As a lover of hotel rooms with a view, the Radisson Blu Plaza was an easy selection in Oslo.  This hotel boasts expansive views over the city and Oslofjord as the tallest building in Norway and sixth tallest in Scandinavia.

1. Introduction and trip planning
2. Lufthansa First Class Dulles to Munich
3. Lufthansa Munich First Class Lounge
4. Lufthansa Business Class Munich to Oslo
5. SAS Economy Class Oslo to Longyearbyen
6. Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen
7. Exploring Longyearbyen
8. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo
9. Exploring Oslo
10. Park Inn By Radisson Oslo Airport
11. Lufthansa 747-8i Frankfurt to Dulles
12. Park Hyatt Washington DC

Upon arriving back at Oslo Airport, I hopped on the Flytoget airport train into the Oslo city center.  The one way ride costs 30 USD and generally takes 22 minutes though there was some construction so in total it took me closer to 45 with a simple bus transfer. The speedy train was in very good shape and reminded me of the quality you find in German trains.

From Oslo’s central train station, the Radisson Blu is a short 10 minute walk.  This all glass structure towers over the city as the tallest building in the country. 

I booked two award nights at the Radisson Blu using 100,000 Club Carlson Points, all earned from the Club Carlson series of Big Night Giveaways.  This hotel generally runs around 350 USD per night for a standard room so this is a pretty use of Club Carlson Points.  There is another Radisson Blu and a Park Inn in Oslo that were also available for award redemptions though the proximity to the train station and views of this hotel sold me without hesitation.

Around 3PM, I walked into the busy lobby and found the line to check in.  This is a very large hotel but it is also very well staffed throughout so I was immediately welcomed and checked in for the two night award stay

The desk agent recognized my Club Carlson Gold status and let me know I had been upgraded to a Business Class room.  At this property, the Business Class rooms are the same size but are on the top 9 floors and offer bathrobe and slippers, Nespresso coffee machine, complimentary satellite and pay-TV channels and a large working desk.  The agent also let me know that breakfast and internet were included in my rate.  Like the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, breakfast and internet were complimentary for all rates.

The room was modern, stylish and felt surprisingly spacious for being less than 300 square feet.  The colors were bright and the room was filled with large mirrors.  Though space was tight, the use of glass and mirrors made the space feel larger than it was. As far as smaller rooms go, this was one of the best designs I have seen.

The room had fast wifi and a large working desk which I was able to use.  The bed was made in the same interesting way as the other Norwegian Radisson Blu with the comforters folded up.  There was plenty of lighting for reading or using the laptop when the sun went down (which was only for a couple hours per night).  The bed was extremely comfortable and I had great sleep both nights.

I am a total sucker for a hotel room with a view and this hotel delivered.  On a high floor, I had a stunning bird’s eye view over the Oslofjord and a direct view of the iconic Oslo Opera House.  The view was so captivating I ended up spending an hour before unpacking watching the clouds change the colors of the water and watching the people walking ON the Opera House.

The bathroom didn’t quite match the more stylish bedroom.  It was simple but a little dated.  The one unique aspect of the bathroom was the heated towel rack. Anne Semonin bath products were provided.

Because I was upgraded to a Business Class room, a nice Nespresso machine was in the room along with an assortment of coffees and teas.  Another benefit of the Business Class room to note is the pay-TV channels.  When they say all the pay-TV channels, they really mean ALL the pay-TV channels including Adult movies which may not be wholesome for a family.  Use the information as you please.

When I returned in the evening after my first day out and about, a plate of fruit and a baked snack were left in room which was a nice touch.

Because breakfast is complimentary for all guests and this is a large hotel, the breakfast was quite busy.  They had a very large selection of breads, meats, fruits, juices, coffees, and vegetables though there were no made-to-order items.

I plated a few items that looked interesting and was satisfied both mornings.

The bottom line

The Radisson Blu line of hotels is one of the better chain hotels in Scandinavia.  Though Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world, there just didn’t seem to be a market for the St. Regis’ and Park Hyatt’s of the world.  From my research and talking with locals, most Scandinavians prefer bed and breakfast or boutique hotel style lodging and are a bit turned off by the larger chain hotels so as a result there simply are not as many options for travelers looking to redeem points.

The Radisson Blu was a solid property in my book.  I loved the sleek and stylish design along with the central location for sightseeing and the stunning views. Additionally, the free breakfast and internet are always a plus.  I would definitely stay here again using points, but would unlikely pay the 350+ USD rate.  If I were paying a full rate, I would look toward the smaller boutique hotels or bed and breakfasts in Oslo.