The hotel is inside Oslo Central Station. Not next to it, not across the street. Inside the Østbanehallen wing, a listed building from 1854. Roll out of bed and you're on the Flytoget platform in three minutes. For early flights or late arrivals with heavy bags, nothing in Oslo comes close.
High ceilings, exposed pipes, bold pop-art on the walls. The vibe is industrial-chic in a 19th-century shell, which sounds like a contradiction but works here. The lobby doubles as a co-working space with long communal tables and plenty of outlets, so it skews younger and busier than your typical hotel lobby.
The rooms are where it gets complicated. Old building, inconsistent floor plan. Some rooms have massive windows and generous height. Others are long, skinny, and short on natural light. The budget options are compact. Ask for a room in the original station wing, the historic part, for the best ceiling height and windows. Soundproofing is solid, which is surprising given the location. Shut the window and the city disappears.
The bathroom motion-sensor lights are a problem. They cut out mid-shower. They blind you at 3 AM. This is not a minor annoyance.
No minibar, no room service. A 24-hour lobby deli covers basics like sandwiches and beer. The gym is small but open around the clock, and the treadmills overlook the main station hall, which is at least entertaining.