We review Hotel Christiania Teater in Oslo, where it’s all about the drama behind the curtain

We’ve long been smitten with Oslo, from its steamy saunas and crisp fjord air to its cool design and restaurant scene. A visit to Norway’s capital is always a good time. And, when it comes to finding the perfect boutique hotel in Oslo, location and character are everything. Enter Hotel Christiania Teater, a grand historic gem right in the heart of the city, where drama and design meet in the best possible way.

While our stay was hosted, all thoughts and opinions are entirely our own.

Hotel Christiania Teater review

A touch of theatrical history

Steps from Karl Johans Gate and the National Theatre, Hotel Christiania Teater has lived many lives since it first opened its doors in 1918. It started as the Opera Comique, Norway’s first opera house, and over the years, it reinvented itself as a casino, a vaudeville theatre, and a cinema. Today, it performs a new role as a beautifully restored boutique hotel with a commanding stage presence.

The curtain rises

The first thing that struck me as we got to the hotel was the striking Nordic Neo-renaissance facade, the result of the original building being destroyed by fire in the 1930s. A recent addition is a sign bearing the hotel’s name in a style similar to a make-up mirror surrounded by lights, just like the stars used to use. As evening comes, the lights come on in a theatrical ode to the space within.

Entry here is like stepping into a very trendy friend’s eclectic home. Velvet couches in chartreuse green sit under an exceptional chandelier crafted from trombones, as a collection of giant ceramic cats peer down at you from above the doors. At the reception, we were greeted with genuine warmth. The friendly front desk team pointed us toward our suite, via a secret entrance, no less, which immediately set the tone for a stay full of playful charm and old-world flair.

The rooms and suites

The hotel is home to a total of 112 rooms and suites. I was lucky enough to be given a tour of some of the rooms in the main hotel, and they are gorgeous. Most of these come dressed in neutral palettes with heritage artworks and occasional pops of colour in a nod to the building’s history. So whichever room you choose, you’re guaranteed a good time.

But, if you love a bit of stylish drama as I do, then you need to book one of the rooms on the Behind The Curtain floor. Accessed through a private entrance, this is a collection of 10 uniquely designed spaces inspired by theatre professions. From The Makeup Artist to The Lighting Designer, each room tells its own creative story.

We stayed in The Director suite, and it was nothing short of a showstopper. Think: bold floral headboard, soft king bed, gleaming Art Deco-style chandelier, and thoughtful details like a “Do Not Disturb” tie to sling over the door handle when you want some alone time. What I loved most about this suite was that every time I walked in, I felt a pop of joy at how beautifully it had been put together.

Our windows looked out onto the skating rink just across the street, a perfect winter tableau of gliding locals and twinkling lights. The bathroom, though compact, was pure comfort thanks to the ruby-red tiles, gleaming gold fixtures, and chessboard floor. What I enjoyed most about the space, though, was that it had underfloor heating. When we visited in January, temperatures did get down to -15°C, so this was a really welcome (and warm!) addition.

Dining, drinks, and the old razzle dazzle

The hotel’s in-house restaurant, Teatro, turned out to be a local favourite, buzzing with life even on a Wednesday at 6:30 pm. The menu only features two things: pizza for mains and gelato for dessert. As well as having some classic options like margaritas, there’s an array of unique toppings that we were excited to try. I had the octopus variety that was served on a white base with lots of lemon, which was delicious, while my partner enjoyed a steak pizza on a red base with pickled cabbage. It would have been rude not to try the gelato, and I was obsessed with the zingy passionfruit sorbet.

Breakfast is also served at Teatro, and it’s a charming way to start the day. The room’s deep-blue walls, hanging birdcages, and eclectic curios create a whimsical backdrop. The food is served buffet style, which isn’t my favourite (I’m an à la carte queen at heart), but I was super impressed with the offering here.

You can expect lots of Norwegian favourites, including the iconic brown cheese and strawberry jam waffles that you can find at lots of speciality shops across the city. They were so good, I had two because the home-made strawberry jam included whole strawberries that were absolutely divine. Of course, there’s a range of different fish options, and we were really impressed by how delicious the scrambled eggs were on the buffet station because it’s hard to get them right. A selection of pastries, cakes and cereals was also available, and it’s definitely a great place to fill up before exploring the city.

Of course, a trip to the theatre is a must when staying here. A range of plays, comedians, and acts take to the stage regularly, and the team will gladly arrange tickets for you. I’d recommend having a look at what’s playing ahead of your stay so you can book in advance. Or go all in and book yourself a package that includes tickets, drinks, and an overnight stay.

On the Mezzanine, a bar decked out in deep reds and golds, and with ostrich-feather light fixtures, is the perfect spot for an aperitif before the show.

For those looking to keep up their fitness regimen, guests have access to the nearby Evo Fitness Centre. 

Service: standing ovation

Finally, a word on service, because it truly deserves applause. Every staff interaction felt personal and kind. Whether helping us navigate Oslo’s best cafés or arranging small requests, the team struck that rare balance between polished and personable. This wonderful hospitality made our stay even sweeter.

If you’re heading to Oslo and want to stay somewhere that celebrates both the city’s history and its creative spirit, Hotel Christiania Teater is ready for its encore.

Find out more about Hotel Christiania Teater or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

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