Bristol Hotel Oslo

I found the hotel through a European booking website called Hotelclub.net The hotel looked nice in the photos and had some pretty good reviews. I thought it was terrific and defintely not the modern "cookie cutter" variety of hotel. Decor was "old school" - lots of warm woods, rich velvets and brocades in wine and green and gold. The room was absolutely lovely - spacious with simple and elegant decor. I was delighted to find a bathtub in the spacious bathroom, though it is a bit narrow (and I'm only a size 10!) and the shield for the shower only covers half the tub, so you end up getting water all over the place anyway - be warned and make sure you don't have clothing or makeup sitting on the bathroom sink or on the floorwhen you shower! There is a spa onsite and it is centrally located downtown - 2 blocks from the train/bus station (Jernebanestasjonen), 1 block from Karl Johan's Gate (the main road), 1 block from a central tram stop (transfers easily to stops all around the greater Oslo area) and just minutes by tram to the Aker Brygge harbor area. All the major sights are easy to reach either by walking or taking the trams. I recommend buying an Oslo card upon arrival if you plan to sightsee, as it not only covers your transportation but also gives free or discounted admission to the sights and museums around the city. With a family card good for one day, my husband and I saved $40 on admissions alone, never mind what the individual trams would have cost. Again, as tourism is valued in Norway and Europe, you can purchase these at any tourist office (designated by the logo with a Green "i" in a circle) found at the airports, train/bus station, and at major sights and hotels. Hotel Bristol sells these cards in the lobby. The breakfast at the hotel was nice but CROWDED on the weekends! Be prepared to wait for them to replenish coffee and cheeses. It was a great hotel in a terrific location and we got it for an amazing price (about $130 USD) by using the website above. We didn't eat in the restaurants, but I heard others comment that they were good. The fancy restaurant looked a bit overpriced. We had a better time walking down to Karl Johan's Gate and finding some small restaurants there. Try the Southwest/Mexican one in the basement of a pub (sorry - can't remember the name. Ask around and you'll find it - it was great!)

Have just spent the weekend in Oslo and the Bristol Hotel was top class. It looks exactly like it is shown on its website - a very grand and relaxing lobby, great location BUT is very, very noisy from midnight until 4am. Our family room was on the 6th floor at the front of the hotel and we were unable to sleep due to the extreme noise; people shouting, horns blowing and sirens blaring! I would definately recommend the hotel, but would insist on a 'quite' room. Failing that, remember to pack your ear plugs!

I booked the hotel through American Express, after reading other TripAdvisor user reviews (always do!). The price was reasonable for a major hotel in a capital city of a very expensive country. I stayed two nights there and have nothing to complain. My single room was luxuriously furnished though my window opened to a small inner courtyard. This had the advantage that it was very, very quiet (the Bristol is situated in a busy street). I am very concerned with hygiene in hotels but the Bristol is clean. There was one minor problem with my duvet but it was immediately exchanged. Breakfast buffet and dinner in the hotel restaurant were great. It is relaxing to sit in the library in the hotel lobby and to listen to either a piano player or the sound of a fountain. You are in the middle of the city, the location could not be better. Staff at reception is friendly and sells Oslo cards. Would go there again.

This is a rather expensive hotel, but as other reviewers have noted, Norway is a very expensive

country--everywhere. We had a fairly large room,

decent bathroom, hardwood floors, simply but well-

decorated-- overlooking the grungy interior. Lobby

is very pretty- "old-world European". The staff are

less than helpful; no one around to bring luggage

up (At these prices!!!!!!!!!!) Their restaurant for

breakfast was being renovated, and a makeshift area had been set up in one of the meeting rooms.

It was poorly staffed, hot food was cold, waitstaff

were indifferent. I think that there must be better

choices !

We stayed a full week at the Bristol. Quiet? No way at night! A Night club is right next door and directly across the street, which opened at 11 and closed at 3 a.m. We asked to change rooms since we were above on the street side, and were not permitted, since other rooms could not accommodate three we were told. a sleepless week for sure. However, staff was nice and it had old world charm at least during the day. Stay there again? not on the street side for sure!

The Bristol has a good location (a block off the busy Karl Johans Gate), and certainly is attractive on the inside. But given its price and status as "the best hotel in Oslo" we found it a bit disappointing. The so-called "family room" was maybe 1 sq. meter bigger than a regular room -- very cramped for 2 adults and 2 kids. (Luckily we had terrific weather and spent all our days outside.) The service was okay, but not especially sharp or responsive. All in all it was a decent place to stay, but not what you'd expect from someplace in this price category.

The Bristol Hotel is truly lovely. The rooms are elegant and the lobby bar very relaxing and charming.It's not a cheap hotel but it's good value considering Norway is so expensive. Treat yourself and have a lovely blow-out meal in the Bristol Grill!The location is handy for most of the shops and the underground too.Go for it!

The Hotel Bristol was a great find in Oslo. Our room has been recently renovated. Very, very clean and bright with nice furniture and bathroom.Lobby is especially warm and invited. Pianist plays during late afternoon and evening.Location is excellent: 10 minute walk to train station; 10 minutes to main street; 12 minutes to harborfront and restaurants.Highly recommend. Great price in a country where hotels can be very expensive.

Excellent old world charm of a hotel. Even though it is listed as a 4 star, it is really higher. Food is excellent, full breakfast included in price. Lovely, lobby bar. Location superb, you can walk almost everywhere from the hotel. Spa and fitness facilities. Great location from the train station, about a 2 minute walk. Express train from the airport is direct and makes only makes 3 stops prior to hotel.

Not for people looking for an American style of downtown hotel. Loved the character of the huge open lobby with classy bar and piano. Rooms are small by American standards, but nice European style. Hotel has a history and it is in the middle of everything! If you want a modern Hilton, don't go here. If you want to "Feel" a part of older Norway, you will love it.