Thon Hotel Opera, Oslo

Pros  

• Enjoy a full-service hotel that is a short stroll (under 10 minutes) from the waterfront, as well as famous cultural landmarks and shopping.
• All rooms have been renovated and boast tall ceilings, mini-fridges, and spacious working desks, while superior rooms (recommended) add Nespresso machines and bathrobes.
• The trendy lounge in the lobby serves dinner and drinks, while an expansive breakfast buffet serves a wide variety of hot, cold, and healthy items. 
• A bright fitness center has windows and a balcony for getting fresh air.

Cons

• The large outside terrace shows some wear and tear and seems ready for renovation. 

Authenticity

Guests are greeted with a spacious lobby decorated in bold colors and funky patterns—a common motif at Thon Hotels. This is one of the largest hotel groups in Norway, owned by Olav Thon, who is known for donning colorful suits and a trademark red knit hat, so it’s easy to see the inspiration behind the decor choices. This hotel is bigger than its sister properties scattered around the city, and the common spaces are typically abuzz with activity. The onsite conference center and meeting spaces attract business travelers during the week, while weekends attract leisure guests who seek easy access to major attractions near the hotel.

Location

The hotel is in the center of an up-and-coming area of Oslo called Bjørvika. Its closest landmark is the Oslo Opera House, just a two-minute walk away. The sleek new Munch Museum is also a short walk from the hotel, as is Oslo Central Station with regular express trains to and from the airport. This entire area has experienced a positive transformation in the last two decades and now offers some of the city’s best culture, shopping, and dining. Other areas of the city can be accessed on foot or by public transportation with buses, trams, and subways near the hotel. A paid parking garage is available one block away. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are 480 rooms in several categories. Standard rooms have bright, cheerful decor, including floral wallpaper, bright yellow accents, and pale hardwood floors. Furnishings include working desks, mini-fridges, and kettles for instant coffee and tea. Some rooms have walk-in showers while others have bathtubs (which can be requested). Superior rooms have Nespresso machines, as well as bathrobes and slippers, and Molton Brown bath products in eco-friendly dispensers. Business rooms face the front of the hotel and have seating areas and balconies. Suites also have balconies as well as separate bedrooms and a kitchenette. Extra beds and cots are available for a fee, or families can request connecting rooms. Laundry service and dry cleaning are available.

Other Highlights

The free breakfast buffet is a Thon Hotel staple, with a wide array of hot and cold items, including egg dishes, fruit smoothies, yogurt parfaits, salads, smoked salmon, and fresh juices. In the late afternoon, there is a full-service lounge called Eufemia Bar in the lobby, with indoor and outdoor seating, serving a range of cocktails, especially gin-based specialties. Dinner is also available with a menu that features burgers, salads, and signature items like Asian spareribs. Guests will find a wide range of dining options within a few blocks of the hotel. Other amenities onsite include a large seasonal terrace that could use some TLC and a spacious fitness center with a balcony. 

Sustainability

Thon Hotel Opera is part of the Olav Thon Group, one of Norway’s largest hotel chains, and all hotels in the company are Eco-Lighthouse certified with a focus on waste and plastic reduction, recycling, saving energy, using and ordering environmentally friendly products, and cooking with organic food when possible. This hotel also runs special programs to save energy and may reward guests who opt not to get their room cleaned daily with free drink vouchers in the lobby.