Oslo's Radisson Blu: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Oslo's Radisson Blu: My Oh My! (A Review That's Actually Real)
Alright, let's be honest. Hotels? Can be a crapshoot. You see the glossy photos, the promises of "luxury," and then…well, you're staring at a questionable stain on the carpet and a vaguely-smelling pillow. But, after surviving a brutal Norwegian winter, I needed a REAL treat. So, I landed in Oslo and checked into the Radisson Blu. And, folks? It was… complicated. Prepare yourself, because this review is going to be less "polished brochure" and more "drunken chat with your best friend."
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First Impressions: Glamorous, But Also… A Little Bureaucratic?
Okay, let's get the practical stuff out of the way. Accessibility? They claim it's great. I didn't personally need it, but I saw the ramps and elevators were plentiful. But, honestly, it felt like there was a lot of… paperwork. They seemed to be hyper-meticulous about everything, safety protocols, cleaning… It was reassuring, I guess, but also a bit… overwhelming. I think I filled out enough forms to build a small paper fortress before I even got to my room.
Check-in/out [express/private/contactless]: They had all the options. I opted for what I thought was the express, and ended up still signing about a million things.
Safety and Cleanliness: Overkill? Maybe. Welcome? Definitely.
I’m gonna be frank. 2024 standards? Obsessive is the new normal. The Radisson Blu’s not just meeting the standards, they’re practically running them. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection? More like hourly, I swear. Hand sanitizer stations galore. Rooms sanitized between stays? Presumably, they hired a team of ninjas because my room looked like it had just been built. I mean, the room sanitization opt-out available? I didn't even consider it. I was happy to just breathe clean air. They were so intense about it that I briefly considered asking if there was a way to, like, donate my body to science for the sake of cleanliness research.
Rooms: Beyond Comfortable, Almost… Clinical?
Okay, the rooms themselves were… impressive. Beyond impressive. Utterly glorious. Air conditioning? Yes. Blackout curtains? YES! (Important for those midnight sun situations). Bathrobes? Heck yeah. And actual good ones. Bathtub? Check. Separate shower/bathtub? You betcha. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Oh, yes, it was blazing fast - I could stream the Norwegian version of "Love Island" without a hitch. Internet [LAN]? Available. Internet services? The best, probably. They really nailed the basics.
Also, the slightly less fun stuff:
- Additional toilet: Not in my room, sadly.
- Alarm clock: Modern, but a bit complicated.
- Bathroom phone: Seriously? Who uses those anymore?
- Carpeting: Lovely. But I'm used to hardwood.
- Closet: Spacious, but I'm a messy traveler.
- Desk: Perfect for pretending to work while staring at the view.
- Extra long bed: Bliss.
- Hair dryer: Functional, but not particularly powerful.
- High floor: My request was granted!
- In-room safe box: A small one.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Great for families!
- Laptop workspace: Check.
- Linens: Scrumptious.
- Mini bar: Expensive, but well-stocked.
- Mirror: Lots of mirrors, everywhere.
- Non-smoking: Obviously.
- On-demand movies: Good selection.
- Private bathroom: Yes.
- Reading light: Lovely.
- Refrigerator: Handy.
- Satellite/cable channels: Lots.
- Scale: I was too scared to use it.
- Seating area: Comfy, good for lounging.
- Shower: Excellent water pressure.
- Slippers: Included.
- Smoke detector: Thankfully.
- Socket near the bed: Genius.
- Sofa: Comfy.
- Soundproofing: Excellent. Barely heard the outside world.
- Telephone: Unused.
- Toiletries: Good quality.
- Towels: Fluffy.
- Umbrella: Useful in Oslo.
- Visual alarm: Helpful for those with visual impairments.
- Wake-up service: Didn't need it, but good to know.
- Window that opens: Wonderful!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Odyssey
Here's where it gets fun. The Radisson Blu delivers on the food front. Restaurants? Plural. There are several. Bars? Multiple. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Oh, yes, please! Happy hour? Ding ding ding! And, for the health-conscious (or those trying to pretend to be), they had a vegetarian restaurant.
Food:
- Asian breakfast: I confess, I'm not a huge fan of the "Asian breakfast" thing, but they had one.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Also present.
- A la carte in restaurant: Definitely an option.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Flexible.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet! Oh, the buffet! Breakfast service? Excellent. Buffet in restaurant? YES! I went full-on carb-loading. Freshly baked bread? Check. Smoked salmon? Check. Waffles? Double-check!
- Coffee shop: Nice to have.
- Desserts in restaurant: Indulge.
- International cuisine in restaurant: A wide range.
