We kicked off our Nordic Choice Unlimited hotel pass with a four night stay at Amerikalinjen in June.
What we loved –
- Attention to detail
- Impeccable cleanliness
- Welcoming team
- Rich breakfast ingredients – bottomless berry bowls, avocado, exceptional pecan pie bites
- Playful design inspired by Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel
- Nostalgic tributes to the original Norwegian American Line building and story
- Commanding location on the same square as the Oslo Central Station
The only downsides –
- A bit warm at night
- No natural light or view in the basement gym
- Hot food at breakfast is just a tad salty, but you can chalk that up to personal taste
- Rooms are snug
The rooms have big closets and showers, eye-catching tilework, plush bathrobes and monogrammed slippers.
Breakfast is a highlight. For the past two years Amerikalinjen has been doing a cute breakfast tray, but it brought back the full buffet this summer, plus a barista bar and a made-to-order eggs menu. Try the green omelette for sure.
We especially loved dining in the winter garden, with its soaring ceilings and airy feel.
In June, the locally grown berries are especially sweet due to long summer days in Norway. The cappuccinos are exceptional, and the orange juice is fresh squeezed. There are also vegan options like tofu scramble and gluten free baked goods.
Aaron ordered an omelette with Swiss cheese and the chef came out to ask, what is Swiss cheese? Why is it Swiss?? You’ll quickly learn that the cheese with holes in it is Jarlsberg and it’s Norwegian. Swiss cheese is apparently an American invention.
When we came back to Amerikalinjen a month later, the chef remembered Aaron and waved at him from the kitchen with a big smile.
Oslo was energetic with nice summer weather, an international crowd, and a lot to see. The hotel is within walking distance to everything. Don’t miss the newly open National Museum of Art – it’s spectacular.
I would definitely recommend staying earlier in the summer if you can, before peak occupancy. You have a better chance at an outside facing room with a larger bathroom, and breakfast is a more orderly affair.
The second time we stayed, in August, the hotel was packed with families and groups. The staff had to run around to keep up, and housekeeping seemed really overwhelmed. We also had a courtyard facing room with a smaller bathroom.
Even so, we’d love to stay again. There is just something interesting to see at every turn.
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