Hotel Review: Amerikalinjen, Ascend Hotel Collection

Established in 1910, The Norwegian America Line offered regular transatlantic service between Norway and the United States, expanding later to include a route to East Africa. However, with the rise of air travel as its fierce competitor, transatlantic passenger voyages gradually diminished over the years, eventually transforming the company into a shipping enterprise. Fast forward to 2019, the former headquarters of the Norwegian America Line transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel, welcoming discerning guests in search of exquisite hospitality. Here is my review of Amerikalinjen, Ascend Hotel Collection:

• What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?

• Location

• Lobby & Check-In Review

• Bedroom Review 

• Bathroom Review

• Gym & Sauna Review

• Courtyard Haven & Library Review 

• Positives & Negatives

• Summary

Amerikalinjen is located at Jernbanetorget 2, 0154 Oslo, Norway.

What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?

The AMEX Platinum card is one of the best premium travel cards available on the market. The AMEX Platinum card currently offers a sign-up bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards (MR) points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of account opening. I personally value MR points at 2 cents per point, making the sign-up bonus worth about $2,000. The card earns 5X MR points on up to $500,000 per calendar year on flights purchased directly from airlines or on the AMEX travel portal. It also earns 5X MR points on hotels booked and prepaid on the AMEX travel portal, and all other purchases earn 1X MR points.

The AMEX Platinum card offers remarkable benefits and perks to elevate your travel game.

If you thought the multipliers of the card were mediocre, prepare yourself because the card's annual fee is $695. It is one of the most expensive cards to open, but thankfully, AMEX included valuable benefits to effectively offset the annual fee. Here are the following benefits included in the card membership:

• $200 Fine Hotels & Resorts Credit & Benefits

• $200 Uber Credit

• $200 Airline Credit

• Centurion Lounge Access & Priority Pass Membership

• Delta Sky Club Access When Flying Delta

• Hilton Honors Gold Status & Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

• Reimbursed Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Application Fees

• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit

• $300 Equinox Credit

• $179 CLEAR Credit

• $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit

If you are able to maximize the benefits, you will get much more value in return than its annual fee. Moreover, because the card provides perks for flights, hotels, and daily expenses like digital subscriptions, Uber rides, and Uber Eats, your AMEX Platinum can be your one-stop shop for luxury travel needs!

If you’d like to apply for the American Express Platinum Card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link! 

Location

The location of Amerikalinjen, Ascend Hotel Collection in Oslo, Norway, is in the city center, making it an ideal choice for tourists visiting the surrounding attractions. Situated near the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, The Royal Castle, and other cultural destinations, guests at Amerikalinjen can easily explore the vibrant and artistic areas of Oslo. Its central location also offers convenient access to transportation links, shopping areas in Kvadraturen, and important museums in the city. With its prime position in the heart of Oslo, Amerikalinjen provides a great starting point for tourists to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and historical offerings of the city.

 

Lobby & Check-In Review

Due to ongoing renovations, the hotel's exterior was enveloped in a white construction covering. I’m sure it was the required safety precautions that the hotel had to take, and thankfully, the lobby was pristine and sophisticated.

Despite the hotel’s messy exterior construction covering, the interior unmistakably showcased its true identity as a boutique hotel.

The lobby was full of modern interior design elements, and I especially enjoyed the clever use of an oversized suitcase, which was repurposed as a coffee table. It perfectly complemented the hotel’s rich history as the former headquarters of the Norwegian America Line.

Transforming a large suitcase into a table perfectly complemented the hotel's atmosphere.

Fun and quirky furniture enlightened the atmosphere, and they built up my heightened anticipation for my room.

Adding a touch of whimsical and unique accent furniture can enhance the ambiance of any hotel.

Right around the corner of the lobby was home to the hotel bar, Pier 43, but because I stayed at the hotel on Sunday, it was unfortunately closed.

Unfortunately, it was disappointing to learn that the hotel bar is not operational on Sundays.

Right around the corner of the bar, I ran into a small shelf featuring hotel merchandise and other goods available for purchase.

If you're curious to discover more about the hotel or had a great experience with the bath products in your room, you could purchase hotel merchandise right in the lobby.

Upon checking in at the front desk, a receptionist greeted me with a smile and took the time to provide detailed explanations regarding the location of all amenities and their corresponding hours of operation. In addition, she was pleased to inform me that I had been upgraded to a superior room due to my Platinum Choice Hotel status.

