Judith Baker travels to Norway to experience Oslo’s new Sommerro Hotel
Sommerro is a new luxurious hotel housed in a historic building in Oslo’s Frogner neighbourhood. Opened in September, the stunning property is already making its mark on locals and tourists alike. Described as Oslo’s ‘first neighbourhood hotel’ it follows the dream of architects Bjerke and Eliason to transform the area into an urban hub.
Sommerro hotel is found in the lovely Frognal district of the Norwegian capital, alongside elegant houses and fashionable shops. The iconic building was formerly the headquarters of Oslo Lysverker, the city’s electrical company and is a 1930s landmark. Today visitors are welcomed to the glamorous Art Deco property by decorated stone pillars at the entrance, a dramatic wrought iron staircase and huge murals by artist Per Krohg. His eye-catching displays are found in the main hall, the former canteen and a feature wall in the basement public baths.
There are 246 rooms ranging from cosy lofts to sumptuous suites, each with rich period details combined with classic Norwegian functionality. They have oak parquet floors, hand-knotted rugs and sumptuous furnishings. Interesting artworks nod to the hotel’s historic electrical connections. The rooms have a lovely 1930s elegance with period details coupled with a sleek black and chrome bathroom.
Sommerro has five restaurants and three bars. TAK Oslo is a Nordic Japanese rooftop restaurant by award-winning chef Frida Ronge with great views and a menu which has already taken Oslo by storm. Izakaya is an informal street food and cocktail bar with an elegant interior designed by New York and London-based GecoDeco.
All-day dining is at Ekspedesjonshallen serving classic brasserie style food with a backdrop of a stunning mural by Per Krohg and gentle live jazz or soul music.
There is also Plah & Ahaan Thai restaurant on the ground floor and Barramon is a pintxos and wine bar serving delicious tapas that focus on the Basque country.
Sommerro has a sprawling wellness space with a 400 square metre gym, eight treatment rooms and soon-to-open Vestkantbadet that will restore the city’s historic public baths, with a swimming pool, cold pool, sauna and wellness shop. There are a number of meeting and event rooms and a rooftop terrace and heated pool and sauna with great views over Oslo. There is a 100-seat theatre for intimate events including cabaret and magic shows.
One finds Sommerro a few minutes’ walk from the National Theatre Station where you can pick up the Airport Express Train, Flytoget, Norway’s only high-speed train. Oslo’s attractions, harbourside and museums are all nearby. Pick up an Oslo Pass for free entry to the city’s museums and free travel on buses, trams and ferries.
Tell me more about the Sommerro Hotel in Oslo
Rates at Sommerro Hotel, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection, start from £225 per double room including breakfast.
Sommerro Hotel, Sommerrogata 1, Oslo, Norway
T: +47 214 04900
