With a very central location and a clever blend of history and modernity, Amerikalinjen is worth a look for your next Oslo hotel stay. Here’s our full review of this statement hotel.
Norway’s capital city is a popular city break from across Europe, and the natural starting point for exploring the country. If you’re planning a trip to Oslo, an important decision is where to stay.
With everything from luxury spa hotels to budget hostels and a thriving private rental market, Oslo offers something to suit most preferences and budgets. As editor of this website, I travel around Norway a lot and make many trips to Oslo.
On a recent trip to Oslo to, among other things, attend the opening of Norrøna House, I stayed a couple of nights at Amerikalinjen, a lively, boutique hotel at the very heart of the city.
Introducing Amerikalinjen
As much as I love good budget accommodation, I also love a hotel with a strong story. Amerikelinjen certainly has that. I know its origins will be of great interest to our readers from the Norwegian American community.
The building is the former headquarters of the Norwegian America Line (Den Norske Amerikalinje). Founded in 1910, the shipping line operated an ocean liner service between the U.S. and Norway.
Amerikalinjen Oslo: Check rates and availability on Booking.com
With a busy cargo operation too, the company was one of Norway’s largest shipping lines. At one point following the Great War, its fleet numbered 19 vessels.
With the Norwegian-American link and maritime history woven into the design of the hotel, Amerikalinjen has interested me ever since it opened. Now, I had the chance to check it out for myself. Let’s start with the location.
Where is Amerikalinjen in Oslo, Norway?
It’s hard to miss Amerikalinjen. The striking building faces Jernbanetorget, the public square and main public transport hub for Oslo.
Buses and trams trundle pass the hotel, Oslo metro trains pass underneath, while local, regional, and long-distance trains are just steps away at Oslo Central Station. This means that however you choose to get to Oslo, Amerikalinjen won’t be far away.
Check-in and first impressions
Upon entering the grand entrance, there are a series of rooms. To the left is a lounge and reception area, leading through to a bar. To the right is a restaurant, and straight on, an impressive garden-themed cafe and lounge area.
This internal, covered courtyard is called ‘Haven’ and I saw several people choosing to work in there throughout my stay. It was also used as some overflow seating for breakfast.
My room key was waiting for me at reception. As it had already been activated, check-in was super quick, with just a show of ID and a tap of a credit card needed.
Amerikalinjen Oslo: Check rates and availability on Booking.com
I was asked to book a time for breakfast using the QR code displayed next to the reception building. I’m not a fan of booking a time for breakfast in advance, but it seems to be commonplace in higher-end hotels these days.
Amerikalinjen guest room review
My first impression of the room was very positive indeed. As I opened the door, this wall that reminded me of a light box drew my eye. It was in fact the bathroom!
Although no larger than most other Oslo hotel rooms, this guest room made a striking impression. For example, behind the decent-sized double bed was a mirror-covered wall.
While modern, the room featured several framed pictures that added to the historic theme of the hotel, such as the shipping line’s map for New York and receipts from the time.
But what made the room for me was the view, straight over Jernbanetorget. Of course, not all guest rooms will have this view. Amenities in the room included a fully-stocked fridge/minibar and a Nespresso machine.
The stylish bathroom was another highlight, with one of the best showers I’ve experienced in a Norway hotel in terms of power and space in the cubicle. Toiletries, a hairdryer, and plenty of towels were provided.
Gym
Down in the hotel basem*nt there is a small albeit well-equipped fitness centre. A handful of cardio machines, weight machines and a free weight area are complemented by a mini-spa featuring Finnish style sauna and heated mosaic beds.
When I visit a hotel gym there’s rarely anyone there. So, I was a little surprised when I visited in the late afternoon and the centre was quite busy. However, I was still able to use the equipment I wanted to use.
Breakfast
I arrived for breakfast, with seating available in both the Atlas brasserie and the Haven courtyard. An a la carte egg menu was available alongside a buffet.
While the availability was a little smaller than in some hotels, the quality of everything was top-notch. There were even freshly-made bagels from the in-house bakery.
I didn't use the Atlas brasserie aside from breakfast but it's also open for lunch and dinner. In keeping with the theme of the hotel, Atlas serves a NYC-inspired menu but with ingredients from across Norway.
co*cktail bar and jazz club
There's plenty more going on at Amerikalinjen that I just didn't get a chance to check out. Firstly, the award-winning co*cktail bar Pier 42 that's named after the arrival point for immigrants in Manhattan.
In the basem*nt, the jazz club Gustav hosts weekend jazz sessions and other concerts throughout the year.
Amerikalinjen has certainly made a splash on the Oslo hotel and nightlife scene. I really enjoyed the theme and nods to history while being in a thoroughly modern hotel.
Amerikalinjen Oslo: Check rates and availability on Booking.com
If you're looking for a budget stay in the capital, this certainly isn't it. But if you enjoy history, are looking for premium dining and co*cktails, or simply want to treat yourself, Amerikalinjen is without doubt one of the best hotels in Oslo.
