Hotels in Oslo

Hotels in Oslo: prices, timing and areas

When to book a stay in Oslo for less

It is cheapest in December, out of season, when rates fall by about a fifth against the yearly average. June and high summer are the priciest, when the days are longest and the city is at its liveliest. This is more of a weekday than a weekend capital, so Friday tends to be the cheapest day and Tuesday the most expensive, when business guests arrive. Here, unlike in smaller cities, it pays to book really early, as the lowest rates show up about three months before arrival. In summer the good central options go faster still.

What a stay costs by property type

Oslo is an expensive market, from a hostel bed in Grünerløkka to an apartment in the centre. The cheapest sleep is in hostels and simple chain hotels, and the gap up to four and five stars by Karl Johan is large. Apartments can cost more than a regular hotel because you rent a whole place. Below are indicative nightly rates from the summer.

Indicative rates for a double room, from the summer. Out of season, especially in winter, the same property is often noticeably cheaper, so check the real price for your dates in the search above.

Where a stay is cheaper and where it costs more

The priciest is the area around the very centre, Sentrum by Karl Johan, and Gamle Oslo with the modern Barcode district and Bjørvika by the Opera House. The most properties are in elegant Frogner on the west side, near Vigeland Park and Aker Brygge. It is cheaper in trendy Grünerløkka east of the river, with its cafes and bar scene. With a compact centre and an efficient T-bane, a base outside the very centre is still convenient. Below are indicative nightly prices in a few districts.

The gaps between districts are small, because all of Oslo is expensive, but Grünerløkka and Frogner usually work out a little cheaper than the very centre. With short distances, getting in from anywhere is quick.

Which stay in Oslo suits whom

• First time in Oslo. Sentrum by Karl Johan is the easiest base, near the station, the City Hall and the Opera House. From here it is a walk to most of the sights.
• Trendy and cheaper. Grünerløkka east of the river, with cafes, clothing shops and a bar scene. Good for a longer, less touristy stay.
• For couples. Elegant Frogner near Vigeland Park and Aker Brygge, or boutique hotels by Karl Johan. In the evening the waterfront at Aker Brygge is at its nicest.
• Near the Opera and museums. Gamle Oslo with the Barcode district and Bjørvika, by the Opera House and the Munch Museum. The modern part of the city right on the fjord.
• With breakfast. Many chain hotels include a buffet in the rate, which really helps cut the food bill in an expensive city.
• Near the airport. Hotels around Oslo-Gardermoen suit an early flight, and a fast train runs into the centre in about twenty minutes.

Example hotels in Oslo with prices

From a hostel bed in Grünerløkka to five stars by Karl Johan, a few Oslo names with a from price. Just a starting point, as rates can climb sharply in summer and in a week with big trade fairs.

From prices for a double room, from the summer. The same hotel can differ a lot between December and June, so check your exact dates in the search.