Hotel Bristol

Hotel Bristol's story began with Waldemar Jensen's dream of opening his own hotel. He had worked as the head waiter for Oslo's Grand Hotel for a decade and learned the many ins and outs of the hospitality industry. Fortunately for him, a parcel of land became available within the city, occupied at the time by old, rundown houses. Jensen promptly jumped at the opportunity, purchasing the plots and then later commissioning architect Finn Rahn to design the new building.

Hotel Bristol's construction began in 1918 and finished with the hotel's grand opening in 1920. The hotel's centerpiece at the time was Den Mauriske Hall, a dance restaurant that featured Moorish-inspired architecture. The hotel itself was considered a pioneer in luxury stays, offering lavish stays at premium prices. It was fully staffed not just by attendants, but also painters and craftsmen, as well as an orchestra conductor. It also boasted bathrooms with both cold and hot water, heated by an extensive coal-powered system that ran through the hotel. In 1924, the hotel came up with the novel idea of converting its smoking room into a restaurant, thus opening the Bristol Grill, which operates to this day.

During World War II, Hotel Bristol was where a disillusioned German scientist named Hans Ferdinand Mayer typed what would become the Oslo Report. This leak of military technology and intelligence became one of the keystones that turned the tide of the war against Nazi Germany.

In 1974, a successful real estate businessman named Olav Thon purchased the flagging Hotel Bristol from the Jensen family. This marked the beginning of his hotel empire, which today is considered one of the largest in Norway, with 60 hotels in numerous locations. Under Thon's management, the hotel underwent wonderful transformations that improved upon but never destroyed its heritage. The largest ever was in 2000, when the hotel expanded with new facilities and over 120 rooms. More recently, the hotel completed a refurbishment in 2019, in line with its centennial anniversary that took place in 2020.

Design and Architecture

Hotel Bristol's overall design is credited to the architect Finn Rahn, who led its construction back in 1918. True to his style, the hotel was built using brickwork and granite, which can still be seen today.

When Olav Thon acquired the hotel in 1974, he enacted renovations that transformed the building without disturbing its heritage. The lower half of Den Mauriske Hall was partitioned as the Mauriske Salonger, one of the hotel's restaurants. The other half became the Mauriske Ballsal, a resplendent ballroom venue. The Bristol Grill, which opened in 1924, retains many of its historic features, particularly the wood paneling and timber ceilings. In line with the historic details of the hotel, the guest rooms and suites are also clad in gilded yellow and dark wood colors.

The modernizations of the hotel also made sure to include accessibility features for guests. These include designated accessible rooms, as well as elevators that can accommodate wheelchairs.

Mauriske Salonger

Once the lower half of the historic Den Mauriske Hall, Mauriske Salonger has since transformed into a stunning dining hall. It still features the original Moorish architecture and provides a posh, old-world setting to enjoy the restaurant's Norwegian and European flavors.
Monday: 11 am – 8 pm
Tuesday to Saturday: 11 am – 12 am
Sunday: 12 pm – 8 pm

Bristol Grill

Another historic fixture of the hotel, the Bristol Grill has operated since 1924, and is a beloved spot for the foodies of Oslo. Look forward to amazing seasonal cuisine paired with an extensive wine list, curated and matched by the culinarians of the hotel.
Tuesday to Saturday: 6 pm – 11 pm

Guests with allergies and other dietary restrictions are recommended to let the restaurant know well ahead of time before attending their meal service.

Bristol Pub

Perfect for a much more casual and lighthearted dining atmosphere, the Bristol Pub also offers seasonal dishes done in simpler tavern-style fare. Enjoy hanging out with new friends and making new ones while sipping your favorite drink and catching a sports game on the large TVs.
Sunday to Thursday: 3 pm - 11 pm
Friday & Saturday: 3 pm - 12 am

Afternoon Tea & High Tea

Teatime is a beloved tradition started by the British during the Victorian Era, and has since spread throughout Europe over the centuries. Indulge in delectable desserts paired with wonderful blends while basking in Bristol's historic ambiance.
Afternoon Tea: Same hours as Mauriske Salonger
High Tea: Tuesday to Saturday: 6 pm – 10 pm

Guests with allergies and other dietary restrictions are recommended to let the restaurant know well ahead of time before attending their meal service.

Hotel Bristol is a very experienced host of banquets and events, having held gatherings since its opening in 1920. Couples planning out their dream destination wedding can send a quote request from the hotel via the official website. Aside from venues, Bristol also plans out the event and can prepare the catering along with additional partner services.

Here are some of the venues Hotel Bristol offers:

Lille Festsal

A classical room with Renaissance vibes, featuring paintings, decorative ceiling rosettes, and chandeliers.
Capacity: 90 guests

Store Festsal

Store Festsal represents a French aristocracy theme, with lavish, shining chandeliers and an opulent Rococo-style decor.
Capacity: 200 guests

Bristol Hall

The Bristol Hall is the largest of the hotel's venues, offering a blend of contemporary aesthetics with high-society flair.
Capacity: 300 guests

Hjørnestuen & Rosenkrantz

An intimate two-suite venue where guests can enjoy socializing and aperitifs, before moving on to the dinner reception.
Capacity: 32 guests

Cultural Experiences

Before going out to explore Oslo, you should first take advantage of Bristol Hotel's lovely relaxation amenities. Bristol Spa features a historic setting where you can relax and soothe your worldly pains with a therapeutic massage or treatment. You'll also have access to facilities like the sauna, steam room, and pool. If you're a more active and fitness-minded individual, the hotel also features a well-equipped gym with weights and state-of-the-art exercise machines.

Once you feel you're ready, head on out and experience the grandeur of Norway's capital. Many of the city's historic landmarks are well within walking distance, such as the Oslo Cathedral and the Royal Palace. If you'd like to dive into a few hours of learning, drop by nearby museums such as Historisk Museum, which has collections of various artifacts and exhibits from different eras.

Other Celebrations

If you're planning to celebrate a special day, such as an anniversary or birthday, Bristol Hotel has some wonderful packages worth taking a look at. Couples can avail a special stay with a romantic dinner and breakfast. They also have a lovely spa package that includes access to Bristol Spa's facilities.

Companies and large groups looking for a place for their conference or corporate retreat will also have some fantastic choices with Bristol Hotel's venues. Bristol Hall, for example, can accommodate 300 guests, while Maud-Salen and Haakon-Salen can host up to 120 each.