Fall in love with the dreamiest luxury boutique hotels in Oslo, Norway
The coolest little capital is less than two hours away from London.
If you haven’t been to Norway’s capital yet, then you’re missing out. What you’ll find is a buzzing city packed full of cultural outposts (we’re big fans of the Nasjonalmuseet for more reasons than Munch’s iconic Scream), exceptional food experiences, and a thriving local music scene. And if you’re looking for somewhere to rest your head between all of the fun stuff, take a look at our guide to the best boutique hotels in Oslo for design lovers.
These are the best boutique hotels in Oslo, Norway
1. Hotel Christiana Teater | City Centre
If it’s a touch of the dramatic you’re after, then a stay at the newly revamped Hotel Christiana Teater in the heart of Oslo is a must. An icon in the city since 1918, the Nordic Neo-Renaissance building has seen many lives as a concert hall, vaudeville theatre, cinema, and even the country’s first opera stage.
These days, the theatrics can be found in the delightful designer details across the 112 rooms and suites. Handmade fabrics covered in exquisite patterns sit next to fittings that hark back to the hotel’s former glory. Looking for something extra special? The Behind the Curtain floor features 10 individually designed rooms, each with its own theme. Think designer wallpapers, playful colours, and plenty of textures for some added flair.
Prepare for an epic breakfast spread before having the whole of Oslo at your doorstep for exploration. Guests also get access to Evo Fitness during their stay.
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2. The Well Hotel & Spa | Sofiemyr
The Well, which sits just a 15-minute drive from Oslo in a little village called Sofiemyr, is unsurprisingly revered for its outstanding spa. The hotel was created by local billionaire Stein Erik Hagen and a beautiful, sophisticated style runs through both the spa and the hotel itself.
In the 104 rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows frame the outside forest, rainfall showers are waiting to wash away any stress and plush sofas, seating areas and window nooks are perfect for curling up with a good read.
But it’s the adults-only spa that is the pièce de résistance: there are ten different pools, a cold plunge, hammam, onsen and even a Moroccan rhassoul. This is combined with 25 treatment rooms, multiple lounges, saunas and steam rooms, a gym and yoga facilities. Treatments range from wraps to scrubs, plus a sensational deep cleansing facial, which we tried the last time we visited and loved.
If you were expecting only health food here, think again. Flavourful Nordic, Asian and international dishes can be found across the two restaurants, while the two bars are the spot for light bites and post-spa cocktails. Breakfast is our favourite part, thanks to the selection of local seafood, vegan choices that include delicious meatballs, and an ever-changing selection of juices and smoothies that set you up for the day.
Read our full review of The Well Hotel & Spa.
Discover more about The Well Hotel & Spa or Book through Booking.comBook through Expedia
3. Amerikalinjen | City Centre
Previously the headquarters of the Norwegian American Line in 1919, this now hotel hides sleek, modern charm with a touch of heritage and Scandi cool. For the best experience, we recommend booking into a comfy Deluxe or Fortuna Suite. Fluffy beds, separate living areas and a balcony for watching over the city are all included, kitted out with funky artwork and lighting and Sprekenhus toiletries.
There’s an incredibly stylish gym, and being Norway, a large sauna and rain showers, but that’s not the only amenity people come here for. The hotel’s own basement jazz club, Gustav, draws tourists and locals, with a selection of musicians and guests throughout the week. Before kicking off the night, fuel up at one of six bars and restaurants; their Atlas Brasserie serves throughout the day, and the breakfast is worth staying for. Make sure to pre-book a visit from the Floating Bartender, who wheels around a cabinet of spirits to your location and whips up whatever you fancy, including one of the best Manhattans that we’ve ever tried.
Read our full review on Amerikalinjen Hotel.