The check-in experience was seamless, and I was upgraded to a more spacious room.

While the upgrade itself wasn’t substantial, I still valued any opportunity to stay in a more spacious accommodation. I was thrilled with the upgrade and went up to the fifth floor, where my room was located. 

Bedroom Review 

As I entered the room, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of surprise at its relatively small size. It's important to note that this was supposed to be an upgraded room. Given the limited space, the hotel had to display its creativity in optimal utilization of space. The majority of the bedroom was occupied by a queen-sized bed.

Though I was assigned to an upgraded room, the majority of the space was occupied by a queen-sized bed.

In an attempt to create the illusion of a larger space, the hotel placed a smoked mirror wall behind the seating area. However, despite their efforts, the room still felt confined and cramped. The pendant lighting bounced off the mirrored walls, filling the room with additional brightness. The pendant light fixture was actually created by Hadeland, a Norwegian glassblowing company that also provided the Norwegian America Cruise ship’s original glassware. The headboard featured reading lights, a master light switch, and outlets, ensuring a comfortable lodging experience for guests. Moreover, there were USB-A and USB-C ports to charge your devices.

I wish more hotels offered these charging options so that international travelers wouldn’t need to carry outlet adapters.

There was a nightstand on each side of the bed, with one of them equipped with a safe inside. In the corner, there was a cozy lounge seat, which is a reproduction of the original mid-century version designed by Torbjern Bekken in 1960.

If you have an interest in furniture design, Amerikalinjen is a fantastic destination for discovering remarkable and significant pieces.

Adjacent to the room entrance, there was a narrow closet with storage space. A Nespresso machine was conveniently tucked away inside, keeping guests caffeinated during their stay.

Having a Nespresso machine in a hotel room always earns some extra brownie points in my book.

A petite bottle of red wine was also available, but if you desired a wider selection, you could find them in the pull-out fridge, which looked like a regular dresser.

The pullout mini-fridge was stocked with various Norwegian drinks and snacks.

Atop the “dresser,” my attention was drawn to a delightful welcome amenity consisting of berries, mini donuts, and brownies.

It is always a pleasure to encounter a hotel that decorates its rooms with a thoughtful curation of art that truly reflects the essence of the establishment.

The staff wrote me a kind card welcoming my stay and also provided two bottles of water. While it was convenient to have a bottle of water when I explored Oslo, remember that Norwegian tap water is one of the purest waters in the world.

The delicious afternoon welcome amenity consisted of mini baked goods and fresh berries, delighting my taste buds.

Adorning the wall were memorabilia showcasing the rich history and identity of the Norwegian America cruise line. They served as meaningful decor, reconnecting guests to the hotel’s heritage.

The upper section of the mini-fridge could be extended and create a practical bartop for guests.

Diagonally across from the bed was a smart TV, and the hotel digitally placed the hotel information on the TV, eliminating the need for paper waste.

The majority of Scandinavian and Nordic hotels opt for digital platforms to minimize the use of paper and reduce unnecessary waste.

To provide more seating options, the hotel ingeniously placed cushions on the window sill. These wide sills were perfect for sitting, offering a comfortable spot to read or work for a brief moment.

The window sill was wide enough to provide a cozy spot to relax while overlooking Jernbanetorget Square.

From the window, my corner room directly overlooked Jernbanetorget Square and the surrounding neighborhood. However, chilly winter air seeped through the windows, and it made it impossible to stay there for an extended period without retreating back to a warm bed.

I could see the Oslo Central Station from my hotel room, which offers a direct train ride from Oslo Airport.

The bedroom was compact yet cozy; despite the room's limited square footage, the hotel ingeniously capitalized on every inch of the room. As long as you manage your expectations, you will appreciate the hotel's creative ability to maximize space and enjoy the stay.

Bathroom Review

When I entered the bathroom, I immediately noticed its heated floor. I wasn’t sure how common it is for a four-star hotel in Oslo, but it’s certainly a rare and impressive feature among four-star hotels in the U.S.  I genuinely appreciated its heated flooring since Norwegian winter could be brutal.

The wooden materials used for the vanity evoked the identity of a ship from the Norwegian America Line.

The bathroom featured a single sink vanity, providing ample countertop space despite the compactness associated with typical European bathrooms. I enjoyed the wooden base of the vanity, as it reminded me of the traditional interiors found on ships.

Given the harsh Norwegian winter, the heated bathroom flooring was a welcoming feature.

