Settling into Oslo - Norway - page 84

Family-Friendly Hotels Kids

Rica Hotel Oslo Airport (p. 92) At this spot near the airport, the staff
sponsors children's programs and can arrange family outings, such as a
trip on a paddle steamer.
Grand Hotel (p. 81) The Grand's indoor pool provides an outlet for
your child's energy. The “solve-everything” concierge can recommend
babysitting services and diversions for children.
Hotel Bristol (p. 85) One of the most elegant and comfortable hotels
in Oslo welcomes children and lets those under 15 stay free in their par-
ent's room. The chef will even put a “junior steak” on the grill.
Rainbow Hotel Norrøna (p. 89) This reliable choice attracts the
economy-minded family trade. There's a moderately priced cafe on the
premises.

high above the city's commercial core, almost immediately next to the city's bus
and railway stations. The high-altitude views are sublime, and the comfortable,
well-decorated rooms have flair and original works of art. Each medium-size
unit comes with an immaculate bathroom with tub/shower combination. The
bar on the 34th floor has a panoramic view (Mon-Sat 4pm-1am).
Sonja Henies Plass 3, N-0134 Oslo. & 22-05-80-10. Fax [phone]. www.radissonsas.com. 673 units.
Mon-Thurs 1,800NOK-3,500NOK ($256-$497) double; Fri-Sun and daily June-Aug 980NOK-1,290NOK
($139-$183). Rates include breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. T-banen: Jernbanetorget. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar;
limited room service. In room:A/C, TV, minibar, safe.
Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel This black, angular building in the
International style was built in 1975 as the Norwegian flagship of the hotel
group now known as Radisson SAS. Thanks to aggressive, seasonal price adjust-
ments and an appealing setting, this “grandfather” of Oslo's modern hotels
boasts an average occupancy rate of 73%, as opposed to the Norwegian national
average of only 54%. With 22 floors, this is Oslo's third-biggest hotel (after the
Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel and the Clarion Hotel Royal Christiana), the second-
tallest building, and the first hotel that most Oslovians think of when they hear
the name “SAS Hotel.” It also has a wider range of amenities than much of its
younger competition (for more on this, see “Amenities” immediately below).
Bedrooms are relatively large, very comfortable, and come in about a dozen dif-
ferent styles, including Scandinavian, Japanese, ersatz “rococo,” Art Deco, and
(newest of all), a nautical style inspired by the maritime traditions of Norway.
Holbergsgate 30, N-0166 Oslo. & 23-29-30-00. Fax [phone]. www.radissonsas.com. 488 units.
Mon-Thurs 1,800NOK-2,100NOK ($256-$298) double; Fri-Sun and mid-June to Aug daily
980NOK-1,280NOK ($139-$182) double, from 3,500NOK ($497) suite. Rates include breakfast. AE, DC, MC,
V. Parking 195NOK ($28). T-banen: Nationaltheatret. Amenities: 3 restaurants; bar; indoor pool; fitness room;
sauna; concierge; underground shopping arcade; laundry service/dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; rooms for
those w/limited mobility. In room:A/C, TV, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker (in some), safe (in some).
Rica Victoria Hotel One of the most appealing modern hotels in its
neighborhood, this hotel enjoys an enviable position midway between the Aker
Brygge restaurant and office complex and the Norwegian Parliament. Originally
built in 1991, the hotel was enlarged in 1994 and has received minor refurbish-
ments ever since on an as-needed basis. Often fully booked, the hotel has one of