1919. The Norwegian America Line’s venerable headquarters opened its doors in Oslo, bridging Norway with the US to the delight of hopefuls all over the city. 100+ years later, it’s a revered luxury hotel with 122 rooms and suites. Amerikalinjen Hotel still retains its historic charm but with amenities designed for the modern-day adventurer. We check in to the centrally located hotel to uncover its charms.

Amerikalinjen Hotel lobby area with chairs, sofas and tables
Amerikalinjen’s  warm and welcoming spaces

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own

Amerikalinjen Hotel Oslo review

Follow the music

In a nod to its historic NYC links, Amerikalinjen strums with live music—the hotel has its very own intimate jazz club. Head down through the doors of the basement and you’ll find yourself in a sultry enclave of talented artists. The club is named Gustav, after Amerikalinjen’s founder, and weekends are particularly electric with live sessions. 

The Fortuna Suite

Amerikalinjen Hotel lounge in the room with sofa and chairs next to a window
One of the suite’s lounge areas

A warm welcome in the festively decorated lobby after a rail journey into town, and we were given the keys to a Fortuna Suite, ours situated on the first floor of the building.  A bathtub in Norway is a necessity—especially during the chilly season when a soak is the remedy to outdoor exertion. So we were more than pleased to find a rectangular deep soak within the heated bathroom (heated as in floors, too). Sprekenhus potions were featured, and the shower sat adjacent so you could shower and then hop straight into foamy goodness. The smells reminded us of Lush, like dropping in a bath bomb. Sweet, warming, and tasty enough to turn the ritual into an hour-long event.

Amerikalinjen Hotel bedroom with bed, pillows, and dangling light bulbs
Amerikalinjen Hotel’s bedroom was stylish and comfy

But enough of that. Let’s move on to the rest of the space. Our Fortuna Suite came with a cushion-ready spot for you to take in the central sites, including that of the train station where we arrived, so you know this is where all the action is. Guests cosy up with the hotel’s striking pink slippers, but by contrast, your room interiors are semi-minimal in a chic Scandi way. Brass lighting, exposed bulbs, and that distinctive Norweigan wood paneling mean Amerikalinjen perfectly balances a sultry hotel mood with a comfortable home-style snuggle. The bed area was plush, but note that the sound of the trams zooming by can be quite loud. I luckily have a travel-sized Groov-e Serenity sleep aid sound machine which I use to play white noise. It was only £20 and helps drown out things like trams and general city noises when I’m travelling. It also plays other soothing sounds like ocean or nature so in the morning, I can use it for a yoga session.

Food and drink

Amerikalinjen Hotel breakfast image of a bagel and coffee
A delicious and relaxing breakfast awaits each morning

Gustav club aside, the hotel has a restaurant, a bakery, and an award-winning cocktail bar on the premises. Atlas Brasserie and Café serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast was styled as buffet with a la carte options, and it’s the best breakfast in Oslo. We’re not just saying that—the restaurant received an actual award for it this year, and you can’t argue with awards, not with a mouthful of the greatest macarons ever found on a buffet station. Guests can also take their plates out onto the covered courtyard, Haven, and enjoy it in natural light.

The mood dims and sensualises come dinner when smartly dressed locals and hotel guests wine and dine. Again, hats off to the sweets, the Cookies & Cream swirling with ice cream, cookies, and salted caramel gave those addictive morning macarons a run for their money. We couldn’t believe how good the hotel’s baked treats and desserts were. And we’re not just saying that because they gave us a basket of extra sweets in the room.

Two prawns
Expect spectacular seasonal dishes

Pier 42 is the hotel’s bar, named after the Manhattan site. Its signature cocktails showcase art from the two destinations connected to the Norwegian America Line (Norway and New York), in an intriguing liquid form. We didn’t drink here, but we did see locals popping in and out and having a good time. As an additional option; if you don’t want to go to the bar, bring the bar to you. A floating bartender service is offered to guests whereby the bartender and cabinet are rolled to your room or suite.

Wellness

Amerikalinjen has a large fully equipped gym in the basement, open 24/7. There are separate zones for weight training, cardio, and exercises like yoga or Pilates. The team may also provide running and cycling routes from the hotel for visitors coming in warmer months. The highlight of the wellness area is of course the Finnish sauna. Guests can also disconnect on the heated mosaic beds, dazzling in emerald.

Things to do in the area

Located in the city centre, Amerikalinjen is very easy to reach for key attractions like the Opera House, and transport links from Oslo Central Station. The Oslo Pass will save you time and money when exploring, and it’s especially good value as it includes free public transportation as well as free admission to 30 museums and sights. Our highlight was the museum dedicated to Edvard Munch. It’s gorgeous. Riding the tram was fun too.

People swimming in ice cold water
Jumping into cold water from KOK  Oslo’s floating sauna, photo credit Else Remen

Because we can’t get enough of saunas in this region, we booked a floating sauna experience with KOK Oslo. Here, you’ll sweat on a jetty with views over town and the surrounding sea. It was a brilliant way to enjoy the outdoors without getting too cold, though if you’re brave you can always jump into the fresh fjord—it’s basically cryotherapy. Ours was a shared floating sauna with up to eight people (most of us were Brits!), but if you’re willing to splurge you can book a whole one out and have it all to yourselves. Note: you have to bring your own towels, and it helps if you’re at a hotel close by (like Amerikalinjen because you’ll want to head back to shower nearby). A cool and unusual experience that’s worth jumping in for. Oslo overall, is a winter wonderland of treats. Especially baked treats.

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