Hotel Continental is our luxury pick in the Oslo hotel comparison: a five-star hotel opposite the National Theatre that opened in 1900 and is still run by the same family, now in its fourth generation. Breakfast is included, the historic Theatercaféen is downstairs, and the hotel holds a Michelin Key. The trade-offs: top-tier prices, very limited parking, and a classic style rather than a modern boutique feel.
📢 Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link to Expedia. If you book through our link, The Wandering Adventurer may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting independent travel content!
🗓 Quick Facts: Hotel Continental Oslo
| Location | Stortingsgata 24/26, opposite the National Theatre |
| Style | Classic five-star, family-owned since 1909 |
| Rooms | 151 individually furnished rooms & suites |
| Breakfast | Included (buffet or à la carte) |
| Dining | Theatercaféen, Eik Annen Etage, Bar Boman, Casbar |
| Gym / spa / pool | 24-hour fitness studio; no spa or pool |
| Parking | 10 garage spaces, book at least 24 hours ahead |
| Pets | Service animals only |
| Airport train | Nationaltheatret station, about 100 m away |
| Check-in / out | 3 PM / 12 PM |
Price level: luxury five-star — rates vary by date and room category.
🎟️ Check Rates & Availability at Hotel Continental →
🏛️ A Century of History
Hotel Continental and its Theatercaféen opened in December 1900, just across the street from the newly opened National Theatre. Caroline and Christian Boman Hansen took over the lease in 1909 and bought the property three years later. The same family still owns and runs it today, now in its fourth generation.
The hotel has been a member of The Leading Hotels of the World since 1975, and it holds one Michelin Key in the Michelin Guide’s hotel selection. (A Michelin Key is the guide’s award for hotels — it’s different from a restaurant’s Michelin star.)
🗺️ The Location: Is It Good for First-Time Visitors?
Yes. The hotel sits opposite the National Theatre, just off Karl Johans gate, with the Royal Palace, the Parliament and the Aker Brygge waterfront all within walking distance. It’s a polished, central base for seeing Oslo on foot.
Getting here from the airport: Nationaltheatret station, about 100 m from the hotel, is served by the Flytoget airport train.
💡 Insider Tip: For a first-day orientation, walk the length of Karl Johans gate from the Royal Palace to Oslo Central Station — you’ll pass many of the city’s central landmarks along the way.
🏨 The Rooms
All 151 rooms and suites have been fully refurbished and are individually furnished in a classic, elegant style. A Standard Double is about 21 m², and rooms include a Nespresso machine and free high-speed Wi-Fi. At the top end is the Continental Suite, a one-of-a-kind 240 m² suite spread over two floors.
🛏️ Which Room Should You Book?
- For a short city break: a Standard Double gives you the full Continental experience if you’ll be out exploring most of the day.
- For more comfort: compare the Superior and Deluxe rooms if you’re staying several nights.
- For a special occasion: the junior suites and named suites add considerably more space, all the way up to the two-floor Continental Suite.
🍽️ Theatercaféen, Breakfast & Amenities
Theatercaféen opened with the hotel in 1900 and has been an Oslo institution ever since — a grand Viennese-style café that’s worth a visit even if you’re not staying here. The hotel also has Eik Annen Etage, Bar Boman and Casbar, so there are plenty of options without leaving the building.
Breakfast is included, with a choice of buffet or à la carte, served from 6:45 AM on weekdays and 7:15 AM on weekends.
There’s a 24-hour fitness studio with TechnoGym equipment and 24-hour room service. There’s no spa or pool, but the concierge can recommend spas nearby.
⚠️ Know Before You Book
- It’s priced as a luxury hotel. Expect top-tier Oslo rates.
- Parking is very limited. There are only 10 garage spaces for guests, and they must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
- Pets aren’t allowed, other than service animals.
- There’s no spa or pool. There is a 24-hour gym.
- The style is classic, not modern. If you’d prefer a contemporary boutique feel, look at Amerikalinjen instead.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Very central, opposite the National Theatre
- Breakfast included
- Historic, family-run since 1909
- Theatercaféen and three more bars and restaurants
- Michelin Key and Leading Hotels of the World member
- Airport train station about 100 m away
⚠️ Consider before booking
- Luxury pricing
- Only 10 parking spaces
- Not pet-friendly
- No spa or pool
- Classic rather than contemporary style
✅ Is Hotel Continental Worth It?
Hotel Continental makes the most sense if you want a traditional five-star Oslo experience with real history, a very central location and full-service luxury. Its fourth-generation family ownership, Theatercaféen and spot opposite the National Theatre give it a character that’s quite different from Oslo’s newer design hotels.
If you’re after the lowest rate or a casual boutique atmosphere, another Oslo hotel will suit you better.
🎟️ Check Rates & Availability at Hotel Continental →
❓ Hotel Continental FAQ
Is Hotel Continental a five-star hotel?
Yes. It’s a five-star hotel and has been a member of The Leading Hotels of the World since 1975.
When did Hotel Continental Oslo open?
Hotel Continental and Theatercaféen opened in December 1900. The same family has run it since 1909 and is now in its fourth generation.
Is breakfast included at Hotel Continental?
Yes. Breakfast is included, with a choice of buffet or à la carte.
Does Hotel Continental Oslo have parking?
Yes, but only 10 garage spaces are available for guests, and they must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
Is Hotel Continental pet-friendly?
No. Only service animals are allowed.
Plan the Rest of Your Oslo Trip
Comparing Hotel Continental against Oslo’s other top picks? Here’s everything else you need.
This post contains an affiliate link to Expedia. The Wandering Adventurer may earn a small commission if you book through our link, at no extra cost to you.
Leave a Reply