Nordic Heritage Meets New York Cool At Amerikalinjen

The History Of The Hotel

Upon the closure of NAL, this striking neo-Baroque pile was originally destined to become office spaces. Thankfully, the esteemed Nordic Hotels & Resorts group swept it under their wing, transforming the space into the newest luxury hotel in Oslo, opening in 2019. As a listed building — with vast staircases, ornate cornices, high ceilings, and imposing carved wooden doors — renovations were gentle to preserve its grand opulence, whilst paying homage to the seafaring past. 

Interior Design

In short, the hotel exudes New York cool artfully blended with Nordic heritage. The team reinstated the original red façade, making it an instantly-recognisable beacon within the bustling city centre. The entrance, flanked by sea creatures associated with Greek mythology, provides the first of many aesthetic nods to the hotel’s maritime past. The palette is interspersed with splashes of deep sea blue, whilst glossy marble and brass fittings recall the glamour of the steam ships that crossed the Atlantic ocean in the 1920s. There is a distinct New York vibe, as the lobby melts into the bar, which fuses into the Haven: a flood-lit conservatory space perfect for those travelling for business.

The vibrant art collection fuses history with modernity. When the restoration began, a box of memorabilia from the NAL — documents, maps and photographs — was recovered; these mementoes are now peppered throughout the hotel spaces and bedrooms. These are offset by a modern collection from figurative portraits by Alex Katz, sculpture by Julian Opie, and graphic designs by street artist Shepard Fairey. 

The hotel celebrates local artisans, incorporating lamps from Norwegian designer Birger Dahl, glassware by Hadeland Glassverk, and even the front desk team are decked out in edgy outfits from emerging fashion house Holzweiler.

The Rooms

This boutique hotel boasts 122 rooms. Rooms are spacious and sleek, with yet more splashes of oceanic blue. Bathrooms are glossy and art-deco inspired with monochrome tiles and delicious Sprekenhus products, which smell like warm spiced biscuits. Side note: they have the coolest branded hotel slippers I've ever seen, and they will definitely find their way into your luggage when you leave. Looking to blow the budget? The light-flooded suites are rather special, shaped around the former NAL boardrooms.

The Dining

From morning coffee to night cap, Amerikalinjen has guests and locals alike covered. All-day eatery Atlas is the cornerstone of the hotel, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Jernbanetorget Square. There is a strong fusion of American and Nordic flavours, alongside a flurry of European favourites. The breakfast buffet boasts all the usual suspects, plus a little extra, with local brown cheese, Skagen shrimp, and a selection of their own New York-inspired bagels. Start your morning on a sugar high: those with a sweet tooth will delight in the selection of cakes on offer, from pecan pie to cheesecake and cookies. The informal dinner menu sets a tone of laid-back luxury. Feast on fresh oysters, locally-caught roast turbot, alongside classics like juicy burgers and fettuccine Alfredo theatrically mixed in a parmesan wheel. 

At Amerikalinjen the cocktail culture is strong. Make a pitstop at Pier 42, the stylish bar named after the first entry point in New York for immigrants. Expert bartender Adrián Michalčík distills Nordic and American flavours into distinctive cocktails with artisanal flair, whilst their concept menu ‘Liquid Gallery of Art’ reinterprets iconic artworks, music and cinema in liquid form. This innovative approach earned Pier 42 a coveted 96th place on the Top 500 Bars List 2023, and is a must-visit. 

There’s no need to venture outside on the quest for entertainment. Jazz nights at the hotel’s subterranean club, Gustav are legendary. Named after a founding member of the Norwegian America line, Gustav Severin Henriksen, it is a lively spot attracting stylish locals. From this month Jazz nights will be hosted every Friday and Saturday night. 

The Amenities

Compact yet covering all bases, the gym is an aesthetically-pleasing spot to work up a sweat, before unwinding in the Finnish sauna. Be sure to stop by the library on the 2nd floor too: a peaceful spot, designed to look like an old-fashioned train carriage. With the Munch museum, Tracey Emin’s ‘ The Mother’ statue, the swish new opera house, and floating sauna pods overlooking the fjords in its vicinity, the location of this chic hotel couldn’t possibly be better. 

Book your stay by visiting amerikalinjen.com