This business-oriented, 106-room boutique hotel is located in the same building that houses the Olavshallen concert hall, and has a unique music-inspired theme. It also has numerous freebies -- a DVD library, rental bikes, and most notably, free breakfast, afternoon waffles, and a light evening buffet -- all of which make this a serious value, especially in a country as expensive as Norway. Decor is sultry and sophisticated, with plush fabrics in jewel tones, and rooms come with good-sized flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and marble bathrooms.
This business-oriented, 106-room boutique hotel is located in the same building that houses the Olavshallen concert hall, and has a unique music-inspired theme. It also has numerous freebies -- a DVD library, rental bikes, and most notably, free breakfast, afternoon waffles, and a light evening buffet -- all of which make this a serious value, especially in a country as expensive as Norway. Decor is sultry and sophisticated, with plush fabrics in jewel tones, and rooms come with good-sized flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and marble bathrooms.
Opened in 2003, the 349-room Rica Nidelven is a modern structure standing over the Nidelva River, with a soaring ceiling in the lobby and lots of lovely water views from public spaces. Its standout features are its delicious food and abundance of sun-filled meeting rooms, though the 24-hour fitness center and rotating art gallery in the lobby also add to the appeal. Lower-level rooms were renovated in 2009, followed by higher-level rooms getting an update in 2012, and are sharp and bright, with sleek contemporary accents. The hotel isn't in the heart of the action, but it's a short walk to most sights, including the charming Bakklandet neighborhood.
Opened in 2003, the 349-room Rica Nidelven is a modern structure standing over the Nidelva River, with a soaring ceiling in the lobby and lots of lovely water views from public spaces. Its standout features are its delicious food and abundance of sun-filled meeting rooms, though the 24-hour fitness center and rotating art gallery in the lobby also add to the appeal. Lower-level rooms were renovated in 2009, followed by higher-level rooms getting an update in 2012, and are sharp and bright, with sleek contemporary accents. The hotel isn't in the heart of the action, but it's a short walk to most sights, including the charming Bakklandet neighborhood.
With 400 rooms, a soaring atrium over the lobby, and an event space that holds up to 2,500, this hotel that opened in April 2012 is more Las Vegas than Europe. Although the location could be better, the unique design, hip bar and restaurant on the top floor, and a cozy lobby bar -- reminiscent of a W -- are all upsides. Rooms have extremely comfortable beds, and some have views of the water. Environmentally conscious guests may appreciate the hotels many eco initiatives, such as textured windows that help conserve energy and a ballroom that adjusts its temperature based on carbon dioxide output.
With 400 rooms, a soaring atrium over the lobby, and an event space that holds up to 2,500, this hotel that opened in April 2012 is more Las Vegas than Europe. Although the location could be better, the unique design, hip bar and restaurant on the top floor, and a cozy lobby bar -- reminiscent of a W -- are all upsides. Rooms have extremely comfortable beds, and some have views of the water. Environmentally conscious guests may appreciate the hotels many eco initiatives, such as textured windows that help conserve energy and a ballroom that adjusts its temperature based on carbon dioxide output.