Grims Grenka

Scandinavian design doesn't end with Sweden and Copenhagen, as Oslo's new hotel illustrates. But it provides something more: the cosmopolitan experience of London and New York, in the far northern latitudes of Norway. In the middle of town, minutes from Akershus Castle, Karl Johans Gate and Akers Brygge, this city hotel is a lifestyle experiment mixing modernist design with a groundbreaking nightclub, international fusion cooking and a rooftop lounge. The air-conditioned establishment offers 66 rooms in total and welcomes its guests in a lobby with 24-hour reception and check-out services, a hotel safe, cloakroom and lift access to the upper floors. Guests may wine and dine in the café, bar and restaurant, and room and laundry services are offered.

The guest rooms and especially the suites offer spectacular spaces that seem to go on and on, done in a range of summery greens, wintery blues and whites, and an ultra-decadent shade of gold. Light elements are built into the room's long, smooth surfaces, with soothing results, complementing the bathrooms use of abundant wood and natural materials. Of course, the usual panoply of high-end services is in effect, including wireless Internet access, a flat-screen TV and a maxi bar with cocktail mixer and drink recipes - an innovative take on the 5-star hotel, one unique to Oslo. An en suite bathroom with shower and hairdryer, a double bed, direct dial telephone, radio, safe, hifi, tea and coffee making facilities and individually regulated air conditioning and heating also feature in all rooms as standard.

The hotel has Oslo's most spectacular rooftop lounge, with an atmosphere of decadence where a Cosmo or Chablis may be enjoyed on a warm summer's day while taking in views of Oslo's urban jungle. The Asian fusion restaurant is inspired by Hakkasan in London and Tao and Buddakan in New York. The tea and cocktail bar has an emphasis on organic tea and drinks, and classic lobby food and exclusive caviar is also served here.