The Britannia Hotel is Trondheim's grande dame. This historic luxury property (opened in 1897) has hosted royalty, celebrities, and diplomats over the years, and today continues to be one of the city's most prestigious options. Its rooms have traditional decor (most have plaid fabrics and wood furniture), and though they're not the most luxurious in town, the hotel's real draws are its historic character, impressive restaurants, and most notably, full-service spa -- one of the only hotel spas in Norway.

The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel is Oslo's most prominent hotel in the most literal sense: The 37-story skyscraper is the tallest building in Norway, and towers above the other buildings in the city skyline. With 676 rooms, it's also Norway's largest hotel -- and as part of the luxurious Radisson Blu chain, it's definitely one of the highest profile picks in Oslo. Rooms are contemporary, if chain-like, and Business Class Rooms come with added extras such as free movie channels and Nespresso machines. The ultra-decadent specialty suites have hosted numerous celebrities. The hotel's features, as one might expect for a property of this size, are many -- a restaurant with jaw-dropping views, an airy fitness center, and even a lap pool -- but there is no spa. Some may find the size impersonal, and visitors should expect some serious crowds in the sprawling lobby.

The 121-room Fretheim Hotel is the main hotel in tiny Flam, a village that's the jumping off point for a number of fjord cruises. The property has a rich history -- it dates back to the late 19th century -- and the common spaces have charm to spare. Rooms, however, are a mixed bag; 80 percent have basic mid-range decor, while the rest are higher-end. (American Wing Rooms are contemporary, while Historic Wing Rooms -- though lacking TVs for added authenticity -- are lovely and quaint.) The hotel makes the most of its unique, naturally beautiful location with soaring glass windows in the lobby and restaurant that frame the steep surrounding mountains.

This 50-room boutique hotel is notable for two reasons: Its charming Norway-meets-Bali decor, and its eco-friendly philosophy. Some rooms and bathrooms are tiny, and the location is a tad removed from the heart of the action (though the Royal Palace and Aker Brygge are within walking distance). But features such as rustic-chic four-poster beds with fur throws; 27-inch iMacs in the rooms in lieu of TVs; a free organic breakfast; and a small spa area with a sauna make this an attractive, intimate option.

This trendy 47-room boutique hotel is located in the quiet residential neighborhood of Majorstuen, to the northeast of the Royal Palace Park. It re-opened in spring 2011 after major renovations, and now features stylish contemporary decor throughout. The building housing the hotel dates to the late 19th century, and the hotel honors Oslo's past with subtle decor details; for example, historic photographs of the city are emblazoned on the elevator doors and on decorative pillows. Rooms blend traditional elegance with modern style, and come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and walk-in showers. The hotel offers a free breakfast buffet and cozy lobby bar, but no other features. The location is a bit removed from the heart of the action, and it's worth comparing rates with the slightly more central Carlton Hotel Guldsmeden.

This historic, 107-room property is a haven for business travelers, with multiple meeting rooms and frequent conferences hosted on-site. The location on the harbor and within walking distance of Old Town will appeal to leisure travelers as well, though the hotel can feel a bit overrun by business guests during big events. Lovely historic details include wood paneling and chandeliers, but the overall feel is slightly corporate and some areas could use renovation. Standard Rooms have traditional decor but are a bit bland, and lack the level of charm found in other parts of the hotel. Room decor gets more impressive as you go up in price category, as do the amenities: Only suites come with L'Occitane toiletries and tea/coffee makers, and only Deluxe Rooms and above get robes and slippers. All rooms come with free bottled water, minibars, flat-screen TVs.

This 204-room, business-oriented hotel lives up to the Radisson Blu chain's reputation, delivering upscale contemporary rooms, lots of meeting space, and extensive features -- the large indoor pool, in particular, is a rarity for Norway (it's the only hotel pool in Stavanger). Harlequin serves buffet food with a healthy focus in a bright atrium setting, and the excellent Eatroyal Restaurant & Bar, serving gourmet Norwegian cuisine using local ingredients, deserves to be a destination in its own right. The hotel is due for a renovation (upgrades are already underway), and fresher, trendier decor can be found at the nearby Comfort Hotel Square, but this is still one of Stavanger's best options.

This attractive 263-room hotel, decked out in contemporary decor (think: white acrylic "moose head;" individual, geometric check-in kiosks) is a popular spot for meetings and conventions. Hosting big groups can lead to commotion in the lobby, but the hotel's excellent location helps compensate: The hotel is attached to the historic buildings of the Bryggen wharf area, Bergen's most popular attraction (smaller meetings can even convene inside the historic buildings, most of which have been rebuilt). There's an on-site Italian restaurant, and the hotel is attached to a live music venue-cum-restaurant that serves American fare. For an equally good location with a quieter atmosphere, consider the Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret right across the driveway.

Opened in 1900, Hotel Continental is one of Oslo's two grand dames, with its main competitor -- Grand Hotel -- sitting just across the plaza. Stepping into the lobby is to step back in time, which makes this luxurious hotel a great option for history buffs. The rooms in the hotel's original portion have been gorgeously renovated, though the rooms in the hotel's other two sections are a bit more standard, and some are even dowdy. The location can't be beat, with the majority of Oslo's sights just outside the door. Don't forget to admire the hotel's impressive collection of Edvard Munch prints that line the lobby bar.

This business-oriented, 106-room boutique hotel is located in the same building that houses the Olavshallen concert hall, and has a unique music-inspired theme. It also has numerous freebies -- a DVD library, rental bikes, and most notably, free breakfast, afternoon waffles, and a light evening buffet -- all of which make this a serious value, especially in a country as expensive as Norway. Decor is sultry and sophisticated, with plush fabrics in jewel tones, and rooms come with good-sized flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and marble bathrooms.