Thanks to all the wonderful TripAdvisor reviewers, I picked this hotel for a 4-day stay last March. It met every one of my needs: old-world local charm (I always knew I was in Oslo!), location within walking distance of most places and a street-car ride for all the rest, sparkling clean room (but small, so I only had what I needed/wanted), good restaurant, nice pub, super breakfast, wireless everywhere, etc. Most of all, the lobby gave me a home away from home: great for a solo traveller who knew no-one when she arrived. The service was warm and friendly. Plus I got an instant insight into why people complain that Norway is expensive when I checked the laundry prices and found a $25 price for washing (not ironing) a pair of jeans. It was obvious that prices are high when service is involved, because they pay everyone a living wage and benefits. This made for friendly service people; it also made for taking advantage of all the "practically free" public benefits, like the Oslo ticket that covers all the museums, transport, etc. Even going to the opera, and to a couple of really top restaurants, this visit was not expensive, because so much of what I wanted to do and see was much cheaper than it would have been in the U.S.

of the lobby strikes you immediately when you enter ; very cosy: big leather sofa's which creates an immediate nice ambiance. It sure is a nice different to some of the more 'sterile' Scandinavian hotels I stayed in.
The front desk staff is friendly and helpful.
The rooms are comfortable - and the windows do open (I like to have some fresh air).
Nothing fancy but comfortable.
A thing that struck me is that (at times) there is a slight sewage smell in the bathroom; I was told that in Scandinavia they are not allowed to use harsh cleaning products (like bleach) ...!!!
During the peak season the breakfast room can be a bit ' overcrowded'; you may have to wait to find a table; also the replenishing of the breakfast items does take time as the staff can not handle the flow. But hey, who is in a rush right?

The location is TOPS; 2 minutes from the main square. 10 minutes from the port (really fab to sit at a terrace in the summer watching people stroll by, listen to a concert.
Everything is at hand; restaurants, bars and cinemas.

And the Scandinavians sure enjoy the outdoors; it does not matter if it is 25 degrees or minus 20; I saw them on the (heated) terraces having a drink!

But I am always surprised how expensive it can be!?

We were looking for a competitively priced hotel in the centre of Oslo for a long weekend city break and booked the Bristol hotel.
It was very easy to find, short walking distance to the national theatre train station which is fantastic as you can use the metro to get anywhere you might like to go.
On arrival at the Bristol hotel I was amazed by the beautiful Lobby area it relly is stunning. The reception team were fantastic, offering ideas for where we may like to visit during our stay and a map (always useful).
We had a standard room which was a good size with a desk and small sitting area. The bathroom was lovely, L'occtaine hair and body wash, just a shower which was fine for us, but if your someone who needs a bath, it may be worth checking with the hotel what type of room you need to book.
The room was spotless, and house keeping did a fantastic job daily to keep it so, infact the whole hotel was spotless.
The bed and pillows - aaaaamazing, most comfy bed I have ever slept in.
Breakfast is wonderful, buffett style with plenty of choice. If you can have breakfast late and consider it brunch (it will save you alot of money, Oslo is expensive!!)
I used the sauna once during my stay, again it was clean and well kept. It is small, but i was the only person there, a great way to warm up after a chilly day round Oslo.
Whilst we were visiting my boyfriend unfortunately broke his ankle sledging and really the hotel were fantastic (specificaly the reception team) . They faxed all our insurance documents and printed the documents we needed, extended our room to a late checkout on our rescheduled departure day, provided extra pillows, anythng we needed, the reception team eally are a credit to this already lovely hotel.
The hotel holds the charm from the 1920s and really is fantastic, we really hope to visit again (hopefully no broken bones next time!)

This city centre hotel combines old-world charm with modern comforts in an ideal location convenient to all the main city attractions, The rooms are small but well appointed and those on upper floors are quiet with views over the city from their small balcony. The buffet breakfast is extensive and of high standard. The free sauna, plunge pool (10c) and power showers are a valuable bonus on cold winter days. Room rates reduce by the number of days stayed and offer excellent value for money compared to other hotels even within the Thon group. I would not think of staying in any other hotel.