The toiletries were by Sprekenhus—a Norwegian brand located in Oslo, and the hotel supplied them in communal bottles to reduce unnecessary plastic waste. The walk-in shower offered toiletries by the same brand, and they were mildly fragrant with black pepper, vanilla, and white lavender notes.

Products from Sprekenhus were free of harmful chemicals, and its natural mild fragrance was soothing and enjoyable.

I knew my hair wouldn’t be damaged using Sprekenhus products because they didn’t contain sulfate, phosphate, or paraben. The shower utilized simple black and white subway tiles on the walls, and the glossy finish of the tiles added an interesting texture to the atmosphere.

The glossy white and black subway tiles delivered a contemporary and pristine look.

The rainfall showerhead delivered a pleasant showering experience, and despite the bathroom’s compact real estate, I still appreciated its interior design and layout. The bathroom managed to stay modern with its monochromatic finishes while expressing its brand identity as a former headquarters of the Norwegian America Line. 

Gym & Sauna Review 

The fitness center and sauna were located on the ground level, and while the gym was open daily, 24/7, the sauna was open from 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 10 PM daily. The gym featured triangle-patterned wood flooring that exuded a cool retro vibe with sustainability in mind. With multiple high-end speakers positioned on the ceiling, soft jazz and pop music played in the background.

In contrast to the conventional padded rubber flooring, the triangle-patterned wood flooring offered a stylish retro vibe.

The overall space was modest in size, and everything was decked out with the latest TechnoGym equipment. Treadmills, cycling machines, and stair master were positioned towards the back of the gym, and the rest of the space was dedicated to muscle training.

The fitness center boasted top-of-the-line exercise machines courtesy of TechnoGym.

Several strength machines, such as leg press, chest press, and cable machines, were available for those unfamiliar with free weights. Although you could perform most strength exercises using these machines alone, the highlight of the gym was the free weight station on an elevated platform. The space was embellished with wooden poles and ropes, creating the sensation of stepping aboard a ship.

Due to the absence of padded flooring, I needed to exercise caution and ensure that I didn't accidentally drop the weights.

A full rack with proper weight plates was available where guests could deadlift and bench press, taking the gym experience to another level. However, because the floor wasn’t padded, I had to be careful not to drop weights.

Guests had the opportunity to elevate their weightlifting experiences by using appropriate weight plates for deadlifts and bench presses.

Adding to the gym's retro aesthetics, a vintage punching bag completed the setup harmoniously. In addition to an Olympic-graded barbell, the gym offered dumbbells that weighed up to 22 kg (approximately 48.5 lbs). While there wasn’t ample open space, the hotel kindly put kettlebells and medicine balls for those who enjoy demanding full-body workouts. Following my workout, I utilized foam rollers and cushioned mats to effectively cool down and relax my muscles.

Among my preferred pieces of equipment, the water rower stood out due to its visual and auditory output with the water.

The sauna was conveniently connected to the gym, and it offered complimentary lockers where guests could store their personal belongings.

Guests were welcome to make use of the complimentary lockers and a fresh towel to dry off after a relaxing session in the sauna.

Before going into the sauna, I grabbed a fresh cup of Norwegian tap water from a brass sink. The hotel didn’t offer any disposable cups to promote environmental sustainability—a common and admirable policy among Scandinavian countries.

Norway has one of the purest waters in the world, so enjoy crisp and clean tap water at your convenience.

Before the actual sauna, there was a communal area with heated lounge beds with mosaic tiles. Prior to entering the sauna itself, there was a communal space with heated lounge beds trimmed with beautiful mosaic tiles. As I entered the area, the warm air embraced me, and in the background, a gentle melody of soft jazz played, calming both my mind and body.

The heated lounge beds were fantastic, and the ambiance was thoughtfully created to foster a sense of calmness and tranquility.

The communal space also featured a cozy seating area, perfect for reading a book or chatting with your travel companion while unwinding post-sauna. The overall aesthetics were impeccable, perfectly capturing the essence and visual appeal. As the sauna was open to both genders, guests were required to wear swimwear when entering. Additionally, there were two shower booths available to rinse off before and after enjoying the sauna. The shower was quite impressive, boasting an enormous rainfall showerhead; it was undeniably the largest one I had ever seen, measuring about four feet in both width and length.

The oversized rainfall showerhead delivered an immersive experience, excellent for refreshing yourself before or after indulging in the sauna.

The Finnish sauna was also pretty spacious, accommodating more than 10 people across its three levels. The sauna's interior was softly illuminated by integrated lighting, creating a soothing ambiance. 