- Poolside bar: Amazing (especially because of the next item).
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for those late-night snack attacks. Ordered some fries and they were PERFECT.
- Salad in restaurant: Healthy options available.
- Snack bar: Good for when you just want a quick bite.
- Soup in restaurant: Comfort food.
- Western breakfast: Present.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Of course.
Anecdote: I actually had a moment in the pool bar. I ordered a Mojito that was absolute heaven, and then, I spent a solid hour just staring at the Oslo skyline. It was… perfect. Truly. The waiter, bless him, had to nudge me to get my attention. That's the kind of bliss this place offers. It was absolutely unbelievable.
Ways to Relax (Or Spoil Yourself Rotten)
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff. The pampering! The Radisson Blu has a killer Spa. Spa/sauna? Oh, yes. Sauna? Definitely. Steamroom? You betcha. Massage? Book one! It was the best massage I've had in… ages. They also had a Pool with view. Seriously, you can swim, relax, and look at city. The Fitness center was well-equipped – I tried to use it. Body scrub? Consider it! Body wrap? Yes. Foot bath? Now you're talking! This is where the Radisson Blu truly starts to justify that price tag. This is the selling point, folks.
Accessibility notes for the spa/gym: Again, I didn't try every single facility, but I saw that they had ramps and accessible facilities.
Services and Conveniences: Everything You Could Possibly Need (And Some Things You Didn't Know You Needed)
This is where the Radisson Blu really shines. Air conditioning in public area? Yup. Audio-visual equipment for special events? Check. Business facilities? If you need to do work, it's ready for you. Cash withdrawal? Yep. Concierge? Incredibly helpful. Contactless check-in/out? There are options, as mentioned. Convenience store? Score! Currency exchange? Yes. Daily housekeeping? They were practically psychic about it, too. Doorman? Always helpful. Dry cleaning? They have it. Elevator? Obviously. Facilities for disabled guests? Plenty. Food delivery? Available. Gift/souvenir shop? Buy something for your annoying aunt. Indoor venue for special events? Yup. Ironing service? Yes. Laundry service? Yes. Luggage storage? Yes. Meeting/banquet facilities? Yup. **Outdoor venue for special events
Escape to Paradise: Hamilton Lodge & Spa, Belalp's Unforgettable Swiss Alps Retreat
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is a REAL adventure, Radisson Blu Plaza Oslo edition, and let's just say, my "perfectly organized" skills usually involve a crumpled map and a healthy dose of caffeine.
The Epic Oslo Odyssey: A Messy, Wonderful Whirlwind
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lagged Delirium, and the Quest for the Perfect Fjord View (aka, Room with a View, if you please)
- Morning (ish - let's be honest, around noon after a transatlantic flight): Arrive at Oslo Airport (OSL). Customs? A blur. My passport photo looks like a wanted poster, but whatever, I'm IN NORWAY! Already feeling that glorious exhaustion set in. The airport train? Efficient, but I swear, I spent half the journey convinced I was going to the wrong stop.
- Pro-tip: Pack an emergency stash of nuts/fruit. Airplane food is NOT a sustainable fuel source, and the desperate hunger pangs mid-city are… well, not pretty.
- Afternoon: Drag my weary carcass and suitcase to the Radisson Blu Plaza. Check-in? Smooth (thank god). Request for a room with a fjord view? Initially met with a polite "almost full." My internal panic meter spiked. Norway, sunshine, and fjord views, are what I craved! I'd survived transatlantic flights (and had a toddler at home: nothing can prepare you for that) I'm not going to settle for a concrete jungle. I did pull some charm, and a lovely gentleman, after a bit of haggling and an enthusiastic description of my yearning for watery vistas, managed to find room in 17th floor. Blessed be.
- Afternoon (continued): Settle in. The room? Okay, slightly less spectacular than the pictures had advertised, but the view… OH. MY. GOD. That fjord! It's like a giant, shimmering, blue serpent winding its way through the city. I spent a solid hour just staring, mesmerized, occasionally muttering "Wow" under my breath. The kind of view that makes you forget (temporarily) that you haven't showered in… a while. Let it be known that I will never, ever, take a fjord view for granted.
- Evening: Fumbling through the Oslo culinary scene. The hotel restaurant? Overpriced (as suspected). But the food, surprisingly solid. I ordered the cod; honestly, it could have been anything but that view still made it extraordinary.
- Quirky Observation: Norwegians seem incredibly stylish. Even in their casual wear, they look effortlessly chic. I, on the other hand, am rocking my "travel uniform" of comfy pants and a slightly stained t-shirt. Sigh.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. Okay, maybe a touch of homesickness for my toddler's sticky little hands, but mostly just pure, blissful awe.
