Thon Hotel Cecil, Oslo

Pros  

• Enjoy this centrally-located hotel within walking distance to many of Oslo’s top attractions as well as shopping and dining.
• Standard rooms are modern with colorful decor; upgraded rooms have bathrobes and slippers.
• Take advantage of the free breakfast buffet with an impressive spread, as well as free coffee in the lobby, and an upper lounge with free drinks and snacks.
• Fitness lovers can jog to the waterfront or Palace Park—or use the modern gym with street views.

Authenticity

Though the steel-gray façade of this 7-story building is monotone, newcomers should expect to see a flurry of bold colors when they enter the door. This is a common look for Thon Hotels, which is one of the largest hotel groups in Norway, owned by Olav Thon, who is known to wear colorful suits topped with a red knit hat in public. The lobby is small with a seating area and brochures on display selling local excursions, while a free coffee station gets plenty of action (friendly staff will point to it if there is a line at check-in). For more space, a larger all-day lounge is located on a higher floor with drinks and snacks, acting as an extension of the lobby—a place where leisure travelers can relax and business travelers can work. The hotel attracts a solid mix of both.

Location

Thon Hotel Cecil is centrally located in Norway’s capital, directly across the plaza from the Parliament building (with daily tours). On the other side of the Parliament building is a pedestrian-friendly shopping street called Karl Johans gate that leads to Oslo Central Station with regular express train service to and from the airport. Meanwhile, the Aker Brygge waterfront district with restaurants and world-class museums, like the Nobel Peace Center, is a 10-minute walk away. Other nearby highlights including Palace Park can be reached on foot. Guests can also access Stortinget metro station near the hotel. Private parking is available on site for a fee (a reservation is needed). 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Like the rest of the property, rooms and suites have eye-catching decor with graphic prints and bold colors along with hardwood-style floors. They are also equipped with smart TVs, Bose speakers, mini-fridges, kettles, spacious working desks, and umbrellas to borrow. Bathrooms have walk-in showers and bath products in eco-friendly dispensers. Superior rooms have seating areas and bathrobes and slippers, while business rooms add Nespresso machines and balconies. Junior suites have separate bedrooms and living areas. 

Other Highlights

The free breakfast buffet starts at 6:30 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends, and it’s best to get there early if you want to avoid crowds when the hotel is full. The buffet spread is rather opulent with a self-service espresso machine, smoothies, fresh juices, smoked salmon, grilled vegetables, salads, cheeses, egg dishes, grilled fish, smoked salmon, and additional hot and cold items. Free coffee is available in the lobby, while snacks can be found in the vending machine, or head to the lounge space where there is free tea, coffee, and water, as well as nibbles. The only other common space is the fitness center with modern equipment and natural light from the windows overlooking the street view. 

Sustainability

Thon Hotel Cecil is part of the Olav Thon Group, one of Norway’s largest hotel chains, and all hotels in the company are Eco-Lighthouse certified with a focus on waste reduction, recycling, saving energy, using and ordering environmentally friendly products, and cooking with organic food when possible.