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A former life as a baronial mansion prepared the Grand for its second coming as Oslo’s most famous luxury hotel. This 19th century building—all richly shaded oil paintings and extravagant antiques—sits easily between the Royal Palace and the Parliament building. Its famous Grand Café has offered entertainment to guests as disparate as Arctic explorer Roald Amundsen, Charlie Chaplin and Elton John. Rooms have been modernised (some are situated in a modern extension), but some visitors complain of a certain stuffiness of attitude. Nevertheless, the hotel remains Oslo’s grand dame.
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Morocco is transported to the Arctic in this 1920s hotel, which combines art nouveau style with Moorish interiors. Rather less formal than the other two hotels in this category, the Bristol has always indulged its sense of fun. Josephine Baker once performed here and big bands entertained at soirées in the Moorish ballroom. Bedrooms are crisp and attractive and the hotel is currently popular with the media set. The library—all cosy corners and sleek leather sofas—is one of the city’s smartest meeting places, and its location just north of Karl Johans gate is utterly convenient.
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Oslo’s only member of the Leading Hotels of the World group, this five-star hotel is hugely popular with business travellers. It may be a little less ritzy than its rival the Grand, but many guests feel it has more charm and elegance, with attentive staff and a welcoming atmosphere. Bedrooms are individually decorated with hint-of-aristo fabrics and wallpapers. Public rooms are equally gracious, with original works by Munch. Its position, by the Nationaltheatret, is absolutely central—meaning that street noise in some rooms may be an issue. Its eateries, the Theatercafeen cafe and Michelin-starred Annen Etage (see Dining), are another big plus.
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