Hotel Christiania Teater

The Hotel Christiania Teater has a rich history that matches its rich look. Built in 1917, this hotel housed the first opera in Oslo. It was used as a theater until 2010, registered as a historic landmark in 2015, and fully renovated in 2016. The decor reflects the history, moving beautifully between the Art Nouveau style of its original years to the clean look of modern-day Scandinavian design. Interiors are an excellent example of what's possible in a boutique property -- lovely design that focuses on aesthetics over trends and a mix of clean straight lines with curves windows. The doorway appears to be original, with an enormous arched, fenestrated portal that looks like the entry to a grand theater. Across the street is a lovely park. 

Inside, the spaces are, above all, inviting, which might come as a surprise after the initial shock of a very tight check-in area. The lobby bar is a high-ceilinged space with a flamboyant hanging chandelier that looks something like trumpets welded together, underneath which sits a colorful array of couches and chairs. There's a mezzanine above, with more plush colorful seating. The restaurant and breakfast buffet area is an inviting space, airy yet cozy with velvet-covered banquettes generously laden with jewel-toned pillows, paintings hung salon-style throughout the space, and a gorgeous view of the park beyond a wall of windows. While most guests are vacationing families and couples, the property does get some business travelers. 

The Christiania Teater is located in an area of downtown Oslo sometimes called the "National Mall of Norway." Thanks to its location on a beautiful tree-lined square that houses the city's annual Christmas market and skating rink (Spikersuppa), the property has a feeling of residential privacy. The entire area is filled with landmarks such as the Parliament building (a four-minute walk), and the National Theater (a one-minute walk). It's a three-minute walk to Karl Johans Gate, Oslo's main hub, and the entire area is filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. The nearest train station (National Theater Station) is just a three-minute walk, and with the Oslo Pass (which also grants entry into many attractions), public transit is free in Zones 1 and 2. Central Station is a bit farther -- an 11-minute walk -- and offers regional train service to various national destinations.

Each room at the Christiania Teater has its own unique design and layout, but the overall decor continues the tasteful, colorful themes found in the hotel's common areas. Most have swirling orange-and-gold wallpaper, and details such as velvet bedspreads and tufted slipper chairs enhance the look. Half the rooms face the street with park views, while the other half face a comparably dismal-looking courtyard in the back. All the rooms have comfy beds, excellent soundproofing, and blackout curtains (important during the long days of summer). Standard amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite cable, minibars, safes, irons, ironing boards, and kettles, but tea and coffee cost extra and only instant coffee is available. Cribs and rollaway beds are available for a fee. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, with white tile or marble finish, and all come with sleek vessel sinks and walk-in rainfall showers. 

Features at the Christiania Teater are typical of what one would expect of a smaller boutique property in Oslo. Like most hotels in the city, a hot and cold breakfast buffet is included in the room rate. While the selection isn't as wide as in some hotels, the food is thoughtfully prepared and presented, and the meats come from a local supplier. The restaurant is frequented by locals and focuses on pizzas, but also offers up treats such as cherry gelato. The bar serves from a massive wine list, with nearly 1,400 bottles. Public computers are available on each floor, and there's free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Newspapers are also available for free in the lobby. Business facilities include a small private bar that can be used for informal meetings and a 600-seat theater attached to the building, currently used for private events and galas. There's no fitness center, but the hotel has an arrangement for guests to use a nearby gym.