Hotel Continental is a five-star, family-owned luxury hotel at Stortingsgata 24/26, 0117 Oslo, in the central Sentrum district between the Storting parliament building and the National Theatre. Opened in 1900 and a member of Leading Hotels of the World, it holds 151 rooms and suites, five restaurants and bars, and the celebrated Theatercaféen, a landmark Viennese-style brasserie that has anchored Oslo’s social life for more than a century.
What to Expect at Hotel Continental
Each of the 151 rooms and suites carries its own character, with curated art and classic interiors paired with modern comfort. The range runs from Standard Single and Petite Double rooms through Superior, Deluxe and Junior Suites (some with balconies, others directly above Theatercaféen) up to four named signature suites: the Boman Suite, the Abel Suite, the Royal Suite and the 200 square metre Continental Suite, the hotel’s flagship address. The hotel has a long history of hosting visiting royalty, performers and Nobel-week delegations, and the lobby reflects that heritage with polished stone, warm lighting and an unhurried, formal service style.
Food and drink are the other reason to come, and you do not need a room to enjoy them. Five venues share the building, covering everything from a grand brasserie to a dark-panelled cocktail bar and a casual pub-style room. Locals use the ground-floor venues as meeting points, which gives the hotel a lived-in energy that many five-star properties lack. Fjord views, listed among the hotel’s headline draws, are best appreciated from upper-floor rooms and from the short walk down to the Oslofjord waterfront at Aker Brygge.
- Theatercaféen: the hotel’s landmark brasserie, facing the National Theatre, serving Norwegian and continental classics in a room of wood panelling, mirrors and period artwork.
- Bar Boman: a refined hotel bar with an extensive cocktail and spirits list, popular for pre-theatre drinks and late evenings.
- Eik Annen Etage: a modern restaurant on the second floor focused on seasonal Nordic cooking.
- Casbar: a relaxed, pub-style bar and eatery for casual meals and drinks without the formality of the main restaurants.
- Restaurant Caroline: the hotel’s breakfast restaurant, plus in-room dining through the roomservice menu.
Hotel Continental at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Stortingsgata 24/26, 0117 Oslo, Norway |
| Neighborhood / Area | Sentrum (central Oslo), beside the Storting and National Theatre |
| Operating Hours | Hotel open 24 hours; restaurant and bar hours vary by venue, see the official site |
| Admission / Price Range | Five-star hotel (tier $$$$); room rates vary by season and room category; restaurants and bars $$$-$$$$ |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a meal or drinks; 1 to 3 nights for a stay |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | National Theatre station (T-bane and Oslo tram lines); Oslo Central Station about a 10-minute walk; parking details on the hotel’s Transport & Parking page |
| Official Website & Phone | hotelcontinental.no | +47 22 82 40 00 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
The hotel sits one block from National Theatre station, which is served by the Oslo metro and several tram lines, and is roughly a 10-minute walk from Oslo Central Station and the Flytoget airport express terminal. If you are driving, check the hotel’s Transport & Parking page for the current garage arrangements before arrival, as central Oslo has a toll ring and limited street parking. Reserve Theatercaféen and Eik Annen Etage in advance for weekend evenings and around theatre premieres, when the neighbourhood is at its busiest. Booking rooms directly through the hotel’s own site gives access to its packages, including the Theatercaféen Experience and Gourmet Getaway, along with the Leaders Club loyalty programme.
The location makes for an easy walking base. The Storting parliament building and the National Theatre are immediately outside the door, and the Royal Palace and its park are about 10 minutes uphill along Karl Johans gate. The Nationalmuseet (Norway’s national museum), Aker Brygge’s waterfront promenade and the Nobel Peace Center are all within a 10 to 15 minute walk. The hotel is in the heart of the city centre on level pavements, so getting around on foot is straightforward, and the building has lifts to all floors; confirm specific accessible-room requirements with the concierge when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours, and when is the best time to visit?
The hotel operates around the clock, while each restaurant and bar keeps its own hours, listed on the official website. Late spring through early autumn offers the longest daylight and the best waterfront walks nearby, but the hotel’s brasserie and bars are at their most atmospheric on winter evenings.
How much does it cost, and do I need to reserve?
Hotel Continental is a five-star property in the top price tier, with rates varying by room category and season, so check current prices on the official site. Restaurant tables, particularly at Theatercaféen and Eik Annen Etage on weekends, should be reserved ahead; Casbar is the easier option for walk-ins.
How much time should I allow?
Plan 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a leisurely lunch, dinner or drinks. Guests staying overnight typically book one to three nights to combine the hotel’s dining with Oslo’s nearby museums and waterfront.
Is it suitable for families, and is there a dress code?
Families are welcome, and the hotel offers rooms that suit small groups, though the atmosphere leans formal and elegant, especially in the evenings. Smart casual dress is the norm in the restaurants and bars. For step-free access and accessible-room details, contact the concierge before arrival.
When planning your Oslo travel guide or comparing verified hotels and restaurants in Oslo, pair this stop with standout local spots including Roseslottet, Vaaghals, K7 Hotel Oslo, and Hotel Christiania Teater (0.2 km away).
