In short: Tripplo’s analysis covers a sample of 67 guest reviews of Hotel Bristol. Guests in the sample highlight Food & restaurants, Service & staff and Location. The most common complaints: Some complaints were met with dismissive replies. Weddings and parties in the hotel can bring loud music late into the night.
Free PDF: the Tripplo report on Hotel Bristol Free · instant download
This elegant hotel is 850 metres from Oslo Central Station and 2 minutes’ walk from the main street Karl Johans gate. It offers free Wi-Fi, along with free gym and sauna access.
Hotel Bristol’s bright rooms have a TV and minibar. All feature charming, antique-style furniture and interiors.
Guests can try traditional Norwegian food at the Bristol Grill, which has an English-pub feel. A popular meeting point for politicians, musicians and actors since the 1920s, the Library Bar offers live piano music.
Bristol Hotel is only 3 minutes’ walk from the National Theatre and the National Gallery.
Tripplo’s hotel summary
Tripplo’s analysis · Updated 20 October 2026 · How we review hotels
Hotel Bristol is for travellers who want a classic Oslo hotel with a sense of history. It stands two minutes from Karl Johans gate, with the National Theatre and the National Gallery a short walk away, and its antique-style rooms, beautiful lobby and the Library Bar, a meeting place since the 1920s, give it an old-world character guests clearly enjoy. The breakfast buffet is the star of a stay, and guests also praise comfortable beds, clean rooms and helpful staff at the front desk. The drawbacks are mostly about extras and age. Access to the spa and sauna costs extra, as does parking, and some rooms feel dated, with small wardrobes or views onto rooftops at the rear. Service in the lobby bar can be uneven. Travellers who value a central address and traditional surroundings will be well looked after; anyone who wants modern design or wellness included should look elsewhere.
Guests score it 8.8 out of 10 — the average across the 6 hotels we list in Oslo is 8.9.
- Guests mention the location more than anything else: Karl Johans gate is two minutes away, the National Theatre and the National Gallery three, and the main sights and the harbour front are all within walking distance.
- Breakfast is the most praised part of a stay. Guests describe the buffet as exceptional, with a large selection, and several describe it as beautifully presented and absolutely delicious.
- Some guests were surprised that access to the spa and sauna was not included in their stay, and parking fees were higher than expected.
- The old-style decor is part of the charm for many, but some guests found the property dated. One found the wardrobe very small, and rooms at the rear look out over rooftops and air-conditioning units.
Free PDF: what guests really say about Hotel Bristol
The Tripplo Report gathers the whole analysis in one PDF, ready in seconds.
- Pros and cons in every category guests mention
- The complaints that come up again and again
- Room guide and price analysis
- Alternatives worth comparing
Free · instant download
Should you book it?
Hotel Bristol is worth booking for travellers who want to walk everywhere in the city centre — but pick somewhere else if you want the spa included in the price of your room.
Book it if you want
- Travellers who want to walk everywhere in the city centre
- Guests who enjoy a classic grand hotel with history
Pick somewhere else if
- You want the spa included in the price of your room
- You prefer sleek, contemporary design
No fees from Tripplo – you book directly with our partner
What guests actually say
Tripplo’s analysis uses a sample of 67 guest reviews. Texts may be shortened. Mentions are counted after automated classification and describe the sample, rather than every guest’s experience.
The sample follows how Booking.com and Google sort reviews, which puts satisfied guests first, so criticism is under-represented. Read the drawbacks below and the latest reviews on Booking.com before you book.
Food & restaurants
- +The breakfast is the star: a lavish, varied buffet that is beautifully presented
- +Good coffee and plenty of choice every morning
- +Some guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner in the restaurant
- +A stylish bar for a drink in the evening
- –The breakfast room gets crowded, with tables close together and sometimes a wait for a seat
- –Several found dinner in the restaurant disappointing and expensive
- –The grill restaurant is not always open in the evening
”As always, the breakfast is absolutely fantastic, with plenty to choose from, pleasant surroundings and service-minded staff.” — guest, translated
Service & staff
- +Friendly, welcoming staff throughout the hotel
- +A concierge team that goes above and beyond
- +Flexible touches such as early check-in and help with luggage
- –Some complaints were met with dismissive replies
- –A few found individual staff members unfriendly or unhelpful
- –Service can be limited on holidays, with the bar closing early on New Year's Eve
”Special mention to Peter on the concierge desk, who went above and beyond with his excellent help.” — guest, translated
The rooms
- +Very comfortable beds with lovely bed linen, duvets and pillows
- +Spacious, elegant rooms with great attention to detail
- +Nicely renovated bathrooms with quality toiletries, bathrobes and slippers
- +Cosy rooms with plenty of old-world character
- –There is no effective air conditioning, so rooms can be hot in summer
- –Bathrooms and showers are small in some rooms
- –Some rooms have a small window facing a wall or rooftops, and a few found the pillows too soft
”Lovely bed linen and good beds.” — guest, translated
Condition & cleanliness
- +Spotlessly clean throughout, with good housekeeping
- +Nicely renovated bathrooms
- –The hotel feels dated in places, with old, faded carpets
- –A few found dirty glasses or a grubby balcony, or an unpleasant smell in the corridors
”Perfect cleanliness everywhere.” — guest, translated
Location
- +A central location within walking distance of the city centre and major sights
- +Just minutes from the airport train
- +Close to plenty of cultural attractions and things to do
”An incredibly central location, just minutes from the airport train.” — guest, translated
Noise levels
- +Some rooms are cosy and very quiet
- –Weddings and parties in the hotel can bring loud music late into the night
- –Rooms facing the street can pick up noise from nearby pubs and nightlife, especially at weekends
- –Rooms next to the lift can be disturbed by its noise
”A noisy pub across the street from our room; both Friday and Saturday nights were very loud.” — guest, translated
Value for money
- –Parking and access to the spa cost extra
- –Restaurant prices feel high for what you get
- –A few guests were surprised by extra charges on their bill
”All in all, the price is not worth it, at least in summer when the rooms are hot, stuffy and old.” — guest, translated
Pools, beach & aquapark are mentioned too rarely in the sample for an honest picture — we don't guess.
No fees from Tripplo – you book directly with our partner
Frequently asked questions
How far is Hotel Bristol from Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL)?
Hotel Bristol is approximately 37 km from Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL) in a straight line, calculated from map coordinates. This is not a road distance or transfer time; check the route and transport options before booking.
How do guests rate Hotel Bristol?
On Booking.com it scores 8.8/10 from 2,187 guest reviews.
How many stars does Hotel Bristol have?
Hotel Bristol is a 5-star hotel.
What amenities does Hotel Bristol offer?
Hotel Bristol offers free Wifi, fitness Centre, spa, 3 Restaurants, bar and room Service.
Weather & sea temperature — Oslo
Right now: 8°
Prices for your dates
No fees from Tripplo – you book directly with our partner
We may earn a commission if you book through this link – at no extra cost to you, and it never affects our rankings.
Loading map...
Kristian IVs Gate 7, 0164 Oslo, Norway