Image courtesy of Sommerro
The best Oslo hotels blend Scandinavian design and hospitality with contemporary luxury. These properties reflect Oslo’s vibrant culture and natural beauty, providing not only a place to sleep but an immersion into Norwegian way of life. We’ve curated a list of our favorite Oslo hotels, from chic downtown spots to serene waterfront escapes. Each property was recommended by Fora Advisors following a 2024 scouting trip.
Connect with a Fora travel advisor to plan, book and enhance your stay at one of Oslo's hotels. And if you’re looking for things to do in Oslo, an advisor can hook you up with expert travel recs, too.
The best hotels in Oslo, all experienced by Fora Advisors
In September 2024, a team of Fora Advisors visited Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki in the Nordics to visit a handful of top hotels and familiarize themselves with the region’s offerings. (Check out Fora’s resulting guide to the Nordic region.)
“Oslo was definitely the hidden gem of our trip,” Fora Advisor Daniela Chavez Molina said. “Oslo has been overlooked by cities like Copenhagen and Stockholm for a long time, but I will say it's definitely having a moment.”
Sommerro
Image courtesy of Sommero
Sommerro is a stylish, art deco-inspired hotel. It’s housed in a 1930s building that once served as the headquarters of Oslo's electric company in Frogner, an upscale neighborhood with a residential feel.
“If I had to describe it with one word, it would be simply: cool,” Daniela said. “Sommero’s not only a place to sleep, but also a place to hang (and it's always great when the locals also love it).”
The hotel — Fora’s top-booked property in Oslo — preserves much of its original architecture, but offers updated amenities: comfortable rooms, a high-end spa, solid dining options, plus an excellent concierge team. Most rooms feature a neutral design common among newer Nordic properties. Our advisors were drawn to Sommerro's rooftop terrace, which hosts a heated outdoor pool and sweeping views of the city. Sommerro Hotel Restaurant, which serves a fusion of Norwegian-Japanese cuisine, was also a favorite. The rooftop restaurant has a live jazz band and, as Fora Advisor Christie Sweaney described, a “see-and-be-seen crowd.”
Fora Perks at Sommerro:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
THE THIEF
Image Courtesy of THE THIEF
THE THIEF is another one of Fora’s most-booked hotels in Oslo. Perched on the waterfront in Tjuvholmen, THE THIEF combines modern art, sleek design and high-end comfort. It’s one of Oslo’s most luxurious properties. The hotel is part of Oslo’s buzzing art district and collaborates with the nearby Astrup Fearnley Museum, displaying original contemporary artworks in its rooms and common spaces. Here, you can enjoy personalized service, a rooftop bar with panoramic fjord views and a high-tech spa. The hotel’s location on a private island gives it an exclusive, serene atmosphere.
Book your stay with a Fora Advisor to unlock complimentary Preferred Platinum perks.
Fora Perks at THE THIEF:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily and upgrade whenever possible.
Related guide: Culture & Cool in Oslo, Norway
Hotel Amerikalinjen
Image courtesy of Hotel Amerikalinjen
Hotel Amerikalinjen is a historic gem in the heart of Oslo, and takes its name from the former headquarters of the Norwegian America Line.
Today, this Oslo boutique hotel blends the building’s heritage with modern Scandinavian design, offering a nostalgic nod to Oslo’s maritime past while also embracing contemporary style. Hotel Amerikalinjen features stylish rooms with high ceilings, original art and refined décor. The hotel’s jazz bar and brasserie calls to mind New York glamor and Nordic minimalism.
“The dinner at Amerikalinjen is top of mind,” Fora Advisor Sam Growdon said. “The family-style table of food was incredible and the fish dish, Turbot, was especially delicious.”
Fora Advisor Christie Sweaney loved the scallop starter with truffle oil, as well as the fish prepared tableside.
“This is where I discovered that the Nordic countries are really good at sauces,” she said.
Fora Perks at Hotel Amerikalinjen:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily and upgrade whenever possible.
Book your stay at an Oslo hotel with a Fora Advisor
Plan your stay with a Fora Advisor, and they’ll matchmake you to a property that fits your style and budget. If you need help planning your itinerary, they’ll provide insider recommendations and tips.
Oslo hotel and related travel FAQs
Read on for answers to common questions about Oslo hotels and the city in general.
When’s the best time to stay in Oslo?
Fora Advisor Sam Growdon said she loved being in the Nordics — including Oslo — in September, but added that the region feels like a year-round destination, with different reasons for visiting each season.
Summer is ideal if you want long daylight hours, outdoor activities and mild weather. Temperatures average 68℉. These months may be best for families seeking adventure. Winter, particularly from December to February, is great for experiencing snow and sports like skiing. (Fora Advisor Kristen Kolek added that winter offers the amazing opportunity to witness the Northern Lights.) Spring and fall have f beautiful scenery, vibrant foliage and fewer crowds, but the weather can be unpredictable.
Related article: Things to do in Oslo, as Recommended by Fora Travel Advisors
How far in advance should you book Oslo hotels?
Image courtesy of Hotel Amerikalinjen
Fora Advisors recommend booking Oslo hotels at least three to six months in advance. In recent years, the city has undergone a renaissance of thoughtful development and burgeoning vibrancy.
This lead time is especially necessary if you are planning to visit during peak tourist seasons, such as summer or around Christmas. The city is more popular than ever to visit; booking early ensures availability and, sometimes, lower rates.
What’s the best part of Oslo to stay in?
Sentrum is close to attractions like the Royal Palace, Akershus Fortress and the waterfront at Aker Brygge. Grünerløkka is a trendy, artful area with cafés, boutiques and nightlife. Frogner is more upscale and residential, with easy access to Vigeland Park.
Another consideration: “Oslo’s art scene is well established and fun to explore, and the contrast between newer, more modern parts of the city versus the old fortress and original city areas is interesting to see,” Fora Advisor Christie Sweaney said.
In other words, the best part of Oslo to stay in depends on your interests. A Fora Advisor can help you narrow down your options and factor in other aspects, like your budget and style preferences. Simply reach out.
Related guide: Culture & Cool in Oslo, Norway
How many days should I stay in Oslo?
Generally, three to four days in Oslo is usually enough to explore the main attractions and get a feel for the city. If you plan to take day trips to nearby areas such as the Oslofjord or the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Jump Tower, you may want to extend your stay by another day or two.
Alternatively, our advisors spent three days in Oslo as part of their nine-day Nordics FAM trip. The timeframe was tight for exploring Oslo specifically (the team was there to visit the hotels), but it did allow them to enjoy the larger region in a relatively short period. As always, a Fora Advisor can help you build an itinerary that best suits your travel goals.
Related guide: Road-Trip Across Norway: Guide to Food, Hotels & More
What language do people speak in Oslo? Is the city English-friendly?
Norwegian is the official language of Norway, and the most common language spoken in Oslo. However, many locals also speak English fluently. Many signs and menus are available in English.
Visitors should have no trouble communicating or navigating the city without speaking Norwegian, and locals are exceptionally welcoming and friendly. But Christie noted that learning a few expressions — please, thank you, etc. — can go a long way, too.
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