Thon Hotel Opera

Don't be put off by the generic exterior of this hotel -- it's worth it upon stepping inside. Interiors are grand and have ultra-modern touches. Neutral tones and clean lines are accented by pops of bright color including aqua, emerald green, fuchsia, and lavender throughout the large lobby. There are several low couches gathered in the center of the granite-floored space and gold hoop light fixtures hang overhead. The reception desk is backed by an exaggerated woven gold installation that picks up the gold pillars and railings throughout the area. The hotel has a lobby bar and a restaurant, both of which continue the play between precious metal tones, bright bursts of color, and muted earth hues. There's no denying that this is a business hotel, though, as attested to by the massive amounts of space throughout, though by any standard it's stylish and hip. Business travelers make up a large chunk of the guests here, though plenty of couples, families, and solo travelers pass through as well. 

This hotel is convenient to many of downtown Oslo's major sights, including the Oslo Opera house that's just across the street. Oslo's Central Train Station is directly behind the hotel and the waterfront is only one block away as well. Walks to the Royal Palace and Slotts Park take about 15 to 20 minutes, and the trendy Aker Brygge neighborhood is about 25 minutes away on foot, though it can be reached in 15 minutes by using the tram from the train station, or less than 10 minutes by car. The ferry terminal, for trips to the Viking Ships Museum or the Nordic Maritime Museum, takes about 15 minutes to reach on foot, and the Oslo Cathedral is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Oslo Airport is a 40-minute drive, though it can be reached in 35 minutes by using public transit. 

With their eye-catching peacock-feather wallpaper and robin's egg blue walls, these rooms are immediately whimsical and playful. This quality is enhanced by luxe fabrics, like the abundant use of bright velvet tones -- from chartreuse bed throws to the ice blue armchairs -- that look stylish next to light wood floors and black wood contemporary furniture with gold accents. But visual flair isn't the only things these rooms have going for them, and all feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, telephone, and electric kettles. Business Rooms have Nespresso coffeemakers. Small Single Rooms live up to their names and are quite narrow, though even Standard Twin Rooms aren't very large. Standard Business Rooms have more space, though decor is the same across all room categories. Small details make the difference here, like the musical score for one of Mozart's operas on the bed pillows. Bathrooms have a sharp, vintage appeal, with black and white ceramic tilework. Some rooms only have stand-up showers, while other have shower/tub combos. All come with toiletries and are spotlessly clean. A few guest rooms have balconies with views over the Oslo harbor and the Opera House, and Suites have multiple rooms and even more stylish decor. Suite bathrooms are also lined with marble and feature separate showers and soaking tubs. Guests should keep in mind that no rooms have air-conditioning here, though windows do open to let in some fresh air.

Scala serves the hotel's free breakfast buffet with Scandinavian specialties, which receives excellent reviews from guests, as well as lunch buffets and prix-fixe and a la carte menus in the evening. Tosca Bar, in the lobby, serves light dishes and snacks as well as coffees, cocktails, wine, and beer. The fitness center is spacious and has a separate free weight area plus plenty of cardio options -- it's a bright, attractive space. This hotel does cater to business guests and there are 18 meeting rooms that can hold up to 220 guests, and audiovisual services can be arranged. There’s also a former concert hall used for conferences and seminars, as well as a lounge for refreshments during coffee breaks. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available and the hotel's front desk is staffed 24 hours a day. Wi-Fi is free throughout.