Grand Hotel Oslo

The Grand Hotel Oslo was not a great experience despite its pedigree of over decades hosting many VIPs attending the Nobel Awards. On arrival we were advised at the reception that because of an ongoing nationwide hospitality industry strike, there would be no room service and that our rooms would only be cleaned if specifically requested. As the strike had been ongoing for several days before our arrival, it would have been a courtesy to advise us in advance of these issues. We were informed that we could use the swimming pool but at a charge of £20 per person - a bit cheeky of a hotel charging £350 per night? The hotel restaurant only offered a very limited menu and the roof-terrace bar was shut. Indeed one evening no bars were open. Meanwhile there was no sight of the General Manager making best use of his limited staff numbers nor was there any token of appreciation/discount for us having to accept such poor levels of service. Our room was spartan with little drawer space, not enough coat hangers and very basic tea/coffee provision.

We stayed in the grand hotel from 25th April to 27th April 2026. The morning we checked in we called to ask for parking in the garage and the hotel said we are welcomed to do so just not mentioning that the sentrumløp was going on and driving into the car park is impossible til 1830hrs. We parked the car blocks away and had to walk with the luggage and child. When we got there we were told there is a strike and there is no room service and room cleaning. It was obvious cleaning was minimal as the room bathroom was still dirty when we checked in. I am surprised that a reputable hotel as such finds it difficult to give out advance information to paying customers. Totally disappointed.

Disappointed. I booked the “superior plus” room, which turned out to be a broom closet at the end of a small hallway. No view. When I complained I was offered an upgrade for $100 USD additional per night. The Wi-Fi was terrible and the television did not work. When checking out I was given the very unpleasant surprise that you’re charged an outrageously high fee for using the pool. Something they didn’t tell me beforehand. It’s a nice location but otherwise a horrible experience. Definitely recommend anywhere else in Oslo.

I stayed at the Grand Hotel Oslo and overall it’s a really solid option, mainly because of where it sits in the city. You’re right in the middle of everything, an easy walk to the Royal Palace Oslo, close to Nationaltheatret Station, and within a few hundred metres of a main bus hub. Most of the key sights are nearby, so getting around is straightforward. The rooms are nice without being over the top. Comfortable, well kept, and in line with what you’d expect from a hotel with that kind of history. Service was consistently good, and the bar downstairs is worth a visit, it’s got a great feel to it in the evenings. The gym is also better than expected if you’re planning to use it. A couple of small things stood out though. There’s no water in the rooms, which feels like an easy win they’ve missed. Also, you have to pay extra if you want to use the sauna and pool, which isn’t ideal. The rooftop bar looked great but was booked out when I was there for a corporate event, so worth checking ahead if that’s something you’re keen on. One of the more interesting parts of the hotel is the underground wine cellar. It’s got a bit of character, and the guy running it clearly knows his stuff. If you just tell him what you like, he’ll sort you out. For something easy nearby, Olivia Aker Brygge is just up the road and always reliable. All in, it’s a comfortable stay in a great location. Not perfect, but easy to recommend if you want to be right in the middle of Oslo.

Staff on check in were really rude, which gave us a really bad first impression and was a real shame as the reception area is beautiful and the location is great. Rooms are very basic, over priced and incredibly hot (there is air conditioning but it was turned off). Would not recommend this hotel.