Hotels in Norway (Oslo & Tromso)?
Dec 4, 2017, 4:49 pm
#1
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Hotels in Norway (Oslo & Tromso)?
Is the Continental still the best in Oslo? Haven't been since 2005. Looks like Clarion The Edge is as good as it gets in Tromso, but wanted to double check with FT. Thanks!
PS
Any suggestions of northern lights excursions in Tromso? Thanks!
PS
Any suggestions of northern lights excursions in Tromso? Thanks!
Last edited by GetSetJetSet; Dec 4, 2017 at 5:44 pm
Dec 4, 2017, 10:45 pm
#2
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we also really liked the Thief. More modern and a younger vibe in another area - not as central to siteseeing and downtown but we liked it nonetheless. Our room was smaller but more modern. ( both hotels had modern bathrooms - at least the rooms we had). Service not nearly as polished as the Continental but we really enjoyed the contrast. It has a fun rooftop bar and restaurant. Fun to visit the rooftop but you don't want the floor right below as noisy. Get two floors below!
i think depending on what you want to do both are nice. Having stayed at both I would likely return to the Continental but would be very picky about my room or suite!
Dec 5, 2017, 12:08 am
#3
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: OSL
Posts: 2,145
I live in Oslo meaning I have not stayed at the hotels, but I would much prefer the Thief to Continental, especially in summer since The Thief has a nice roof terrasse and is close to the sea with lots of restaurants and bars nearby. You will probably want to be in this areas a lot anyway. I also prefer the modern design and there is a nice spa as well. It is true as Larkin says that the Continental is more central, but Oslo is s small city and we are talking about 12 minutes walking distance in betweeen the two hotels through a nice, central area.
Dec 5, 2017, 2:18 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2015
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In August, we stayed in The Thief, whilst our friends stay in The Continental.
We were in their Brit Suite, which was a unique way of having a suite - it opens up into another connecting room, which is a living room and a bathroom. It was so separate that we never used it, as it really felt like another room....which is what it was. I suspect all that the suite does is give you a standard room, just with an extra room attached, so the bedroom still felt cramped.
They were certainly not generous with any amenities, with water even a rare commodity and not provided unless asked for, and even having toothpaste in the minibar, as some sly trick into making you not bother to ask housekeeping for it for free, even when you already had. I enjoyed the breakfast buffet, and the rooftop restaurant, so food was a positive, but excluding one member of staff from guest relations, service here was not up to any decent standard.
I forgot to take many pictures, but here are some, mostly of the spa, which was probably the most disappointing part. As another first, the hotel often does not include access to the spa in the room rate, so you would pay extra to go in and find nothing worth paying for.
We were in their Brit Suite, which was a unique way of having a suite - it opens up into another connecting room, which is a living room and a bathroom. It was so separate that we never used it, as it really felt like another room....which is what it was. I suspect all that the suite does is give you a standard room, just with an extra room attached, so the bedroom still felt cramped.
They were certainly not generous with any amenities, with water even a rare commodity and not provided unless asked for, and even having toothpaste in the minibar, as some sly trick into making you not bother to ask housekeeping for it for free, even when you already had. I enjoyed the breakfast buffet, and the rooftop restaurant, so food was a positive, but excluding one member of staff from guest relations, service here was not up to any decent standard.
I forgot to take many pictures, but here are some, mostly of the spa, which was probably the most disappointing part. As another first, the hotel often does not include access to the spa in the room rate, so you would pay extra to go in and find nothing worth paying for.
I also had a very unfortunate incident when we left to the airport, where the taxi company they called tried to rip us off and not charge a fixed rate, even though the concierge said this is what was booked. He was trying to charge us almost double what the rate even said on the side of his car. The driver ended up getting very aggressive about this, so I took it up with the hotel and they just couldn't be bothered to help. It's the only time I've ever had an issue with a taxi driver, having been to over 50 countries. It was enough to make me not return.
Dec 5, 2017, 7:49 pm
#6
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I previously debated between Clarion The Edge and Clarion Hotel With. We ended up going with the latter as it included meals (which were uninspiring, but were fine for a day or two given the high price of restaurants in Tromso). Hotel With was not luxury at all, but it was clean, decently located, had nice staff, and a good view. We didn't spend all that much time in the hotel anyway, as we were out driving about looking at the lovely scenery during the day and then were out at night when weather permitted viewing the Northern Lights.
Dec 5, 2017, 8:28 pm
#7
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Dec 6, 2017, 12:04 am
#8
Join Date: Aug 2007
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In August, we stayed in The Thief, whilst our friends stay in The Continental.
We were in their Brit Suite, which was a unique way of having a suite - it opens up into another connecting room, which is a living room and a bathroom. It was so separate that we never used it, as it really felt like another room....which is what it was. I suspect all that the suite does is give you a standard room, just with an extra room attached, so the bedroom still felt cramped.
