakfast buffet is served from 5 am every day of the week (not included in the rate). Take-away breakfast items are also available, as is 24-hour room service. During the day and evening, guests can spend time in the lounge connected to the lobby with a cocktail menu and a wide selection of wine and beer. Just beyond this space is the 26 North Restaurant & Social Club, with local cuisine including seafood, steaks, and comfort dishes (reservations recommended). The onsite fitness center has modern equipment and natural light. 

Sustainability

The Radisson Hotel Group is making efforts to reduce carbon, energy, water, and waste footprint as part of a program called Think Planet. Part of this includes food waste management and the elimination of single-use plastics wherever possible.