Oslo is one of Europe’s pricier capitals, so where you stay affects your budget more here than in most cities. The good news: the central area is compact and walkable, and all four of our picks put you within easy reach of Karl Johans gate, Oslo Central Station and the waterfront. This guide puts our top pick in each category side by side so you can compare them quickly and choose the one that fits your trip.
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🗓 Quick Compare: Oslo’s Top Pick by Category
| Hotel | Best For | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 💎 Hotel Continental Luxury |
Classic five-star luxury and special occasions | Check Rates → |
| 🎨 Amerikalinjen Boutique |
Historic character, steps from the airport train | Check Rates → |
| 🏨 Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Mid-Range |
First-timers who want breakfast included | Check Rates → |
| 💰 Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station Budget |
Keeping costs down in a central spot | Check Rates → |
💡 Oslo hotel rates vary a lot by date, and summer (June–August) is peak season.
🤔 Which Oslo Hotel Fits Your Trip?
- Want classic luxury? Hotel Continental is Oslo’s grand five-star, family-run since 1909.
- Arriving on the airport train? Amerikalinjen and Comfort Hotel Xpress are a few minutes’ walk from Oslo Central Station. Hotel Continental is about 100 m from Nationaltheatret station, which the Flytoget airport train also serves.
- Want breakfast included? Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz and Hotel Continental both include breakfast. At Amerikalinjen it depends on your rate, and Comfort Hotel Xpress sells grab-and-go food instead.
- Bringing a dog? Amerikalinjen and Comfort Hotel Xpress accept pets for a fee. Thon Rosenkrantz and Hotel Continental only allow service animals.
- On a tight budget? Comfort Hotel Xpress keeps things simple to keep costs down.
💎 Luxury: Hotel Continental
📍 Location: Central Oslo, opposite the National Theatre | ✅ Best for: Classic luxury, couples and special occasions
Why choose it: Hotel Continental opened in 1900 and is still run by the same family, now in its fourth generation. It’s a five-star hotel with 151 individually furnished rooms and suites, a Michelin Key and breakfast included. There are four restaurants and bars, including the historic Theatercaféen.
Know before booking: Expect top-tier Oslo prices. There are only 10 parking spaces, which must be booked at least 24 hours ahead. There’s no spa or pool, and the style is classic rather than modern.
📖 Read our full Hotel Continental review →
🎟️ Check Current Rates at Hotel Continental →
🎨 Boutique: Amerikalinjen
📍 Location: Jernbanetorget, a few minutes’ walk from Oslo Central Station | ✅ Best for: Couples, design lovers and short stays
Why choose it: The hotel fills the restored 1919 headquarters of the Norwegian America Line, where emigrants once bought their tickets to America. It’s a few minutes from the station, and it has Atlas Brasserie, the Pier 42 cocktail bar, the Gustav jazz club, a 24/7 gym and a Finnish sauna.
Know before booking: Breakfast isn’t included with every rate, there’s no pool or spa, parking is off-site, and the hotel warns of some weekday daytime construction noise in certain rooms.
📖 Read our full Amerikalinjen review →
🎟️ Check Current Rates at Amerikalinjen →
🏨 Mid-Range: Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz
📍 Location: Central Oslo, a block from Karl Johans gate | ✅ Best for: First-time visitors, sightseeing and breakfast lovers
Why choose it: Thon Rosenkrantz is a colourful, award-winning design hotel in a very central spot, and the breakfast buffet is included. It also has an on-site gym and an Italian restaurant, Osteria della Nonna.
Know before booking: Entry-level rooms are compact, there’s no hotel parking (paid parking is nearby), and pets aren’t allowed.
📖 Read our full Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz review →
🎟️ Check Current Rates at Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz →
💰 Budget: Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station
📍 Location: Jernbanetorget, by Oslo Central Station | ✅ Best for: Keeping costs down in a central spot
Why choose it: It’s a simple, modern hotel right by Oslo Central Station, so the airport train, Karl Johans gate and the Opera House are all close by. There’s a 24/7 combined bar and reception, plus a deli for grab-and-go food.
Know before booking: Rooms are small, starting at about 14 m², and breakfast isn’t included — you buy food at the deli. There’s no gym, and parking is in nearby public garages. Pets are allowed for a fee.
📖 Read our full Comfort Hotel Xpress review →
🎟️ Check Current Rates at Comfort Hotel Xpress →
❓ Oslo Hotel FAQ
What’s the best area to stay in Oslo for first-time visitors?
Central Oslo, around Karl Johans gate and Oslo Central Station. Most major sights, restaurants and transport links are within walking distance, and all four of our picks are in this area.
Which Oslo hotels are closest to the main train station?
Comfort Hotel Xpress and Amerikalinjen are both a few minutes’ walk from Oslo Central Station, which is handy if you’re arriving on the Flytoget airport train.
Which of these Oslo hotels includes breakfast?
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz and Hotel Continental both include breakfast. At Amerikalinjen you need to choose a rate that includes it, and at Comfort Hotel Xpress you buy food at the deli.
Do I need a car when staying in central Oslo?
No. Central Oslo is compact and walkable, with good public transport. Hotel Continental has a small number of garage spaces that must be booked ahead; the other three picks rely on nearby public garages.
Is Oslo an expensive city to stay in?
Yes — Oslo is one of the pricier European capitals for hotels, and rates are highest in summer. Choosing a hotel or rate that includes breakfast can make a real difference to your daily costs.
Plan the Rest of Your Oslo Trip
Want the full list of options in each category? Here’s everything else you need for Oslo.
This post contains affiliate links to Expedia. The Wandering Adventurer may earn a small commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
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