They were certainly not generous with any amenities, with water even a rare commodity and not provided unless asked for, and even having toothpaste in the minibar, as some sly trick into making you not bother to ask housekeeping for it for free, even when you already had. I enjoyed the breakfast buffet, and the rooftop restaurant, so food was a positive, but excluding one member of staff from guest relations, service here was not up to any decent standard.
I forgot to take many pictures, but here are some, mostly of the spa, which was probably the most disappointing part. As another first, the hotel often does not include access to the spa in the room rate, so you would pay extra to go in and find nothing worth paying for.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/132880...7690553171955/
I also had a very unfortunate incident when we left to the airport, where the taxi company they called tried to rip us off and not charge a fixed rate, even though the concierge said this is what was booked. He was trying to charge us almost double what the rate even said on the side of his car. The driver ended up getting very aggressive about this, so I took it up with the hotel and they just couldn't be bothered to help. It's the only time I've ever had an issue with a taxi driver, having been to over 50 countries. It was enough to make me not return.
We were in their Brit Suite, which was a unique way of having a suite - it opens up into another connecting room, which is a living room and a bathroom. It was so separate that we never used it, as it really felt like another room....which is what it was. I suspect all that the suite does is give you a standard room, just with an extra room attached, so the bedroom still felt cramped.
They were certainly not generous with any amenities, with water even a rare commodity and not provided unless asked for, and even having toothpaste in the minibar, as some sly trick into making you not bother to ask housekeeping for it for free, even when you already had. I enjoyed the breakfast buffet, and the rooftop restaurant, so food was a positive, but excluding one member of staff from guest relations, service here was not up to any decent standard.
I forgot to take many pictures, but here are some, mostly of the spa, which was probably the most disappointing part. As another first, the hotel often does not include access to the spa in the room rate, so you would pay extra to go in and find nothing worth paying for.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/132880...7690553171955/
I also had a very unfortunate incident when we left to the airport, where the taxi company they called tried to rip us off and not charge a fixed rate, even though the concierge said this is what was booked. He was trying to charge us almost double what the rate even said on the side of his car. The driver ended up getting very aggressive about this, so I took it up with the hotel and they just couldn't be bothered to help. It's the only time I've ever had an issue with a taxi driver, having been to over 50 countries. It was enough to make me not return.
Just one little note for explaining the water issue: In Norway we normally drink the tab water which is as clean and fresh and good as any bottle water which can be the reason why they did not provide bottles. I do, however, think they should make sure to explain this to guests from abroad and provide glasses etc.
Dec 6, 2017, 1:43 pm
#9
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I previously debated between Clarion The Edge and Clarion Hotel With. We ended up going with the latter as it included meals (which were uninspiring, but were fine for a day or two given the high price of restaurants in Tromso). Hotel With was not luxury at all, but it was clean, decently located, had nice staff, and a good view. We didn't spend all that much time in the hotel anyway, as we were out driving about looking at the lovely scenery during the day and then were out at night when weather permitted viewing the Northern Lights.
Dec 6, 2017, 3:09 pm
#10
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I am leaning towards The Edge. I would love suggestions on how to best see the northern lights (will be There Jan 5-8), including any good companies you used, and other suggestions on what to see/side trips. Should be an interesting experience living in 24 hour darkness. Thanks!
Dec 7, 2017, 1:08 pm
#12
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I am leaning towards The Edge. I would love suggestions on how to best see the northern lights (will be There Jan 5-8), including any good companies you used, and other suggestions on what to see/side trips. Should be an interesting experience living in 24 hour darkness. Thanks!
Stayed at Nellim Wilderness Hotel , not luxury but adequate with a range of accommodation to select from , if you decide on crossing to Finland / Suomi too
.Saw the aurora borealis all 4 nights , even from our lodge !!
We used https://www.theaurorazone.com/destin...days-to-norway
https://www.theaurorazone.com/holida...im-tailor-made
Last edited by FlyerEC; Dec 7, 2017 at 1:28 pm Reason: Typos , add information
Dec 7, 2017, 1:54 pm
#13
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So, I checked with the Continental, and they will be closed from late Dec. until early Feb for renovations. My Oslo dates are 1/8-1/11. Besides The Theif, are there any other reasonable options? The Continental suggested The Grand (have read bad things) and The Bristol (know nothing about it). Thanks.
Dec 8, 2017, 12:12 am
#14
Join Date: Aug 2007
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So, I checked with the Continental, and they will be closed from late Dec. until early Feb for renovations. My Oslo dates are 1/8-1/11. Besides The Theif, are there any other reasonable options? The Continental suggested The Grand (have read bad things) and The Bristol (know nothing about it). Thanks.
Last edited by Musken; Dec 8, 2017 at 7:23 am
