Grand Hotel Oslo

This is the traditional first-class hotel in Oslo. It is perfectly located in the main boulevard Karl Johan with the parliament in one direction and the royal castle in the other and the National Theatre and the old university buildings in the middle. There is a underground station a couple of blocks from the hotel and the boulevard is more and less a pedestrian street with a lot of green. There are many restaurants with outdoor table along the street including the Grand Hotel’s own Café. This is a very famous café there Henrik Ibsen and the rest of progressive and artistic elite spent a lot of time for more than one hundred years ago. This is caught in a painting on a whole wall inside the café. Most of the hotel guest will have several opportunities to look at this painting and spend some time in the café since it is used as the breakfast room. The breakfast is by the way excellent as could be expected and not expensive, just over 20 euros. Just one thing they should improve and that is the tea. They serve tea-bag teas! The hotel facade towards the Karl Johan boulevard is very nice and the entrance is elegant but not very big. There is also a slight disadvantage in the layout since there some steps from the entre level up to the lift level even if you can get help with your luggage. Our room was somewhat bigger than most so it was spacious and had both two nice chairs and a sofa. The bed was quite soft and very large, and we liked it very much, not like in France and Italy there they think that you want something very hard and very inconvenient. Normally you also get a bath tub in a better room on the continent, but here we got a very nice shower instead, which I always prefer. We did not use the spa facilities or the different restaurant so I cannot give any insight in them. In total, we were very happy with our stay at the Grand Hotel Oslo, and we think it was well worth the money.

I requested a room facing the Parliament and had a great view of the historic streetscape. Everything I wanted to do during my two day stay in Oslo was within walking distance from the hotel.The room itself was huge and comfortable. If I am ever back in Oslo, I wouldn't even consider another hotel.

I stayed here two nights on business. For the price, I wouldn't say it's worth it. The lobby is quite grand and sparkling, although a little smaller than expected. A nice bar area with great and friendly service; I didn't have the chance to sample meals though. The bed was highly comfortable and very soft. A good TV with a slightly clunky operating system but all the channels you'd want, domestic and international. No coffee machine, but some instant stuff, and a minibar (which wasn't restocked on my second day). Wifi speeds excellent. The bathroom was disappointing especialy for the price - it felt like a budget hotel, with a tiny sink, small mirror, and weak/small shower. Location was fantastic, and they were pouring a super nice Moet & Chandon 2008 reserve champagne for a really great price. So maybe I will come back. :)

When you pay close to $500 for a room you might expect a window with more to look at than another window. Valet insisted I repark the car on a one way before he would take it? Room wasn't ready. Rooms updated with grey formica cabinets. Not impressed. Asked for a discount on the room location, was told to ask for a view next time.

I did not get the room on a top floor or two beds as I had requested, but great staff worked quickly to fix. The location is the best, I would stay here again, but would want a room facing the street, entertainment in itself, people watching. I love Oslo, what an amazing city!