Scandic Solli

From the outside, the mid-range Scandic Solli looks like a standard six-floor chain hotel. Inside, though, the welcoming lobby has low ceilings and modern furniture with pops of color, including a plum-colored sofa and red carpeting. Lobby decor includes quirky portrait photos, pink oversized planters, and decorative glass fireplaces. Red-and-black patterned carpeting covers the staircase and hallways. This design-conscious hotel has a cool and modern feel, but -- as some guests have noted -- there are a few upkeep issues throughout. Kids receive welcome gifts on arrival and get access to computer games, but during the week the property is geared toward business travelers who make use of the hotel’s spacious meeting rooms with natural lighting. 

The hotel's west Oslo location is in a fairly quiet area with easy access to public transportation and attractions. Trams run on one side of the hotel and there is a park with a playground at the rear. A few restaurants and bars are in the area, and more dining options are on the waterfront promenade at the Aker Brygge Marina. The Royal Palace is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, with bus and tram stops at the nearby Solli Plass roundabout. Other sights can easily be reached in 20 minutes by public transportation, including the Opera House, the Viking Ship Museum, and the Akershus Fortress. It’s a 45-minute train ride to Oslo Airport, a trip that takes about the same amount of time by car or taxi.

Rooms are stylish and modern, with colorful accent walls with geometric designs, contemporary artwork on the walls, pink headboard lamps, and wooden floors. Rooms don’t have closets, although each has two shelves, a small rack with hangers, and an iron/ironing board. All have balconies or windows that overlook the park or have partial sea views. Young Rooms feature street art from a local duo Broslo. Standard and Economy Rooms are big enough for two, while Junior Suites (which have sitting areas) and Superior Rooms fit up to five people. Family Rooms offer two separate sleeping areas and come with sofa beds. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and writing desks; select rooms also have mini-fridges, safes, and kettles. Clean, tiled bathrooms come with hairdryers and walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. Online writers can apply via Facebook to stay for free in the Blogger's Inn, which has all the necessary provisions for a blogger: an iPad, a tripod and camera, and books. While rooms appear sleek and modern, several guests have noted cleanliness and upkeep issues that are worth noting.

Primarily devoted to business travelers, this hotel has 11 meeting rooms that can fit up to 250 people, and audiovisual equipment is available. On the ground floor, the V Solli Bar & Restaurant takes up most of the lobby and serves free breakfast and a lunch buffet for a fee. Breakfast gets mixed reviews. The dining area features lovely suspended light bulbs on the ceiling, large windows that face the street, and a TV lounge stocked with coloring books, crayons, and board games for kids. There's also a minimart in the lobby. The modern fitness center has separate saunas for men and women. The hotel also provides Nordic walking poles and bicycles for rent. Laundry facilities and Wi-Fi are free for all guests, and for a fee guests can park in one of 28 parking spaces, all accessible by key card. This is a pet friendly hotel, though pets are subject to fees and restrictions.