Hotel Bristol

Hotel Bristol is one of the grand old names of Oslo hospitality, a traditional hotel a few minutes from the top of Karl Johan, the city's main street. It has the atmosphere of a place where generations of Norwegians have celebrated, negotiated and met for a drink, and the public rooms are the star of the show: the Library Bar, where a pianist plays every day, the Moorish-inspired Mauriske Hall, which acts as the social hub of the building, and a restaurant in the style of a traditional English grill. If you like a hotel with history, wood panelling and a sense of occasion, Bristol is a natural choice and a good alternative to the modern design hotels elsewhere in the city. Rooms are arranged in a range of types, from standard singles, twins and doubles, which are comfortable and well kept, through business and superior rooms with extra space, to junior suites and one-bedroom suites that suit a celebration. Some rooms have balconies, and there are bigger rooms that can sleep four with a mix of double and twin beds, so families and small groups are catered for. All rooms have free wifi, and the hotel's twenty-four-hour room service is useful at either end of a long day. The minimum age to check in is twenty, so younger travellers should check the policy before booking. The spa is a notable feature, with a snow room, plunge pools, an aufguss sauna and a relaxation pool in Moorish style, along with facials, massages and body treatments that need to be reserved in advance. There is a gym open throughout the day and night, a business centre, conference rooms and a banquet hall, as well as a concierge, a porter and help with tours and tickets. Breakfast has a very good reputation in the city and is often cited as one of the best in Oslo, so it is worth giving yourself time to enjoy it. Self parking and electric car charging are available in the hotel's garage for those arriving by car, for a nightly charge. The location puts you in the centre of the city's main sights. Karl Johan, with its shops and cafes, is about three minutes away, the university and the Palace Park are a short stroll, and the National Theatre is five minutes on foot. City Hall is a walk of about seven minutes, and the harbour area of Aker Brygge and the Opera House are only a little further. Tram and metro stops are very close, with the Parliament metro station a few minutes away, and the airport train runs from the central station, which can be reached on foot or by a short tram ride. The museum district of Bygdøy is reached by bus or by ferry from the harbour. Bristol suits couples, leisure travellers who value history and atmosphere, and business visitors who like a central address with proper bars and restaurants. It is also a good base for a short stay when you want to step outside and be in the middle of things. Pets are not accepted, other than service animals. Prices are in the upper-middle range, and tend to be better in winter and at weekends outside the main events. Check when you book what is included in your rate, and which cancellation terms apply.