Unique design hotel opens its doors in Oslo

 

Grims Grenka is “a design hotel without the attitude” according to its webiste.

The unique style of Grims Grenka will be the one of Eastern mysticism and sensuality, influenced by exotic Norwegian nature, colours and sounds.

- Our goal is to become Norway’s best hotel, and the hotel will in many ways appear to be revolutionary in regards to interior design and service. Internationally, Grims Grenka will be classified as a five star hotel, says Concept Developer and General Manager Atle Hovde.

- Our ambition is to make Grims Grenka so exhilarating that guests do not want to leave.

Grims Grenka consist of 42 large deluxe rooms and 24 suites, many of them larger than 70 square metres. The rooms are in three different styles: Green for summer, blue and white for winter and gold for the mysterious, decadent and sensual way of living. Further you will find various sections for pleasure and enjoyment: A rooftop lounge, an Asian Fusion Restaurant, a nightclub, a private cinema, a spa/fitness centre and a Tea and Cocktail Bar based on organic raw materials.

The hotel is situated by Akershus Castle in the historical and most urban part of Oslo, only three blocks from Oslo’s bustling main street Karl Johans gate, five minutes from the central station and three minutes from the quayside. The hotel is designed by Kristin Jarmund Architects and will be part of the First Hotels chain.

Grims Grenka is Norway’s first member of Design Hotels™ which represents and markets a hand-picked collection of more than 150 hotels in over 40 countries across the globe. The member hotels are independently owned but united by a commitment to individuality, progressive design and cultural authenticity.

Website: www.grimsgrenka.no

     

Design hotel to open in Northern Norway

The next big thing in top-end travel is extreme luxury, and The Other Side looks like being right on cue.

Opening in December, in the tiny village of Neiden far above the Arctic Circle in eastern Finnmark, this cool luxury retreat will offer panoramic views of the tundra, the famous salmon river Neidenelva and the Barents Sea.

- We want to create something within our guests. A special experience that lasts for the rest of their lives. Here at The Other Side Her they will meet Arctic culture and nature in a truly unique way, explains managing director Merethe Mikkola.

Swedish/French design duo Ralston & Bau based the architecture and building layout on the traditions of the local Sami people, investing the hotel with a sense of unearthly magic.

Twelve houses are laid out in groups of three, following a pattern based on a Sami shaman drum. Each house is based on elemental forces: the Wind House is perched in the air, the Water House over a pond and the Fire House in front of an enormous ritual fireplace.

The interior does not skimp on decadent touches to ensure warmth and coziness on Arctic nights: Fireplaces and fur design elements adorn several suites, as well as the house restaurant, The Other Side of the Moon.

Nocturnal pursuits include the northern lights and dog sledding in winter, and midnight sunbathing and salmon fishing in summer.

The Other Side is Norway’s second member of Design Hotels™ which represents and markets a hand-picked collection of more than 150 hotels in over 40 countries across the globe. The member hotels are independently owned but united by a commitment to individuality, progressive design and cultural authenticity.

Website: www.theotherside.no

Norway’s best breakfast

 

In competition with 300 other Norwegian hotels, Rica Nidelven Hotel in Trondheim and Grand Hotel in Oslo top the list of the best hotel breakfast in Norway.

The jury, consisting of top chef Lars Erik Undertun, food photographer Bengt Wilson and Stephen Twining (10th generation in the Twinings Tea dynasty), emphasises the two hotel’s great variety and quality in bread, hot and cold dishes and drinks, and fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition they have considered the atmosphere, service, and the way the breakfast buffets are presented.

According to the jury, both hotels manage to create their own unique breakfast experience. Classic Grand Hotel serves its lavish breakfast buffet within the walls of the old Grand Café whilst Rica Nidelven offers a more modern setting on the banks of the Nidelven River.