Clarion The Hub: Oslo's biggest hotel, for better or worse

Norway's largest hotel sits three minutes from the airport express train platform. Roll your suitcase off the Flytoget, cross the street, and you're in the lobby. For pure transit convenience, nothing in Oslo comes close.

The lobby is a spectacle, all soaring ceilings, a massive hanging light installation, and curated art on the walls. The energy is closer to an airport terminal than a hotel. Over 800 rooms means crowds at every bottleneck: reception, elevators, the breakfast hall. During morning rush, 8:30 to 9:30, expect queues for the elevators that test your patience.

The standard rooms are a problem. They're small, borderline claustrophobic, with hanging rails instead of closets and barely enough floor space for an open suitcase. Some face an internal atrium, which means staring at other windows instead of the city. If you're spending money here, upgrade to a Superior or higher on an upper floor facing the fjord.

The breakfast spread is enormous, with an omelet station, fresh smoothies, organic produce, and solid vegan options. But the room where you eat it can feel industrial when 800 guests descend at once. Go early, right when it opens, and it's a different experience entirely.

Up on the 13th floor, the Norda restaurant has panoramic views over the city and the Oslofjord. The rooftop terrace in summer is worth a drink even if you're not staying here. There's a pool in the basement, but pool is generous, it's more of a heated plunge pool that gets crowded fast.