With its gentle glow, the ambient lighting transformed the previously dim sauna into an inviting space.

The spa experience could have been perfect with the addition of a refreshing cold plunge pool, but guests could still utilize the shower booths if necessary. Overall, I truly appreciated the flawless design of both the gym and sauna. Moreover, both facilities were equipped with top-notch technical components, leaving no room for any shortcomings.

Courtyard Haven & Library Review 

Situated on the lobby level, the indoor courtyard was a versatile space for hotel guests to work, relax, and indulge in culinary delights from Atlas Brasserie & Café, or sip on refreshing beverages from Pier 42.

The lush greenery and lofty ceilings of Courtyard Haven created an ideal environment for both work and relaxation, offering a perfect setting to unwind or be productive.

Thanks to airy ceilings and green plants, the courtyard radiated a welcoming ambiance, and it felt as if I had been transported to an entirely different place. The central fireplace infused warmth into the atmosphere, and I was charmed by the hotel's incorporation of vintage cruise ship details, which added historical charm to the courtyard.

Guests could enjoy delicious breakfast courtesy of Atlas Brasserie & Café.

While I didn't get a chance to savor drinks or food in the courtyard, it was a peaceful place to take care of some last-minute emails during the day.

I thoroughly enjoyed the strong design language and continental atmosphere at Courtyard Haven.

If you want a more nostalgic setup that is true to the hotel Amerikalinjen’s identity, check out the library. The hotel aimed to represent the glorious past by furnishing the library with original ship seats with overhead storage compartments.

I highly recommend taking a few moments out of your day to visit the library and explore an array of vintage artifacts from the past.

There were few tables where hotel guests could work remotely, but they were inadequately sized, given the nature of the design at that time. Nevertheless, the hotel still tried to accommodate modern travelers with outlets.

The work desks may have been intentionally designed with smaller dimensions—perhaps to accentuate the nostalgic charm of the past.

While I didn't specifically utilize the space for work, I genuinely enjoyed the library. It beautifully showcased the hotel's history and created an emotional connection with the guests.

The Library will provide guests with a fresh perspective on the hotel, allowing them to appreciate it in a whole new light.

If you find yourself with a few spare minutes, I highly recommend stopping by the library to check out vintage objects from the past; you will come to appreciate the hotel in a different way. The overall experience significantly deepened my appreciation for the hotel.

Positives & Negatives

Positives

• The hotel's standout feature was its remarkable connection to the past. The rooms and library were adorned with a curated collection of vintage memorabilia, seamlessly blending nostalgia with a sense of pride in its rich heritage. Fun fact—The Hotel bar, Pier 42, was named in homage to the iconic NYC landmark where many Scandinavians first arrived on American shores.

• The level of hospitality from the hotel staff was remarkable. Upon my arrival, I received a warm and genuine welcome, and the receptionist provided me with a thorough overview of the hotel's amenities. Later on, the staff brought delicious chocolate cookies to my room as an afternoon snack; small details like this really enhance the overall experience.

• The hotel's location is simply unbeatable for travelers. Positioned directly across from the Olso Central Station, it offers the fastest route from Olso airport to the city center.

• The gym and sauna facilities provided a superior level of wellness. You could find an impressive selection of state-of-the-art equipment, including a full squat rack. As for the sauna, it was spacious and modern, and I highly recommend relaxing on the heated lounge chairs before going into the sauna.

Negatives

• Although the bedroom was relatively compact, it wasn’t surprising for a boutique hotel in Oslo, the capital of Norway. Furthermore, the clever interior design of the room maximized every inch of available space.

Summary

Amerikalinjen, Ascend Hotel Collection, was a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Oslo. Its location directly across from the Oslo Central Station makes it a convenient place for visitors. Although routine maintenance was underway on the exterior of the hotel during my visit, the interior surpassed all expectations. Amerikalinjen was not shy of its historical roots as the former headquarters of the Norwegian America Line, and I genuinely enjoyed the hotel’s consistent effort to embody its unique brand identity and foundation. Environmental sustainability was evident throughout the hotel, and while my room was compact, its brilliant interior design aimed at utilizing every available space. My stay at Amerikalinjen was far too brief, and I will certainly return to experience the hotel’s charms once again. For those seeking a distinctive boutique hotel with an illustrious past in Oslo, I wholeheartedly recommend choosing Amerikalinjen, Ascend Hotel Collection.