Hotel Continental
"Alright, back up: Give us the wide-angle view of this place.The fourth-generation, family-owned Hotel Continental is one of the oldest and most established hotels in Oslo, but it's not just its pedigree that makes it a notable stay: Located on the doorstep of some of the city's main tourist attractions like the Royal Castle, the parade street Karl Johan, the National Gallery, the waterfront, and the Aker Brygge neighborhood, it's in a veritable hotbed of activity. Plus, the National Theatre transport station is on the other side of the street. (Basically, you can jump on the express train from the airport, and be in your hotel room 30 minutes later.) Oh, that's perfect. Jet lag waits for no man! How about the crowd—who else did you spot in the lobby?It's an upscale crowd, with plenty of business travelers in the mix—but there are also locals swinging by for pre-dinner cocktails. Got it. Now, back to the hotel itself: How was check in? From the outside, the Continental has a grand entrance, but inside, the reception is surprisingly low-key. We arrived around 5 p.m. on a Friday afternoon, and what first caught our attention was the lively, albeit laid-back atmosphere of the lobby and the BAR BROMAN, where a DJ was playing funky lounge music; we immediately wanted to join the crowd. The staff was efficient and perfectly welcoming, providing a fast and smooth check-in, which means more time to explore all the sites in the neighbourhood. Fun! Alright, onto the good stuff: Tell us about the digs.This early 20th-century hotel has undergone significant renovations in recent years; we checked into one such junior suite that was recently refurbished. The new look is classic contemporary, with a delicate colour palette. There are a lot of soft furnishings and textiles, and the decor is elegant, giving it a feel of understated luxury. The huge bathroom, though, was without a doubt the star in this specific suite, with a big shower and bathtub to soak in. The bed provided the best sleep we've had in a long time, with fluffy duvets and soft sheets. That sounds divine. How about the little things, like the mini bar, or the toiletries? Any tips or tricks you want to fill us in on?If possible, try to get a room facing the courtyard; when you go to open the windows for some fresh air, it's so quiet and peaceful that it'll be hard to believe you're in the middle of one of the busiest areas in town. The Wi-FI is free, and you won't need to register to use it, which is always nice. All rooms have TVs and Nespresso coffee machines, and the mini-bar will provide you with the standards (though, one happy surprise was the hotel's own brewed beer!). If you're feeling peckish, the room service menu gives you plenty of options to sate your cravings, and they have 24-hour service. Quality toiletries from Molton Brown and little touches like fresh daisies enhanced the experience. Perfect—thanks for the heads-up. How about the room service and food? Worth it?This place is more than just a hotel, and on its premises, it offers five bars and restaurants for guests, city residents, and visitors, alike. Enjoy a hearty and fresh breakfast buffet in the brestaurant Caroline. Eik Annen Etasje, is the high-end gourmet option, and Steamen is an informal sidewalk cafe. There's also Bar Boman, in the front of the hotel, a stylish lobby lounge and hotel bar with excellent cocktails and some tasty bites if you're hungry. It's a popular after-work spot for the locals. The jewel in the crown (at least, from a historical perspective) though, is Theatercaféen. It opened at the same time as the hotel, in 1900, and from the beginning, it's been a magnet and meeting place for the Norwegian cultural elite. The Art Nouveau-style interiors alone make it worth a visit, and there's an extensive wine list and menu to everyone's taste. We'll have to stop by. Alright, how about staff—anything you can tell us on that point?The staff is smiley and discrete, always amenable, fast, and on-point. Great. So, bottom line: worth it, and why?If you want a great base from which to explore Oslo's many attractions, and you're hoping for a 5-star experience, Hotel Continental will fit the bill. Not only is it a perfect place to recharge your batteries during your exploration of the city, but the staff is, first and foremost, concerned with your comfort." - Melissa Hegge
