Sommerro Hotel - Your Gateway to Art, Culture, and Wellness in Frogner
- laurie2769
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
Located in Frogner, a historic neighborhood in Oslo’s West End, Sommerro is a distinctive Art Deco hotel that opened in September 2022. The iconic building in which the hotel is set was constructed over a 13-year period, from 1917 to 1930, by Norwegian architects Andreas Bjercke and Georg Eliassen, creators of some of Oslo’s most recognizable buildings. It first opened its doors as the headquarters for Oslo Lysverker, the city’s electrical company. The hotel’s renovation is Norway’s largest preservation project to date, blending the original architectural character with contemporary design while respecting the local cultural heritage. The doors to Restaurant Ekman, set beneath a beautiful chandelier and embraced by two semi-circular staircases, are an impressively dramatic architectural feature.
Sommerro sits in a prime location just behind the Royal Palace and within a short walking distance of Nationaltheatret station, which offers direct airport express train access. Operated independently by Nordic Hotels & Resorts, the hotel emphasizes sustainable practices and eco-conscious experiences that reflect Oslo’s reputation as a ‘happy and healthy’ city. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Frogner district, known for its charming townhouses, 19th-century apartment buildings, and a wide selection of restaurants, galleries, and boutique shops.
ACCOMMODATIONS
At Sommerro Hotel, you’ll find 242 guest rooms, including 56 residences that blend Norwegian functionalism with Art Deco touches. The design draws from Norwegian artist Gerhard Munthe’s paintings, with custom furnishings like simple chandeliers, checkerboard headboards, and cabinets with marquetry. Curated artwork throughout the hotel reflects its history, connecting past and present. Room options range from “Twin Alcove” and “Standard Double” to “Superior King,” “Deluxe,” “Junior Suite,” and the “Heritage Suite.”
Each room offers a comfortable retreat with oak parquet floors, hand-knotted rugs, and bathrooms. Higher-category rooms and suites provide extra space, separate living areas, and sometimes terraces or hot tubs, many with views of the city or neighborhood. Guests also enjoy stocked mini-bars, an insider’s guide to the area, and access to the rooftop pool, gym, and wellness spaces. Nearby Villa Inkognito, an 11-suite retreat from the 1870s, opens via private entrance or footbridge. It features living areas, antiques, original artwork, and an outdoor space, available for full rental starting March 2023.
DINING
Sommerro offers several restaurants and bars for guests and locals, each with its own vibe.
The buffet breakfast is served in Ekspedisjonshallen, a dramatic and spacious all-day dining room featuring an original wall fresco by Norwegian artist Per Krohg. It was one of my all-time favorite breakfasts and is considered by many to be Oslo’s best breakfast spot. The venue, which truly feels like a Hollywood movie set, also hosts weekly events with emerging artists and DJs.
There’s also TAK Oslo, serving a refined Nordic-Japanese dining experience with breathtaking views (see special coverage on the next page). To Søstre offers afternoon tea, champagne and oysters, along with classical concerts. Named after the building’s original project by architects Bjercke & Eliassen, it features lush greenery, abundant natural light, and rabbit-print upholstery inspired by Gerhard Munthe. Barramon brings Basque tapas and wine, while Plah, led by Norway’s “Best Thai Chef” Terje Ommundsen, has also relocated here.
AMENITIES
Sommerro emphasizes wellness and social experiences. Its 1,400 m² wellness floor, Vestkantbadet, features a restored 1932 public bath, indoor pool, Finnish and infrared saunas, a cold plunge pool, and treatment rooms for massages and facials. The 400 m² gym offers state-of-the-art equipment and personal trainers. The hotel also has the city’s first rooftop pool, sauna, and terrace, adding a unique outdoor wellness element.
Beyond wellness, Sommerro provides many spaces to relax and socialize, including a small private cinema with weekly screenings, an intimate library, a gilded club stage, and multiple historic meeting and event rooms. With seven restaurants and three bars, it caters to various tastes and occasions. Nearby, Villa Inkognito—an 11-room villa—is available for guests seeking extra privacy. Additional amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry services, and a commitment to sustainability, ensuring a complete guest experience.
Sommerro Hotel
Sommerrogata 1
0255 Oslo, Norway
+47 2140-4900