Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo

This hotel offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its central location directly adjacent to Oslo Central Station, providing unparalleled access to transport and city attractions. Its high-rise structure affords many guests stunning city and fjord views, a signature feature that enhances the overall experience. The hotel is an excellent fit for sightseers and tourists eager to explore Oslo on foot, as well as business travelers due to its convenient transport links. Concert-goers will find it ideal given its proximity to Spektrum. While generally praised for its comfortable accommodations and attentive service, guests should be prepared for potentially long queues during peak check-in times and familiarize themselves with the hotel's minibar policy to avoid unexpected charges.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. The gym, located on a high floor, is consistently praised for its amazing views and being well-equipped, allowing guests to maintain their fitness routines. The swimming pool, also on a high floor, offers panoramic views and an artificial current function, but some guests find it small, cold, or crowded, and note that changing facilities and the sauna can be a long walk away, sometimes involving a spiral staircase. Free Wi-Fi is available and generally reliable. The elevators are noted for being fast and efficient, though the system can sometimes be confusing or lead to crowding. A recurring point of frustration is the minibar policy, where guests are automatically charged for moving items, and a fee is often required to use the fridge for personal items.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, though some areas could see improvement. Many guests find the rooms spacious, clean, and well-appointed, appreciating the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that contribute to a restful sleep. The bathrooms are often described as clean, with some rooms featuring soaking tubs. However, some reviews mention uncomfortable mattresses that are too soft, and a noticeable level of noise from corridors, elevators, or ongoing construction. A number of guests have reported issues with older bathrooms showing signs of wear, such as mold or grime in grout, and some rooms experience problems with air conditioning being too warm or noisy, or televisions not functioning properly.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, particularly breakfast, garners significant attention. The breakfast buffet is widely celebrated for its extensive variety and high quality, with many guests calling it "amazing" or "excellent." Highlights include a custom omelette station, a wide selection of fresh bread, gluten-free and lactose-free options, and even champagne on Sundays. Some guests also commend the rooftop restaurant for its views and food, and the pizza restaurant for its quality. However, the breakfast area can become overcrowded and chaotic, especially on weekends, leading to long queues for popular items and challenges in finding clean, available tables. Some guests note that hot food items may be cold or limited in variety, and that staff can be slow to replenish dishes.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. It is situated directly next to Oslo Central Station, providing immediate access to trains, buses, and airport connections, making arrivals and departures exceptionally convenient. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of numerous key attractions, including the Opera House, Karl Johans Gate, and Spektrum, as well as various shopping and dining options. While the hotel itself is considered safe and secure, some guests have noted that the immediate surrounding area can appear somewhat busy or gritty due to ongoing construction and a visible presence of individuals experiencing homelessness, though this does not detract from the hotel's overall accessibility. Parking is available, but guests should be aware that it can be expensive.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receive praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism, with many guests highlighting their welcoming demeanor and willingness to assist. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient for some, and staff are noted for accommodating requests such as early check-in or late check-out when possible. However, a significant number of guests report exceptionally long queues at reception, particularly during peak hours, leading to frustrating wait times. Some reviews mention instances of unresponsive room service or difficulty reaching the front desk by phone. There are also recurring complaints about a lack of clear communication regarding hotel policies, such as the minibar, or about ongoing construction noise, and some guests have experienced issues with invoicing or deposits.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a few specific details that may impact their stay. The hotel's minibar policy is a frequent point of contention, as items are automatically charged upon removal, and a fee may apply if guests wish to use the fridge for their own items. Several reviews mention construction noise during the day, which can be disruptive, and this is not always communicated in advance. Some guests have reported issues with invoicing or deposits, including instances of double billing or delays in receiving refunds. The hotel's large size, while offering extensive facilities, can sometimes lead to a less personal experience and contribute to crowded common areas, particularly during breakfast.