Day 2: Viking Dreams, Museum Mishaps, and a Very Long Walk (Worth It!)
- Morning: After a decent sleep (jet lag somewhat subsided) I attacked the hotel's breakfast buffet. The smoked salmon? Divine! The coffee? Strong enough to raise the dead (which is exactly what I needed).
- Mid-morning: The Viking Ship Museum. Holy history, Batman! Those longships are impressive, and the sheer brutality of the Viking lifestyle is… unsettling and exciting. I had many questions and the museum attendant was more than gracious. I'm obsessed with the Viking era now.
- Lunchtime: A desperate search for an affordable, but authentic, Norwegian lunch. I stumbled upon a small café near the museum, and had a decent meal. The coffee? More like dishwater, but the pastries were worth it.
- Afternoon: The Long Walk. My initial plan was to take a bus. But, I had a map and felt that fresh air and a walk was in order. Oslo is a beautiful city. I walked for what felt like miles to see the Vigeland Sculpture Park. People were walking happily and I was tired and sweating (so much for chill traveler). I spent a while there, gawking at the bizarre and mesmerizing sculptures and feeling the burn in my legs and feet. It was worth it. Absolutely worth the pain (which I swear, at one point, I thought I could not take one more step).
- Evening: Reward myself time: I went back to the hotel, and ordered a pizza from room service, plopped on the bed, and watched the fjord. The pizza was not amazing, but I didn't care. I watched the water and thanked God for my life.
- Emotional Reaction: Exhaustion combined with the pure satisfaction of having conquered something. Those Viking ships are really something.
Day 3: Shopping, Sculpture, and Farewell (For Now)
- Morning: After a surprisingly adequate sleep after all that running, it's shopping time. I hit the shops. Everything is expensive in Oslo. I bought some souvenirs (a troll, a very warm hat, a small viking ship).
- Afternoon: A very quick trip to the National Gallery to see "The Scream." I was so tempted to scream myself. It was moving, iconic, and way too crowded. Spent (sadly) only a short amount of time. The art, however, was amazing.
- Evening: Farewell dinner. Finding a restaurant was harder than expected. I felt like I had been walking all day. I returned to the hotel and found the restaurant full. I decided to take a stroll. I ended up at a small Italian restaurant. The food was not Norwegian, but comforting. The waiter was charming, and the meal was lovely. I took a last look at the fjord.
- Departure: The airport was easier this time. The flight back? A blur of sleep, and memories. Final Emotional Reaction: A strange mix of sadness at leaving, excitement to get back to my toddler, and a burning desire to return to wonderful Oslo. I can't wait to plan the next adventure.
Minor Catagories Missed:
- Transportation Woes: Briefly considered renting a car, but the thought of driving in a foreign country filled me with terror. Public transport it was! Mostly successful, but occasionally involved much frantic map-reading (and a couple of wrong turns).
- Language Barriers: I know a handful of Norwegian phrases, but mostly relied on English. Norwegians are generally excellent English speakers, so it wasn't a huge issue. My attempts at "Takk!" (thank you!) were met with polite smiles.
- Budgetary Concerns: Let's just say, Norway isn't cheap. I ate a lot of cheap food. But every penny I spent on experiences was worth it.
Final Thoughts: This wasn't a perfect trip. I was tired, I got lost, I ate overpriced pizza. But it was honest, messy, and full of heart. And the fjord… the fjord was unforgettable. Oslo, you've stolen a piece of my heart. Until next time!
Escape to Paradise: Brazil's Praia do Amor Awaits!
Okay, Let's Be Real: Is the Radisson Blu Plaza Oslo REALLY as Fancy as They Say?
Alright, deep breaths. Fancy? Yeah, okay. Let's just say it’s got "polished brass" written all over it. But here's the thing... I've stayed in places that reeked of pretension, you know? Like you’re constantly bumping elbows with Instagram influencers trying to look "effortlessly chic." (Ugh.) This... this had a different vibe. It felt more… *classic* fancy. Think Audrey Hepburn at a cocktail party, not some Kardashian photo shoot.
The lobby? Huge. Like, seriously, you could probably hold a small parade in there. And the scent… they must have some serious diffuser game going on. It smelled like… expensive hotel and maybe a hint of something floral, I don't know, I'm no perfume snob! But it got me hooked like a cartoon character sniffing a pie!
But... and this is important... it's *not* stuffy. I mean, I accidentally spilled half a coffee in the (gleaming, mind you) elevator and the staff just smiled and helped me clean it up. No side-eye, no judging. Just pure, unadulterated helpfulness. That made a huge difference to my initial impressions, especially after the morning commute!
