Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel

From the outside, the hotel's glass tower isn't anything remarkable, and interiors are inconsistent when it comes to style. Some aspects, like the large lobby, are perfectly fine, but slightly outdated in design-conscious Oslo. Gray, black, and green marble patterns weave across the floors underneath '80s domed ceilings. There is a seating area around a circular fireplace in the center of the room with black leather and green upholstered chairs and couches, and a lobby bar, gift shop, and the reception desk off to the side. The top-floor Summit Bar is far more stylish, with purple, retro-minimalist chairs and aqua strand light fixtures hanging throughout the dark, window-lined space -- views of Oslo from here are stunning. There are other places for guests to gather throughout, from the pool to the on-site restaurant. Visitors are mostly business travelers, though couples and families stay here as well. 

Situated in downtown Oslo, many of Oslo’s sights are within an easy walk. The Royal Palace and Slotts Park are just around the corner, and it takes eight minutes to reach Karl Johans Gate, Oslo's main street with many nightclubs, bars, jazz clubs, cafes, and shopping centers. The upscale Aker Brygge neighborhood, one of Oslo's trendy neighborhoods, is a 15-minute walk from the hotel and the ferry terminals are a 10-minute walk from the hotel for transport to the Fram Museum and the Viking Ships Museum on the Bygdøy Peninsula. The hotel is a six-minute walk to Det Kongelige Slott Palace, and a 13-minute walk to The National Museum of Art, Architecture, and Design. Oslo Airport can 35 to 50 minutes to reach by car depending on traffic, and taking the train can often be more efficient (it's around a 40-minute journey). 

There is a fairly wide gap in style between newer rooms here, like the urban-chic New Urban Rooms, and the older rooms, like Ocean Room that we visited. With unattractive color-block carpets, light wood veneer furniture, and tacky back-lit headboards, the Ocean Room doesn't live up to guests' expectations of chic, Scandinavian interiors. The New Urban Room and Urban Business Class Room that we saw are more stylish. The former has a moody, dark color scheme plus edgy black-and-white wall art, a marble-topped desk, and gray-and-black patterned carpets. The latter has eclectic pop art framed above the bed and a handsome, light carpet with black spots and vintage leather furniture. All rooms have mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, down comforters, air-conditioning, safes, and coffee or tea making facilities. These aren't large rooms, ranging from 16 to 22 square meters (172 to 237 square feet), and bathrooms can also be tight. These, again, range in style, from sleek gray-tile walls and floors with walk-in rainfall showers to more outdated tan and granite tiled units. Toiletries are provided. Many guest rooms have nice views over Oslo. 

There are a few dining and drinking options at the hotel, starting with the free breakfast buffet with hot and cold options that's served in Brasseriet. The hotel's more upscale dining option is Enzo Bar & Restaurant, where three-course menus are crafted from seasonal ingredients. The star is Summit Bar, located on the 21st floor, which has floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that overlook the city as well as cocktails, wine, and beer. Lagoon, the hotel’s on-site wellness center, includes a pool, sauna, and medium-size 24-hour fitness room with modern weight and cardio equipment. There are several meeting rooms on site, some of which are attractive and others which look a bit dated, and the hotel also has a business center. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there is a kids' play area for families with children. The lobby includes a gift shop and late check-out is available with an extra charge (subject to availability). Airport transportation can be arranged.