Grand Hotel (Oslo; tel. 800/223-5652 in the U.S., or 23-21-20-00; www.grand.no): This is Norway's premier hotel, the last of Oslo's classic old-world palaces. It opened in 1874 and is still going strong. Ibsen and Munch were regular visitors. Constant renovations keep the hotel up-to-date and in great shape. The opulent suites house the Nobel Peace Prize winner every year.
Hotel Bristol (Oslo; tel. 22-82-60-00; www.bristol.no): Inspired by Edwardian-era British taste, the interior design is the most lavish and ornate in Oslo. You'll enter a world of rich paneling, leather chairs, glittering chandeliers, and carved pillars. The most inviting area is the bar off the lobby, decorated in a library motif. The guest rooms boast painted classic furnishings and rich fabrics.
Skagen Brygge Hotell (Stavanger; tel. 51-85-00-00; www.skagenbryggehotell.no): Southwestern Norway's most architecturally impressive hotel at the harborfront duplicates the look of a string of antique warehouses that used to stand here. Some of the preferred bedrooms are in the original 19th-century core. Accommodations in the newer section contain large windows and more modern furnishings.
Radisson SAS Hotel Norge (Bergen; tel. 800/333-3333 in the U.S., or 55-57-30-00; www.radissonsas.com): This grand hotel on Norway's west coast is sleek, modern, and cosmopolitan. The center of Bergen's major social events, the hotel is both traditional and handsomely up-to-date. It's also equipped with all the amenities guests expect in a deluxe hotel, and highly professional service.
Solstrand Hotel & Bad (Os, outside Bergen; tel. 56-57-11-00; www.solstrand.com): This is the finest hotel in the fjord district around the city of Bergen. Dating back to 1896, the hotel evokes the nostalgia of the Belle Epoque era, and you'll be coddled in comfort in cheerfully decorated bedrooms. Come here for a vacation retreat instead of an overnight stopover.
Dr. Holms Hotel (Geilo; tel. 32-09-57-00; www.drholms.com): One of Norway's most famous resort hotels, this establishment was opened by Dr. Holms in 1909. It still stands for elegance, comfort, and tradition, all of which are especially evident during the winter ski season. The hotel offers beautifully furnished rooms with classic styling and two new wings with a swimming complex. Famed musical artists often perform here.
Clarion Collection Hotel Grand Olav (Trondheim; tel. 73-80-80-80; www.choicehotels.no): This is the most stylish hotel in Norway's medieval capital, a tasteful enclave of comfort and good living. Located next to the city's concert house, the property is modern, filled with amenities, and imaginatively decorated.
Rica Ishavshotel (Tromsø; tel. 77-66-64-00; www.rica.no): Although chain-owned and -operated, this is the best hotel in the chilly north of Norway. From its dramatic perch, the hotel provides views in all directions. Looking like a space-age yacht, it nicely houses guests near the pier where the coastal steamers stop.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
