Sommerro, a five-star heritage property in central Oslo, which was once the city’s electricity headquarters, proves the perfect place for sleep and relaxation.
A singsong “Welcome to Sommerro” was a balm to my frazzled nerves after a day spent vertically dosing from Brisbane to Oslo. After limited mobility and carb-heavy meals, I was braced for days of heavy jet lag. Instead, I found everything I needed for the quickest time zone adjustment of my life.
While this 231-room luxury property doesn’t bill itself as a sleep-restorative stay, Sommerro has everything you need to recalibrate.
The property’s heritage roots are evident from the outset. Once the headquarters of Oslo’s Lysverker, the city’s electric company, Sommerro’s original 1930s art deco features have been lovingly restored.
Gold detailing, mustard chairs, and crown-shaped ceiling lights make the lobby feel both glamorous and contemporary. A waft of fresh-baked goods from the ground-floor café extends a welcome invitation in, accompanied by jaunty art deco-era music.
The room
High ceilings and an oversized picture window gave my Deluxe Double Room an airy, open feel.
The wide windowsill proved the perfect place to sip coffee and watch the commuters, tourists, and trams crisscross the streets below. Within minutes, I felt myself reset to holiday mode, a switch that often takes days.
The hotel’s art deco theme continues in the room, leaving no need for generic artwork or fussy pictures. Instead, clean lines, quality finishes, and impeccable attention to detail set a sophisticated tone.
For jet-lagged travellers, practicalities matter. As I drew the heavy blackout drapes and flicked the electric blinds to close, complete darkness signalled rest. Even the bathroom night-light was sleep-protective, turning off the minute I left the room.
Barely a peep could be heard from the streets below as I tucked myself into bed. As I willed my body to accept my new time zone, the king-sized mattress proved firm enough to realign a spine battered by economy class, yet soft enough to sink into sleep. I stacked the thin pillows like crepes to reach the perfect neck height.
The room also hit the mark with other restorative features: the power of the spacious rainforest shower to pummel away the grime of all-day travel, as well as on-tap still and sparkling water for easy rehydration.
Wine and dine
Breakfast at Sommerro is worthy of its own review. Served in Ekspedisjonshallen (Expedition Hall, a fitting name given my HX adventure ahead), the hotel’s brasserie was once the old electricity paying hall.
Ekspedisjonhallen’s setting is as sophisticated as the breakfast spread is grand, with soaring ceilings, art deco furnishings, and an original mural by Norwegian artist Per Krohg (famed for his United Nations Mural for Peace). Despite the hotel’s high occupancy, breakfast didn’t feel crowded.
An impressive spread of pastries, fruit, cheese, and Norwegian staples – like bread, ham, and smoked salmon – accompanied more indulgent surprises – Sommerro’s handmade chocolates. While I thought I was long past the days of chocolate for breakfast, when its handmade, rich, velvety, and right there, who am I to say no?
Breakfast includes one dish from the à la carte menu, too. I chose the Norsk Frokost: scrambled eggs with smoked Norwegian salmon. It was simple, delicious, and the perfect counterbalance to the decadent treats from the in-house patisserie.
On the roof, one of the city’s restaurant darlings – TAK Oslo – serves Nordic-Japanese cuisine, while Izakaya offers sweeping city views and a buzzing atmosphere at all times of day.
There’s also To Søstre, Sommerro’s high tea and cocktail bar, Plah and Ahaan, serving elevated Thai dishes, and Barraman, a Pinxtos bar pairing tapas classics with Spanish wines.
Wellness
Once Oslo’s historic public baths, Vestkantbadet is Sommerro’s 1,400 square-metre wellness centre, offering treatments, a well-stocked boutique, and the opportunity to say adjø (goodbye) to jet lag.
The 90-minute infrared sauna and cold plunge package expedited the shift from Australian to Norwegian time zones.
Set in the original tiled Roman bath, the infrared sauna’s spine-shaped wooden supports eased the tension in my neck and back. Dips in an icy 7-degree Celsius plunge pool proved the perfect way to stave off the urge to crash early.
I ended my evening at the heated rooftop pool, where the sun-dappled city views and mellow ambience were the final touches in preparing me for a deep, undisturbed sleep.
Out and about
With a 100/100 walkability score, it’s easy to explore Oslo’s main attractions on foot, especially from Sommerro’s central location. A 20-minute walk took me to the bustling waterfront area.
En route, I passed an impressive metres-high image of Arctic wildlife and Norwegian explorers. They were part of the Oslo Street Photo Festival, seemingly another nod to my upcoming Svalbard expedition.
Oslo’s harbour promenade ties old and new parts of the capital across 10 kilometres of walkways, bike paths, and lounger benches. There’s no shortage of eateries, bars, art, and museums lining the route. The vibes were high as locals and visitors enjoyed the last of the summer weather.
A walk around the extraordinary architecture of the mesmerising Opera House is not to be missed. Sadly, time didn’t allow for exploration around the nearby Munch Museum; it’s home to the world’s largest collection of Edvard Munch paintings.
Oslo Airport is easily accessible from Sommerro; it’s a 10-minute walk from the deluxe property to Nationaltheatret Station.
The verdict
Sommerro’s heritage character, modern comforts, central location, and accommodating staff make this an excellent stay.
From my first day in Oslo and beyond, I felt energised and alert. I credit Sommerro’s restorative amenities and features for resetting my weary body and shaving days off any jet lag. It’s a place to land and immediately get more out of your Norwegian holiday.
The details
Address: Sommerrogata 1, Frogner, Oslo, Norway
Room type: Deluxe Double
Check-in: 3 pm
Check-out: 12 pm
Rates: Deluxe Double Rooms from $730
For more information, visit sommerrohouse.com.
