Nordic Hotels and Resorts opens luxury Art Deco-inspired hotel in Oslo

Nordic Hotels & Resorts (NHR) has announced the opening of Sommerro, its newest luxury hotel in Oslo, Norway. 

Described as ‘one of Europe’s most anticipated launches’ the hotel is located inside an art deco building, which previously housed the former headquarters of electric company Oslo Lysverker, in Oslo’s West End. It was designed as a tribute to Norway’s cultural heritage.

Home-away-from-home

Aiming to provide a home-away-from-home for travellers and locals alike, the hotel offers 231 bedrooms, 56 branded residences and seven restaurants and bars, as well as meeting and event spaces and a 100-seat theatre.

The offering will be completed by a subterranean wellness space, gym, year-round rooftop pool, sauna and terrace.

Urban wellness retreat

Scheduled to open in November 2022, the urban wellness retreat has been described as a ‘haven for health and mindfullness’ and is centred around a restored public baths from 1932. 

Called Vestkantbadet, the 1,400sqm spa will also offer several treatment rooms, as well as a traditional Nordic thermotherapy circuit with an InfraRed sauna and cold plunge pool.

An original mosaic wall, created by Norwegian artist Per Krohg, provides a spectacular focal point.

Innovative therapies

The spa will offer a host of specialist medical aesthetic treatments, as well as a range of innovative therapies, including a Wim Hof-style cold water breathing technique sessions and laser therapy. 

An educational offering, including nutritionist workshops, sleep masterclasses and two-day electric sauna boat retreats, will also be available.

Sensitivity and sustainability 

Inspired by the building’s 1930s heritage, the hotel has been sensitively restored by local firm LPO Architects in partnership with London and New York-based studio GrecoDeco. It includes art deco details such as oak parquet flooring, bathrooms with bespoke tiles, as well as lush textiles and custom-designed furnishings upholstered in 1930s Norwegian motifs.

Additionally, the hotel has committed to using quality green materials for products and services, sourcing local and sustainable produce and investing in long-lasting relationships with Norway’s greenest businesses. 

Finally, the hotel is powered by 100% renewable energy and has imposed a site-wide ban of all plastic water bottles. It also offers  EV parking and free charging, bike rental and encourages its suppliers to use zero-emission transport.

Vibrant and exciting

Commenting on the opening, Nordic Choice Hotels – now known as Strawberry –  founder Petter A. Stordalen said: “Sommerro is more than a hotel. It is an iconic building housing years of history, located in one of Oslo’s most vibrant and exciting areas.

“We want everyone to feel at home at Sommerro, whether you’re a guest or a local seeking to hang out with friends, work or simply relax in beautiful surroundings.

“We believe that Sommerro will take Oslo to the next level of hospitality, and I am really looking forward to the opening the doors to this fantastic project, bringing the building back to life for more generations to come,” Stordalen added.