REVIEW: Radisson Blu OSL (Oslo)

Radisson Blu

Location: Oslo Airport
Loyalty Program: Club Carlson
Status During Stay: Gold
Room Type: Business Class Room
Cost: 1,375 NOK

Radisson Blu OSL

Oslo Gardermoen Airport

With numerous Viking fares via OSL booked, I was glad to have a friend working at Carlson Rezidor, thereby enabling me to make use of the CARLSONF friends and family booking code. The cost of booking this hotel at prevailing market rates would have quickly built up otherwise!

The hotel is located just across the road from the main terminal, it is a two minute walk outside which is fine unless you’re dressed for December in Malé and its December in Oslo 😀

A shot of the terminal and the amazing ATC tower, taken from in front of the hotel. The check-in process was quick and efficient, despite the fact that quite a few airline crews were also checking in. They all kept to one desk and allowed other customers to use the other desks.

I was informed that I had been upgraded to a Business Class room as a result of my Club Carlson Gold status (free with the UK Amex Platinum card), which was a great result on a discount rate!

Business Class Room

My business class room.

The decor is very modern and cool, although not typically Scandinavian. The bedding is all synthetic, which I don’t like at all. The pillows collapsed very easily and the duvet just kind of floated on top of me, rather than sinking down.

I like the fact that there was a small sitting area with a table and chairs, in addition to the main desk.

Plenty of room under the TV to open up two suitcases (how annoying is it when hotels only have enough space to open one suitcase?).

The regular pictures don’t really capture the amount of space in this corner room. The GoPro paints a more accurate picture.

Pressure sensitive minibar 🙁 Nespresso machine 🙂

I’m not a fan of having to step into a bath to get showered but I have to say, this shower could crush a can of coke.

I like the fact that you get loads of amenities and fresh towels.

thisworks bathroom amenities. Actually pretty good!

I didn’t bother with breakfast on this occasion but I can attest to its variety and quality having since had multiple opportunities to sample it.

A full review of this and the public areas of the hotel will be up very soon.

Conclusion

When it comes to airport hotels, it is all about location, location, location. Nobody wants to be stuck waiting for a shuttle bus when every minute counts. The Radisson Blu OSL is about as convenient as it gets without being physically inside the terminal. In fact, the Sofitel LHR is considerably further from its terminal, despite being technically inside it.

The hotel’s public areas and rooms are very well designed and avoid the drab, utilitarian feel of some other airport lodgings.

The check-in and check-out process is also very speedy, with plenty of desks manned at all times.

Overall, this hotel ticks all the necessary boxes for an airport hotel and I would say that the convenience factor, elite benefits and comfort warrant the premium over other hotels located further from OSL.

Viking One – The £350 return business class trip to New York