Scandic Oslo City

The hotel offers a highly convenient urban base, primarily distinguished by its unbeatable central location directly opposite Oslo Central Station, making it an ideal choice for exploring the city. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff and the excellent breakfast as key aspects of their stay. While rooms are generally clean, many are described as compact, and some guests note issues with noise from the street. This hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and business travelers due to its accessibility to major attractions and transport hubs. Families appreciate the spacious family rooms and comprehensive breakfast, while solo travelers find the smaller rooms perfectly adequate. For a quieter experience, it is advisable to request a room facing the inner courtyard, and be aware that room sizes can vary significantly.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's facilities generally functional, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. Rooms are typically equipped with a mini-fridge and a kettle, which are appreciated for convenience. While Wi-Fi is available and generally reliable, some guests found the signal to be on the slower side. A notable point is the absence of an in-room phone to contact reception, requiring guests to go downstairs for requests. Storage can be limited, with some rooms lacking a proper closet, offering only a hanging rack. The hotel also features a gym, though some guests describe it as small. Other conveniences mentioned include ice machines and vending machines on various floors, contributing to a comfortable stay.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness of the rooms is generally praised by guests, with many describing them as neat and well-maintained. However, some specific instances of overlooked cleaning, such as dirty duvets or uncleaned cups, have been reported. Room size is a frequent topic; while some family rooms and suites are noted as spacious, standard rooms are often described as compact, sometimes lacking adequate space for luggage. Comfortable beds are a highlight for most, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few guests found mattresses too soft or small. Noise levels can be a significant issue for rooms facing the street, with reports of loud music, tram sounds, and general street disturbances, especially at night, while courtyard rooms are consistently quieter. Temperature control is a common concern, as rooms can be too warm with limited or no ability to adjust the thermostat or open windows fully, sometimes necessitating the use of provided fans. Bathrooms are often described as small, with some guests noting issues like poor shower pressure or inconveniently placed light switches.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel is consistently highlighted as a major positive, with many guests describing it as excellent, amazing, and a significant highlight of their stay. The wide variety of options available receives high praise, including a full continental spread, hot dishes, and healthy choices such as fresh fruits, avocados, salads, and crispbreads. The inclusion of smoked salmon is particularly popular. While most guests appreciate the extensive selection, some find the gluten-free options somewhat limited, and a few note that the overall breakfast can be average. The breakfast area can become quite busy, especially during peak hours. Staff working in the dining area are frequently commended for their friendliness and helpfulness, though isolated concerns about food handling hygiene have been raised.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as one of its strongest assets, making it exceptionally convenient for both leisure and business travelers. Situated directly opposite Oslo Central Station, guests have immediate access to regional trains, airport connections, local buses, trams, and the metro, facilitating easy travel throughout the city and beyond. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of numerous major attractions, including the Opera House, Karl Johans gate with its shops and restaurants, and various museums. This prime position allows guests to explore much of the city on foot. While the location is ideal for public transport, parking is available but noted by guests as being expensive.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests, with many describing the team as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Guests frequently highlight the professionalism and attentiveness of the staff, from the reception to the breakfast area. The quick check-in process and the willingness to accommodate requests, such as early check-in or luggage storage, are often mentioned. Many appreciate the staff's efforts to go "above and beyond," like providing prompt email responses for invoices or assisting with specific needs like allergies. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few guests reported isolated issues with check-in accuracy or perceived unhelpfulness regarding specific hotel policies, such as visitor access.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational aspects and amenities that differentiate the hotel. A recurring theme in reviews is the limited room cleaning policy, with some guests noting that only towel changes occurred or that rooms were not cleaned at all during their stay, even upon request, which can impact comfort for longer visits. Furthermore, the provision of in-room amenities is basic, with guests often mentioning the absence of items like slippers, toothpaste, or body lotion, suggesting travelers should bring their own. The hotel's internal layout is frequently described as a "maze" or "rabbit warren," which can make navigating to rooms initially confusing, though staff are available to assist. Some rooms are equipped with Smart TVs and Chromecast functionality, offering entertainment options, though their reliability can vary.