Yeap, Norway suffers from an absence of international chains (except Radisson SAS, which is partly Scandinavian by the way). We had Sheraton here a few years ago, but they decided to close down... But Hilton, Starwood and Marriott are all planning projects here in Oslo, so the future will hopefully bring some good stuff here, cause Norwegian hotels are usually very plain and boring. Not that a Marriott is all that exciting, but those of you who have stayed at Norwegian hotels know what I am talking about.

Marriott plans to open 8-10 hotels in Norway alone the next few years. The first one will be a Courtyard though, situated close to the airport (not walking distance). There are also plans for two Marriott branded hotels in Oslo, which is good. Cause it would offer some competition in the so-called (hmmmm) "top-end" market to the run-down Grand Hotel and the insufficient Hotel Continental. Hotelbusiness in Norway are very good these days, and I am sure Marriott will benefit from this - and their guests too! Marriott have said that their Marriott Hotels in Oslo will offer their guests more benefits, AND circa 10 % cheaper than their competitors (Grand and Continental).