Hotel Christiania Teater, Oslo

Pros  

• Enjoy an upscale boutique hotel with an elegant façade, a theatrical bi-level lounge, and a popular pizzeria with street views and a notable wine list.
• Guests are minutes on foot from shopping, restaurants, and some of Oslo’s top attractions, like the Nobel Peace Center.
• Distinct rooms have mini-bars and CO Bigelow bath products, and there’s free guest access to a quality breakfast with made-to-order egg dishes. 

Cons

• Some rooms show a little age and could use decor touch-ups.
• The courtyard-facing rooms are quieter but have lackluster views. 

Authenticity

Though the hotel opened in 2008, the building dates back to 1918 when it opened as a theater in Norway’s capital. That original venue is still intact in the rear of the property and is used for private events ranging from business conventions to weddings, so the hotel’s vibe can alter slightly depending on what’s taking place at the time. You have to walk through the lobby to access the theater, and this bi-level lounge can feel like a film set, with jazz music and ostentatious art nouveau decor accented with velvet chairs, sofas, and banquettes that feel extra atmospheric at nighttime. 

Location

The hotel is located on an attractive street that runs parallel to a public plaza where events take place through the seasons from Pride festivals to the seasonal Christmas market and ice skating rink. On the other side of the plaza is Karl Johans gate, the city’s main street, which leads to a pedestrian-friendly shopping area. The hotel is also less than a 10-minute walk to the Oslofjord, where Aker Brygge’s waterfront path begins with shopping, dining, and museums, including the Nobel Peace Center, and National Gallery (new as of 2022), and further down the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. The hotel is also less than a 15-minute walk to Oslo Central Station where regular express trains run to and from the airport. Guests can access public transportation at the National Theater Station, just a few minutes away. Parking for a fee is available at Saga Garage near the hotel.

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are 102 rooms on the property from compact single rooms to spacious suites, and no two are quite alike with unique wallpapers and furnishings in bold colors and patterns. What they do have in common are hardwood floors, tall ceilings, mini-bars stocked with beverages and snacks, kettles, and flat-screen TVs. Modern bathrooms have rain showers and CO Bigelow bath products. Upgraded rooms add Nespresso machines and bathrobes. All rooms either face the street side—great during the holidays when the Christmas market takes place right in front—or the back courtyard, with less interesting, but quieter environs. Some room renovations will take place at the end of 2022.   

Other Highlights

Like many hotels in Oslo, the hotel serves a complimentary buffet breakfast, but this one is particularly noteworthy with egg dishes made-to-order, and a range of healthy and organic items. The spread is located in a trendy dining space with art nouveau touches called Restaurant Teatro, which transitions to a pizzeria in the late afternoon with an extensive wine list. Snag a window seat and enjoy people-watching. Downstairs is a bi-level lobby lounge with a bar serving cocktails, though hours of operation may vary depending on events and meetings taking place in the large 600-seat theater tucked behind the lobby. This is used for a variety of events from theater productions, comedy nights, classical concerts, and business meetings and conferences. Quiet common areas are located on the 4th and 5th floors where you can work or read. Guests have free access to a nearby fitness center. Dry cleaning is available.

Sustainability

Hotel Christiania Teater is owned and operated by Nordic Choice Hotels and Resorts group, with a sustainability program called WeCare. There are initiatives at each property that aim to reduce its environmental impact. In 2019, all of the hotels stopped using unnecessary plastic products. The extensive program also includes ways to reduce food waste. A plan is also in the works to power as many hotels as possible with renewable energy. The food and beverage program at Hotel Christiania Teater includes organic ingredients and fair trade coffee.