The Rooms: Gold-Plated Everything? Spill the Tea!
Rooms? Okay, here's the real deal. My room wasn’t exactly dripping in gold (sadly, I checked). But it was seriously comfortable. Big bed. Seriously, I sunk into that thing and could barely drag myself out. Honestly, I might have spent a full day just… existing in that bed, watching Norwegian TV. (Which, by the way, is surprisingly captivating, even if you don't understand a word.)
The bathroom? Spotless. And the toiletries… bless you, Radisson Blu, for providing actual *good* shampoo and conditioner. Not the generic, sad little bottles you find in some places. These were the good stuff, trust me, my hair was thanking me. It felt a bit like winning the lottery after the state of my hair on the plane over!
The view? Well, mine overlooked… a mostly grey Oslo. Still, it was nice, and the soundproofing was INSANE. You could probably have a full-blown rock concert in there and not disturb anyone. I briefly considered trying it out (kidding... mostly).
Breakfast Bonanza: Is it Actually Worth Waking Up For? (And Does the Coffee Save You?)
Breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. Okay, *this* is where the Radisson Blu *shines*. I mean, the spread… it was like a Viking feast meets a Parisian patisserie. Seriously. I'm not exaggerating.
First of all, the coffee. Thank. God. It was strong, plentiful, and exactly what a weary traveller needs. Okay, maybe I had three cups. Don't judge me. Then came the food... Smoked salmon that practically melted in your mouth. Freshly baked pastries that called to me from across the room. Fruits of every color and description. And cheese. SO MUCH CHEESE. I’m not even a huge cheese person usually, but I had to try everything!
The only minor hiccup? The sheer *amount* of choice. It was overwhelming at first. I spent a good ten minutes wandering around, eyes wide, feeling like a kid in a candy store. I eventually settled on a plate that could feed a small army, and proceeded to eat about half of it. But hey, no regrets! The experience was truly amazing, right down to the little signs that reminded you of your coffee orders.
Okay, Let's Talk About the Price. Is it Gonna Empty My Wallet?
Let's be real, yeah, it's not cheap. It's a luxury hotel. You're gonna pay for the privilege. BUT, and this is a big but, I kinda felt like it was worth it. Especially if you’re looking for something special. I mean, when you divide the cost by the number of amazing breakfasts and the sheer feeling of being pampered… well, it softens the blow, doesn't it?
Also, consider the location. Right in the city center. You're basically steps away from everything. That saves you cab fare. And time. And let's be honest, Oslo in the rain can be a bit… challenging. So, factor that convenience in.
And honestly, sometimes you just need to treat yourself! I worked hard for that trip. After the stress of planning and the travel time, it was a relief to get to the hotel. And the convenience made it worth the cost. I mean who wants to start sight seeing on day 1 while dragging their suitcase? The proximity to everything was fantastic.
Would You Go Back? (The Ultimate Question!)
Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Despite the price tag, despite Oslo's occasional drizzle, and despite the inevitable post-trip blues, I loved it. Everything about it, from the (amazing) breakfast to the incredibly efficient service (seriously, they were on it!), made it a truly memorable experience.
Yeah, I might still be dreaming of those pastries. And the bed. (Seriously. That bed was epic.)
So yeah. Go. Treat yourself. You deserve it. Just… maybe pack a bigger wallet. Or start saving now. But seriously, go.
What's the Deal with the Spa/Fitness Center? Worth the Hype?
Okay, this is where I have to confess… I didn't actually *go* to the spa. I know, I know! Blame jet lag, blame Oslo's captivating charm, blame the fact that I was too busy devouring pastries at breakfast. But I *did* peek in the door, and it looked… luxurious. Think plush towels, calming scents, and people wandering around in fluffy robes. Pure bliss, I tell you.
The fitness center? Yep, I saw it. Again, didn't use it (shame on me!) but it looked well-equipped. Everything you'd expect: treadmills, weights, the whole shebang. If you're one of those people who actually *enjoys* working out on vacation (weirdos!), you'll be pleased.
So, verdict? I can’t give a firsthand account, but based on appearances, I’d wager they’re worth checking out. Maybe I will next time, assuming I can drag myself away from the breakfast buffet!
Location, Location, Location: How's the Radisson Blu Plaza's Neighborhood? Safe and Accessible?
The location is *amazing*. Like, seriously, you could throw a rock (carefully, please!) and hit something interesting. It's right in the heart of Oslo. You're a stone's throw fromWorld Of Lodging
