"Oslo is speeding towards a sustainable future. Energy-efficient, carbon-neutral, bee-friendly... You’re now more likely to be run over by an electric scooter than by a car, almost vanquished in the city center. In this context, the Amerikalinjen is a clever piece of upcycling, turning the HQ of the Norway-America shipping company into a streamlined hotel, its ground floor a hangout for locals with an easy-going bistro, bar, and soaring conservatory. The building dates back to an era when Norwegians turned to the New World for opportunity—men boarding liners with flat-capped stoicism—and retains original details such as the granite heads of sea god Triton and nymph Nereide above the entrance and Arts & Crafts carvings inside while riffing on its backstory. There’s a skyscraper sculpture by Julian Opie, oysters Rockefeller and salmon bagels, creative cocktails–Discovery of Oil is an aquavit Martini with drops of black coconut oil. Plus framed maps and ships’ menus in the bedrooms, which showcase Scandi design with smoky pendants, '60s-revival chairs and ocean-blue sofas. Some have a cozy window seat for tram-watching on Jernbanetorget Square below, which is a little characterless but has the main station and leads off into interesting districts such as the waterfront, where a striking new library and Munch Museum are set to open later this year. The sister hotel to The Thief, which for many was the only place to stay in Oslo, this feels warmer and more within the old town’s embrace; a ship-shape symbol of the city’s new dynamism. —Rick Jordan Insider Tip: The jazz bar in the basement swings out every Friday with tributes to Sinatra, Peggy Lee, and Sonny Rollins. Doubles from about $235" - CNT Editors