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4. The Thief | Frogner
The Thief is in Oslo, but definitely doesn’t feel like it thanks to its unique location on a peninsula called Tjuvholmen, which stretches into Oslofjord. Inside, the moody, dramatic interiors feature artworks by the likes of Damien Hirst, plush jewel tones, and mirrors tick all the boxes for hotel aficionados, all put together by interiors expert Anemone Wille Våge.
The rooms continue this theme, where flashes of gold and sharp lines decorate the walls around huge king-sized beds and deep rugs. All have floor-to-ceiling windows, but suites take things further with balconies and a soaking tub. The Thief Suite is our personal favourite thanks to its multiple balconies offering exquisite views of the fjord in every season.
The hotel also features Thief Spa, which includes a heated pool, sensory sky showers, and a Finnish sauna – plus easy access to the icy fjord, if cold dips are your bag. Also close by, guests get free entry to the Astrup Fearnley Museet art gallery.
As for what to eat and drink, Thief Restaurant celebrates local food with Nordic dishes all day long. Thief Bar whips up creative cocktails like The Breakfast Club, a Norwegian take on an Espresso Martini made with local Aquavit and hard cheese, which we enjoyed from the hotel’s rooftop.
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5. Att I Kvadraturen | City Centre
Looking for a hotel that defines Scandi design? This is where it’s Att (pardon the pun). Simple but chic touches, like geometric furniture and bold patterns, can be found throughout this city centre hotel, which was designed by Oslo-based interiors studio Gathe + Gram.
All of the rooms come with luxury amenities like DS & Durga toiletries, Geneva speakers and soft bathrobes, so you can enjoy your space to the fullest, whether you pick a room with city view, a deluxe suite – which has a dreamy freestanding tub; or a deluxe suite with balcony facing the sunset.
The unique restaurants and local saunas of Oslo may be on the doorstep, but during your stay, you can also try sunrise yoga and a weekly run club. If sports aren’t your thing, head to the Rooftop for drinks, snacks and city views,
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6. Hotel Filip | Frogner
Another handy hotel in Frogner, Hotel Filip has everything you need for making it your city base for one night or much longer, thanks to access to a laundry room, gym, and even an infrared sauna in the basement. When we stayed here, we appreciated the keyless entry, which made checking-in a breeze, plus it’s a quick walk over to explore The Royal Palace.
Larger rooms, such as doubles and superiors, come with kitchenettes in case you feel like trying your hand at creating some local dishes for yourself with some ingredients from the nearby grocery store.
Given its small size, there’s no restaurant here, but its stellar location is just steps from some of Oslo’s coolest bars and restaurants, including one of our personal favourites, The Salmon.
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7. Citybox Oslo | City Centre
Citybox is another cute and contemporary spot in Oslo that’s ideal for any quick trip to the city. Aside from warm, cosy design with plenty of common spaces for hanging out in, the property has everything you could need, including a shared kitchen and a laundrette. Whether you’re visiting solo or as a family, Citybox has a room – it’s particularly good for single travellers, with multiple single room categories, including some with balconies.
On the larger end, Junior Suites and Family Rooms have bunk beds, an en-suite, and a living area. Although the hotel is small, they’ve also partnered with the next door restaurant to ensure you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your stay, and Citybox have even snagged some discounts at nearby eateries, meaning you can explore the infamously pricey city on a budget.
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8. Karl Johan Hotel | City Centre
You couldn’t ask for a more centrally located hotel than Karl Johan Hotel, which is bang in the centre of the city’s action. Situated in a beautiful heritage building, the hotel combines contemporary design with historic opulence across 157 rooms. They’re pared back yet strikingly Scandinavian, with touches of wood and burnt orange furnishings. We’d recommend the Junior Suite, which comes with dining and living areas, rain showers in the bathroom, and toiletries from Skandinavia.
There’s no all-day food here, but two restaurants, Frokost and Restaurant Ekman, both serve hearty daily breakfasts for guests, while the Lobby Bar is a solid choice for grabbing a drink ahead of getting out to explore the city.
