Amerikalinjen

Amerikalinjen, a Michelin Key One-Keys property in Oslo, Norway, is consistently lauded as a top-tier boutique hotel, celebrated for its unique blend of historic charm and contemporary Nordic design. Housed in the former headquarters of the Norwegian America Line, the hotel offers a luxurious and memorable experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Amerikalinjen receives exceptional customer ratings, with an impressive overall rating of 9.4. Guests consistently report a wonderful and remarkable stay, often describing it as the best hotel they've experienced in Norway. The general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting luxury and sophistication.

2. Key Highlights

Guests particularly love the hotel's distinctive design, which seamlessly merges its seafaring heritage with modern Nordic aesthetics. The state-of-the-art facilities, including an elegant spa, a well-equipped fitness center, and multiple dining options, are frequently praised. A notable highlight is the hotel's intimate jazz club, Gustav, named after the founder of Amerikalinjen, which offers vibrant live music, especially on weekends. The hotel's unique character and attention to detail also set it apart from other chain properties.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Amerikalinjen are described as beautifully appointed, stylish, and comfortable. While standard rooms may not be huge, they are well-utilized and feature high ceilings, adding to their glamour. Guests appreciate the modern amenities, comfortable king-sized beds with quality mattresses and bedding, and effective blackout curtains for excellent sleep quality. Smart technology for lighting, including dimming options and subtle night lights in bathrooms, is also a plus. Bathrooms are often noted as spacious, particularly the showers, and come with quality toiletries and towels. Some rooms, especially suites, offer separate areas for relaxing, working, and sleeping, with ample natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Amerikalinjen is a significant highlight, particularly the breakfast. It's often cited as "the best breakfast in Oslo" and has even received awards. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous buffet with a wide variety of fresh pastries, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and cereals. Hot dishes like scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or omelets can be ordered, and American pancakes and croissants are also part of the offering. The restaurant, Atlas Brasserie, offers a culinary journey with a fusion of international and local flavors for other meals. Room service breakfast is also a popular option. The hotel's baked treats and desserts, including macarons and cookies, receive high praise.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Amerikalinjen consistently receive high praise, with a rating of 9.5 for staff performance. Guests commend the friendly, generous, welcoming, and attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. From smooth check-ins, even late at night, to personalized recommendations and assistance, the staff make guests feel valued.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an exceptional location, earning a remarkable rating of 9.6. It is centrally located in the heart of Oslo, directly across the street from the Oslo Central Train Station, making it incredibly convenient for arrivals and departures, especially from Oslo Gardermoen Airport via the Flytoget airport express train. This prime position allows easy access to major attractions like the Royal Palace, Oslo Opera House, and the Aker Brygge waterfront, many of which are within walking distance. Public transportation, including metro stations, is also readily accessible for exploring further afield.

7. Value & Pricing

Amerikalinjen is considered to offer excellent value for money, despite not being the cheapest hotel in Oslo. With an average room price around $316, it provides a luxury experience that rivals some of the best hotels globally, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and contemporary design. Guests feel they receive exceptional value for the experience provided.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor recurring criticisms include the occasional noise from trams in rooms facing the street. Also, some guests have noted the absence of complimentary bottled mineral water in the rooms, finding it unusual for a high-end property, though tap water in Oslo is of high quality. There have also been instances where restaurant closing times were not clearly communicated, leading to rushed dining experiences.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. norwegiantraveller.com
3. callumelsdon.com
4. theprivatetraveller.com
5. thehoteljournal.com
6. frequentmiler.com