Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen

Gray concrete pillars and metal siding create an industrial-looking exterior. The spacious lobby has four wooden check-in stations -- rather than one long desk -- which would in theory allow for more personalized service, but several guests have complained that service is where the hotel falls short. Large windows with metal framing climb up four floors and provide a lot of natural light. Hallways have blue-patterned carpeting and rust-colored trim. The hotel's conference facilities and easy airport location draw mainly business travelers, but this Radisson Blu should suit anyone on a layover or with an early-morning flight to catch, including air crews.

This hotel is a three-minute walk via a covered pathway to the Oslo Airport, Gardermoen terminal. Public transportation -- buses and the trains -- are a one- or two-minute walk from the hotel, along with several car rental companies. It’s a 24-minute bus ride to Jessheim Storsenter Mall, and the Gardermoen Business Park is about 30 minutes away by bus. Via the Flytoget, it’s 40 minutes to Oslo Central Station, from where guests can easily explore the sights, including the Royal Palace (a 10-minute train ride), the popular waterfront Aker Brygge (also a 10-minute train ride), and the National Theater (a 15-minute walk). The Opera House is about a 10-minute walk away, and the Viking Ship Museum is a 23-minute bus ride.

The color scheme in guest rooms varies from orange to gray and blue. Metallic details -- lamps and headboards -- match the hotel’s industrial-chic design and give rooms a fresh and stylish feel. Modern furniture includes glass-topped writing desks. Windows have been soundproofed, which means guests won't hear the sound of planes landing and taking off. Standard Rooms can sleep two adults and one child, while Family Rooms, which include sofa beds, can accommodate four adults and one child. Suites, which can sleep four, have separate sitting areas. All rooms include coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, safes, and minibars. Higher-priced rooms add bathrobes and slippers, kettles, Nespresso coffeemakers, irons/ironing boards, and free pay TV in some. Bathrooms, which have shower/tub combos and white and gray tiles, are clean and modern but small, even in the suites. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided.

With more than 1,990 square feet of meeting space, the hotel is a popular conference venue. Some 1,100 guests can fit in its 31 rooms, which are stylish and come with audiovisual equipment. The business center offers a commercial-grade copy machine, two printers, and two PC computers. Catering to early risers and business guests, breakfast service begins pretty much at dawn  in Toot’s International, a bright dining room with a large buffet section. A take-out breakfast is also an option. The second restaurant, AfterGate, is more sophisticated, with bright-red carpeting, floor-to-ceiling windows, and lunch and dinner menus. Toot’s Bar serves coffee, tea, and cocktails. The stylish, contemporary Lobby Lounge has ample seating and a lovely fireplace. Along with its cardio machines and free weights, Fit4Flight, the on-site gym, has a sauna and solarium. For an hourly charge, there’s a virtual golf simulator that can be set up for as many as 14 people. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.