"From the subtle lighting in the lobby to the seven-story central atrium featuring works by contemporary Russian artist Ekaterina Ganchukova, First Hotel Grims Grenka has a chic, edgy vibe that contrasts nicely with the neighborhood’s Old World surroundings. Themed after each of the four seasons, the accommodations are modern and minimalist in design, with large platform beds, Bang & Olufsen TVs, and single-button mood control lighting, as well as bathrooms with mirrored walls and waterfall showers; larger deluxe rooms have broad-cushioned couches and more than enough space to entertain for those here on business, and some rooms have smart beds that allow you to adjust the firmness to your preference.Outward-facing rooms offer lighted catwalks with views of the surrounding city, while inner-facing rooms have windows overlooking the glass-ceilinged atrium and lobby bar. Don’t miss the updated Nordic cuisine (think salmon pastrami and potato and truffle soup) at Madu restaurant, followed by drinks (during warmer months) at the open-air rooftop lounge."

"You’d be forgiven for mistaking this bold design hotel inTjuvholmen for one of the neighborhood’s many art galleries. Billionaire owner Petter Stordalen is a sponsor of the Renzo Piano–designed Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, which allows him to borrow worksby the likes of Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, and Jeff Koons from its collection to exhibit in the hotel. (Your room key grants you free admission to the museum). In addition, the former director of Norway’s National Museum of Art curated original pieces from international and local artists for all 118 of the hotel’s private spaces. The rooms—which have floor-to-ceiling windows, many overlooking Oslo Fjord—blend neutral blues and grays with sexy gold accents; amenities include interactive TVs showing “art on demand,” Norwegian wool slippers, and woolen blankets for wrapping up on the balcony. The Thief’s commitment to creative expression also extends to the soundtrack: Twice a month, the hotel enlists Scandinavian musicians to perform acoustic sets in its lounge or, during the summer, the rooftop bar."

"From the royal ambience of the lobby (bedecked with Murano glass chandeliers and a grand piano) to the classical elegance of the rooms, the Grand Hotel Oslo pulls out all the stops in making guests feel like visiting dignitaries—which should come as no surprise since the hotel has played host to countless actual visiting dignitaries. Nobel Peace Prize winners including the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela give interviews and greet crowds from the balcony of the eponymous Nobel Suite, but junior suites offer the best views overlooking buzzing Karl Johans Gate. Be sure to make time for a visit to the hotel’s Artesia Spa, where birch tree trunks separate the chromatherapy pool from a rooftop sun terrace."

"Located in the heart of Oslo , the Radisson Blu Scandinavia is within walking distance of most major attractions, including the Royal Palace, the National Theater, and the National Gallery, as well as smaller points of interest like the Ibsen museum. But guests who stay at this sleek glass tower may find it difficult to leave thanks to the hotel’s large swimming pool and sauna and two restaurants, as well as the shopping arcade that sits beneath the property. The 499 rooms are warmly decorated with patterned carpets, colorful artwork, and Scandi-mod furnishings, plus free high-speed Internet and LCD TVs, and public areas have an open, airy feel. After a day spent seeing the sights, head back to the hotel for akevitt -infused cocktails at the 21st-floor Summit bar, overlooking the city’s rooftops and fjords."

"Dating back to 1900, and sharing a deep connection to the National Theater (which sits just across the street), Hotel Continental is a venerable figure in Oslo ’s arts scene. The family-owned property has long prided itself on being a hangout for local artists, a tradition manifest in its impressive art collection, which is displayed both in public areas and private spaces. Guest rooms juxtapose modern and classical touches, like top-of-the-line flat-screen monitors viewed from classical European divans; 59 recently renovated rooms add gilded elements and marble finishes for an airier aethetic, while a new lobby bar serves up classic cocktails at a circular counter surrounded by blue leather stools. As befits a hotel with a longstanding relationship with the creative community, the Continental offers a number of all-inclusive packages that bundle accommodations, meals, and tickets to shows around town."