Recently, I was lucky enough to spend four days at the newly opened Savoy 1918 in Tullinløkka, close to the National Theatre and right in the centre of Oslo. The building was originally designed in 1916 for the electrical company A/S Watt, before Hotel Savoy opened on its upper floors two years later. More than a place to stay, it became an important meeting spot for the city. Now, HEIMR Collection has lovingly restored it, bringing the hotel back to its heyday for a new generation.
Its reopening also makes Savoy 1918 the first hotel in Oslo to join Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), one of the most selective collections of independently owned boutique hotels, comprising more than 500 properties in over 90 countries.
The Savoy 1918 has 92 individually designed rooms, ranging from petite classics and deluxe rooms to duplexes and suites. The extensive redesign combines preserved architecture, Oslo-sourced antiques and modern wellness facilities. Think sumptuous fabrics, sophisticated palettes, thoughtful mementoes and artwork. The past and present sit comfortably together, creating an atmosphere with historic character and a lively, contemporary spirit. Working with Kritt Arkitekter and Metropolis Interior Architects, HEIMR has preserved the building’s original qualities while giving the interiors a new expression.
The Deluxe Room at the newly remodeled Savoy 1918 in Oslo features romantic boutique styling, a marble bathtub and luxury amenities.
The hotel is also home to the already much-talked-about Café WATT, where breakfast comes with the quirky Savoy Morning Edition newspaper. Executive Head Chef Nils Flatmark and his team serve outstanding food centred on Norwegian produce and the seasons. Inspired by classic European café and restaurant culture, the menu brings continental influences to local ingredients. It is the kind of place where you can pop in for lunch, a glass of wine or, as I did, dinner.
Left: Café WATT brings Nordic flavours and continental café culture to the heart of Savoy 1918.
Right: The cosy library at Hotel Savoy 1918 invites guests to settle in for long evenings by the fire,
whether chatting over a drink or getting lost in a good book.
My stay was made extra special by the warm attentiveness of the Savoy staff. General Manager Sara Forselius explains that recruiting 60 people who would be the right cultural fit was one of the most important parts of the launch, and it shows. “Even if you have a team of stars, it doesn’t mean you will win the game,” she tells me, using a football analogy.
Historic surroundings, thoughtful design, good food and genuine hospitality come together under one roof. Savoy 1918 is a place to stay, connect and return to. I can’t wait to do just that.
For details and bookings visit Savoy 1918.
Author: Linda Hunting
Explore Oslo and Norway via Visit Oslo and Visit Norway.
Discover Norway through our features: Svølvaer – Lofoten Islands, Lighthouse at the End of the World, and in Catching the Aurora Borealis.
All images: Øiving Haug / Tom Haga
Left: Café WATT brings Nordic flavours and continental café culture to the heart of Savoy 1918.
Right: The cosy library at Hotel Savoy 1918 invites guests to settle in for long evenings by the fire, whether chatting over a drink or getting lost in a good book.
Next door, the long-awaited Savoy Bar is due to reopen this autumn. For decades, it was a favourite meeting place for academics, artists, musicians and politicians. One famous regular was Dutch-born Swedish singer-songwriter Cornelis Vreeswijk, who recorded his 1979 album Hotel Savoy in room 202.For hotel details and bookings, click HERE.Author: Linda Hunting
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