Thon Hotel Opera, Oslo

Pros  

• Enjoy a full-service hotel that's just a short stroll (under 10 minutes) from the waterfront, famous cultural landmarks, and shopping.
• All rooms have been renovated in a bright, colorful style, and Superior Rooms feature Nespresso machines and bathrobes.
• The trendy lounge in the lobby serves dinner and drinks, and an expansive complimentary breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of hot, cold, and healthy items. 
• A bright fitness center has windows and a balcony for getting fresh air.

Cons

• The large outside terrace shows some wear and tear and seems ready for renovation. 
• This is a large hotel, and it can get busy with business travelers during the week.

Authenticity

Step into Thon Hotel Opera and you'll be greeted with a spacious lobby decorated in bold colors and funky patterns—a common motif at Thon Hotels inspired by the owner's colorful suits and trademark red knit hat. This hotel is larger than its sister properties scattered around the city, and the common spaces are typically abuzz with activity. The on-site conference center and meeting spaces attract business travelers during the week, while weekends are popular with leisure guests who seek easy access to major attractions near the hotel.

Location

The hotel is in the center of an up-and-coming area of Oslo called Bjørvika. Its closest landmark is the Oslo Opera House, just a 2-minute walk away. The sleek new Munch Museum is also a short walk from the hotel, as is Oslo Central Station and its regular express trains to and from the airport. This entire area has experienced a positive transformation in the last two decades and now offers some of the city's best culture, shopping, and dining. Other areas of the city can be accessed on foot or by public transportation with buses, trams, and subways near the hotel. A paid parking garage is available one block away. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are 480 rooms in several categories. Standard Rooms have bright, cheerful decor, with floral wallpaper, yellow accents, and pale hardwood floors. Bathrooms are modern and clean, with walk-in showers or bathtubs (which can be requested). Superior Rooms are a step up in size, with Nespresso machines, bathrobes and slippers, and Molton Brown bath products in eco-friendly dispensers. Business Rooms include seating areas and balconies, and Suites add separate bedrooms and a kitchenette. Extra beds and cots are available for a fee, or families can request connecting rooms. 

Amenities

One of the standout features of the hotel is its free breakfast buffet, a staple at Thon Hotels. You'll find a wide array of hot and cold items, including egg dishes, fruit smoothies, and smoked salmon. In the evening, the buzzy Eufemia Bar in the lobby serves a range of cocktails and gin-based specialties plus a dinner menu that features burgers, salads, and signature items like Asian spare ribs. There's also a spacious fitness center with a balcony and a large seasonal terrace.

Family-Friendliness

The hotel isn't specifically geared toward families, but children of all ages are welcome, with those ages 4-12 charged at a reduced rate. There are no larger family rooms or suites to accommodate larger groups, but foldaway beds and cribs are available at an extra cost.

Sustainability

Thon Hotel Opera 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 and plastic reduction, recycling, saving energy, using and ordering environmentally friendly products, and cooking with organic food when possible. This hotel also runs special programs to save energy and may reward guests who opt not to get their room cleaned daily with free drink vouchers in the lobby.