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9. Oslo Guldsmeden | Frogner
Entering Oslo Guldsmeden feels like stepping inside a local Norwegian home, until you clock the plant life, patterned rugs, and quirky ornaments, which reflect its Nordic-Balinese design. All rooms, from the Single up to the Family Suite, have wooden four-poster beds complete with flowy white curtains, freestanding tubs shaped like eggs, and a minimalist, light wood theme.
Best of all, the hotel squeezes in its own Turkish-inspired hammam, complete with saunas, a steam bath, and relaxation areas. Although select Guldsmeden properties have restaurants, their Oslo outpost doesn’t. But there is a bright, restaurant-style space which serves up a daily breakfast buffet, and it’s just two minutes by bus to the centre of town.
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10. Saga Hotel Oslo | Frogner
Sitting in a more peaceful area of Oslo called Uranienborg, Saga Hotel is for those who love a touch of luxury. Rooms are grey, but lifted with richly patterned wallpaper, metallic throws and soft lighting, all coming with amenities such as a minibar, TV and Nespresso machine. Plus, the hotel is pet-friendly.
A delicious breakfast is included with every stay, and they’re well prepared for whatever you’re planning to do in Oslo – from top tips on attractions, to a partnership with Fresh Fitness at Majorstuen, a gym where you can work out as a guest. While they no longer have a restaurant, they do have a low-lit lobby bar, where socialising over coffee or cocktails is encouraged.
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11. Hotel Continental | Stortingsgaten
For five-star luxury with some fascinating provenance, Hotel Continental in the heart of the city has been owned by the same family for more than four generations, and hasn’t lost any style in the process. Set in a striking building with 151 rooms, interiors are contemporary and sleek – think floating staircases, velvet furnishings and modern lighting. Art is central to the design too, with an eclectic array of works by artists including Edvard Munch and Damien Hirst.
Suites are the pick of the bunch here, each featuring unique artwork, king-sized beds and Sprekenhus toiletries. Some also come with balconies and we particularly love the ones with a view over the iconic National Theatre.
There’s a fitness studio onsite; however, the real draw is the restaurants and bars. Theatercafeen has been locally loved since 1900, serving upmarket international cuisine (everything is great here but we LOVE the Salted Cucumber and the Spicy Moules Frites), while Eik Annen Etage’s multi-course menus change weekly. There are also two bars for enjoying cocktails, including Casbar, where you can chase up late-night drinks with their delicious pizza.
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12. Sommerro | Frogner
The Scandinavians may know how to do minimalist chic, but it turns out they know how to do opulence too – the Sommerro, in Oslo’s Frogner neighbourhood, is like stepping back into a heavily gilded time. Chandeliers hang from detailed roses, and furnishings are richly coloured throughout. The 231 rooms range from a twin alcove, complete with cute beds hidden in the wall, to the spectacular junior and heritage suites, the latter of which are our personal favourites thanks to the detailed patterns and textures everywhere you look, a soaking tub in the marble bathroom, and a personal bar.
The property is simply overflowing with things to do, whether you make like the locals and head to the large sauna or 8,000 sq-ft spa, catch a movie in the cinema, or take in the fresh Oslo air from the rooftop pool.
There are also seven exquisite restaurants, which use fresh Norwegian ingredients. Tak Oslo is the signature Nordic-Japanese space on the roof (last time we visited, we tried a stunning Salmon with white soy vermouth that we can’t stop thinking about), while Barramon mixes it up with tapas, and Ekspedisjonshallen is an all-day neighbourhood joint with a jazz accompaniment.
Oh, and a final high note? The hotel is run on 100% renewable energy.
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But wait, there’s more…
- Live out your ice fantasies at one of these amazing igloo hotels
- Head south and stay in the enchanting Nimb Hotel, right by the Tivoli Gardens
- If you’re heading stateside, there’s a whole lot more design decadence in Chicago
