Thon Hotel Slottsparken - Oslo, Norway 

We were a group of 25 Americans staying at this hotel for 3 nights in September. The location was great - within walking distance of downtown, the marina, Vigeland Park. We especially liked having Slottsparken right across the street with lots of walking trails. The hotel wasn't too difficult to drive in and out of and the hotel has some reserved parking around the side of the building (for a fee). The staff was helpful and patient with our many requests. Breakfast was great - a buffet with hot and cold choices. The lobby was small and often crowded - and it was sometimes difficult to get past the smokers near the front door. They had one PC with internet access available free of charge to all guests - unfortunately, it could be difficult to find times it wasn't already in use. The rooms were definitely the weakest link! Many in our group changed rooms several times, looking for one that didn't smell of smoke, had twin beds, not so far away, etc. But once settled in, the rooms were as others have said - dated and a bit worn. But our room was comfortable enough and functional.

There are a couple of plus points about the hotel: central location, kitchen facilities, and friendly staff. However, the hotel requires major modernisation. Everything from the bathrooms to the curtains are old and grubby. I stayed in a suite, which was very spacious, but very out-dated. The lobby area seems more like a train station waiting room. I had no awful experience byt expect a lot more at the price.