The Oslo Plaza Hotel is a landmark of the Norwegian capital city. Let's take a closer look at one of Oslo's best-known hotels.
Although I live in Trondheim, I spend a lot of time down in Oslo. There are many reasons for my visits, whether it's to see friends, make videos, interview people, work with a client, or watch a football or ice hockey game.
The hotel I've stayed in more than any other is the Radisson Blu Plaza, also known as the Oslo Plaza. I've written reviews of several Oslo hotels I've stayed in over the years.
But it was only recently when writing about the 1995 Oslo Plaza mystery that I realised I'd never actually written about this hotel!
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So on my most recent trip, I took a few pictures and have collected my thoughts from that trip and several others over recent years.
Introducing the Oslo Plaza
The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, commonly referred to as Oslo Plaza, is an iconic part of the skyline of Oslo. As Norway's tallest building, it offers spectacular views over the city and the Oslofjord, giving guests a unique perspective of the capital.
One of the biggest advantages of staying at the Radisson Blu Plaza is its location. Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel is just a short walk from Oslo Central Station, making it convenient for travellers arriving by train or from the airport.
Major attractions like the Oslo Opera House, Aker Brygge, and the Royal Palace are easily accessible, either on foot or via public transport. It's also super convenient for those attending a concert at Oslo Spectrum, immediately next to the hotel.
However, bear in mind that by turning right outside of the main entrance you cross the urban park that leads to Grønland. This park is safe enough to walk through, but the pushers of Oslo will be only too pleased to introduce themselves.
Check-in
Upon entering the hotel, the first thing you'll notice is the modern design. General reception and check-in desks greet you, with a concierge desk to the right.
The check-in process is often efficient, but occasionally large queues can form when the hotel is fully-booked. This most often happens at 3pm when check-in opens, especially on weekends and when major events are taking place.
Once you receive your room key, the elevators work by you selecting the required floor on a digital screen. Once you tap your room key, you are directed to a specific lift.
These elevator systems are becoming more common around the world, although still relatively rare in Norway, simply because there aren't many really tall buildings!
Guest room
I immediately headed over to the windows to take in the spectacular view of Oslo.
My room on the 31st floor (!) was decorated in a typical Scandinavian style that will feel immediately familiar to anyone who's stayed in a Radisson Blu before.
The room pictured is a premium room, which I was upgraded to because of status in the Radisson Rewards programme, but more on that later. Premium rooms are more spacious and located on higher floors.
The room featured a very large double bed, a sofa seat with round table that I used as a desk, and an easy chair with foot stool, ideal for watching TV or reading.
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An ironing board and iron was available in the wardrobe, which had enough storage space for a couple of nights. A Nespresso machine was supplied with coffee capsules (free), together with a minibar (paid).
Annoyingly, there was a note to say anything removed from the fridge would be automatically charged, so it was difficult to use the minibar as a personal fridge, although I managed to fit in one drinks bottle without disturbing anything.
The bathroom was slightly bigger than the average Scandinavian hotel room, with a shower over bath and plenty of towels.
There was plenty of power, too. In addition to individual plug sockets on either side of the bed, there were two underneath the sofa seat, ideal for working, and two by the door, useful for the iron. On one side of the bed, two USB-A outlets were available.
Breakfast
I've long been a fan of the Radisson Blu breakfast offering, and the Oslo Plaza does it especially well. There's a good selection of hot dishes, but where the breakfast excels is the range of cold cuts, including smoked salmon and cheeses.
There's also a good selection of sweet bites for those who prefer a sweeter breakfast. I usually have to avoid these because of my egg allergy, but they often include a vegan banana cake, which I just love. It's bite size, I promise!
On previous visits there has been an a la carte menu available of freshly-cooked egg dishes, but I believe these are only available on weekdays.
Bear in mind that I'm an early riser so I always hit the breakfast room within the first hour of opening. Breakfasts at many hotels in Norway get very crowded later in the opening hours, especially during tourist season. I haven't experienced this at Oslo Plaza, but it's something to bear in mind.
Bars and restaurants
I rarely eat dinner or drink at the hotel bars and restaurants when I'm staying in Oslo, as there's so much choice elsewhere in the city. However, I have enjoyed the occasional drink at the ground floor bar in the Oslo Plaza.
Although expensive, it was a handy place to grab a drink and a quick bite (limited menu) while I waited for a train after checking out.
The neighbouring sports bar “Chicago Pizza and Brew” offers cheaper beer and fantastic pizza. There's a door by the elevators that leads directly into the bar, so you don't need to leave the hotel lobby to get there.
Oslo Plaza also offers a restaurant and cocktail bar on the top floors, where the main attraction is the sensational views across the city. But as I stayed in the 31st floor, I didn't feel the need to visit!
Pool, Sauna & Fitness
There are some fitness and wellness facilities also located at the top of the hotel. You need to take the elevator up to the 32nd floor, then use the staircase to get to the facilities. It's not the easiest place to get to!
The pool is a good size but as with most hotel pools it's one for relaxation rather than serious exercise.
There's men's and women's saunas available, along with a fitness room that's much bigger than it first appears, and that offers sensational views of the city. Unfortunately, these views mean the fitness room heats up on sunny days.
Overall
My verdict on the Oslo Plaza should be clear given that I keep coming back! Above all else, I like the location. I had one bad experience last year, but the issues were quickly resolved and I've been happy with the hotel since.
If you are a member of the Radisson Rewards loyalty programme, perks such as automatic room upgrades and early check-in upon availability are available depending on your membership level.
Ready to book? Check availability and rates at the Radisson Blu Oslo Plaza with our friends at Booking.com.
Oslo Travel Resources: Hotel Booking – Book Tours of Oslo – Things To Do In Oslo – Car Rental – Travel Insurance
As such, I typically pay for a normal double room and often receive a premium room on a high floor. On my most recent visit, I paid approximately NOK 4,000 for a two-night stay, which included breakfast.
While far from the cheapest place to stay in Oslo, it's good value for what it offers, especially given the location and the fantastic views of Norway's capital city.
Have you stayed at the Radisson Blu Plaza in Oslo? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments.
Has crowd funding been done to submit to more DNA sites?
My 2cents, honey trap. Those 24 hrs she was absent from the hotel- she could have been drugged and deemed unfit. A liability hence her death. And Fair Fare Fer gate spelling… mysterious “Lois”- maybe a French connection?