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Converted from a 1930s office building, this pale pink nine-storey building has a pleasing art deco exterior. Inside, a simple Italian-influenced theme by well-respected Norwegian architect Platou sees ochre and eggshell walls set against dark wood furniture, and there’s a warm, comfortable atmosphere. The location, by the Parliament building, is very good, and the in-house restaurant and coffee shop, La Strada, is well-regarded. The same friendly can-do attitude of staff at other First Hotels is in place, making it a winner with those seeking a little human contact in an icy city.
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This gorgeous West End hotel removes any preconceptions that Scandinavian design is accurately represented by the Ikea catalogue. It strikes a perfect balance between contemporary chic and traditional comfort, with polished wooden and tiled floors and ornate fireplaces. Rooms are mixed in style: make sure you get one of the newer ones, which are lighter and awash with cushions and fabrics covered in stripes, poppy prints and touchable tweed. (The older rooms tend to be a little dark.) The location is peaceful and a clubby library with English books is a relaxing spot to wind down.
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Part of the Best Western chain, this recently built hotel has boutique style in spades. Its interiors were put together by Anemone W Våge, who has designed for the Norwegian Royal family. It’s diminutive and cosy and a distinct English country-house atmosphere is evident, with unpretentious antique furnishings and fabrics and walls in muted blues, greys and earth tones. The down side is its position which, while central (between Karl Johans gate and Aker Brygge) is a little sleazy and rather too close to a motorway entrance. Triple-glazed windows are much in evidence, however, and inside it’s a delight.
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