Hotel Review: Clarion Hotel The Hub
Choice Hotels may not be your first choice, as its lodging portfolio consists of notable budget hotel brands such as Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Econo Lodge. However, Choice Hotels has been broadening its portfolio through acquisitions and now houses Radisson Hotel brands and Ascend Hotel Collection properties under its umbrella. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Choice Hotels has a significant presence in Norway. Among its offerings is Clarion Hotel The Hub, a recently established upscale hotel situated in the heart of Oslo, catering to international business travelers. Given its prime location, it made perfect sense for me to spend the initial few nights at the hotel while exploring the wonderful Nordic city of Oslo. Here is my review of Clarion Hotel The Hub:
Clarion Hotel The Hub is located at Biskop Gunnerus gate 3, 0155 Oslo, Norway.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
The Capital One Venture X card is a premium travel card, and if you are looking for a one-card solution for your wallet, this may be the card for you. The card earns 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2X miles on all other purchases. Capital One’s travel portal can be a safe choice when booking with cash. It is equipped with free price drop protection and price match protection; Capital One will match competitors’ prices and even give you a partial refund if the price of your purchased flight or hotel drops. Though I generally recommend booking directly with a service provider to get the best available price, if you can do a little bit of research, you can certainly benefit from earning 10X back.
Capital One’s Venture X card is the hottest new premium travel card on the market right now.
The Capital One Venture X card has a $395 annual fee and offers tons of perks to justify its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Annual $300 travel credit
10,000 Capital One miles bonus upon renewal
Access to Premier Collection Hotels
Four complimentary authorized users
Capital One Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge access
Priority Pass Membership
Primary rental car insurance
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
The $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 Capital One miles bonus sum up to $400 minimum in value, effectively offsetting the annual fee. Its growing portfolio of hotels and lounge access make the Capital One Venture X card an appealing choice for those looking for a premium travel credit card.
If you’d like to apply for the Capital One Venture X 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
Clarion Hotel The Hub is ideally located in the heart of Oslo, right next to Oslo Central Station. It is situated on Biskop Gunnerus' gate 3, Oslo, Norway. The hotel's central and convenient position makes it an excellent choice for visitors and tourists. The famous Karl Johans Gate—a vibrant shopping district with numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes—is only 350 feet away from the hotel, and Oslo Cathedral and Akershus Fortress are situated within walking distance.
Lobby & Check-In Review
Clarion Hotel The Hub, which opened its doors in 2019, stood out as one of the newest and most modern hotels in town. The hotel had successfully incorporated contemporary and sustainable design elements into its architecture.
Having opened in 2019, the hotel's lobby retained a fresh feel, featuring modern interior design elements.
In fact, it proudly holds a certification for meeting high environmental standards, and at the very top of the hotel, guests will find a sprawling rooftop garden called GrowHub. Here, the hotel grows and harvests various Norwegian produce, including greens and honey, which are then used in the hotel's restaurants and bars. The hotel even sells the honey that is harvested from GrowHub.
Clarion Hotel The Hub has a rooftop garden cultivating various produce, and you can even purchase honey harvested directly from the garden.
I was particularly impressed with the lobby's design, which seamlessly merged aesthetics with energy conservation and sustainability. One notable feature was the elevator wall, constructed entirely of LED screens that played captivating digital videos, creating an immersive experience for guests while waiting for an elevator.
The lively LED wall showcased captivating digital videos that held my attention as I waited for an elevator.
The lobby was filled with elegant furniture and beautiful natural materials that blended in perfect harmony.
For furniture enthusiasts, Clarion Hotel The Hub will be a delight for your eyes.
Within the lobby, there was a well-appointed library that provided a relaxed setting for both work and socializing. It proved to be the ideal spot for tackling late-night emails, prompting me to venture downstairs after dinner.
The lower floor of the library was a tastefully adorned, creating an intimate space ideal for gatherings.
The addition of a digital fireplace added a cozy touch, while the sophisticated arrangement of plush velvet and leather seating, accompanied by marble tables, elevated the overall atmosphere.
The digital fireplace provided a comforting ambiance for the chilly Norwegian weather, instantly adding a sense of coziness to the library.
Adjacent to the lobby was a stylish bar where guests could enjoy beverages and bar food, such as sandwiches. The bar's seating took full advantage of the high ceilings, complemented by tastefully placed faux plants that breathed life into the space.
The bar sold a selection of sandwiches and light snacks suitable for a quick lunch or dinner.
Towards the back of the lobby, cozy lounge seats and another fireplace created an inviting environment—perfect for catching up with friends after a long day of work. In fact, I noticed numerous business professionals unwinding with drinks, sharing stories of their day.
In the evening, this space was frequented by professionals relaxing with beer and wine.
After exploring the library, I made my way to the expansive front desk to check in. Due to its strategic location, the hotel undoubtedly catered to business travelers, and the front desk’s impressively large size reflected it, accommodating multiple guests simultaneously.
The expansive front desk could accommodate multiple guests at once.
To provide even more convenience, there were self-check-in kiosks available for guests to use at their own pace.
If you are in a hurry, I recommend using a kiosk when checking in or out.
Opting for a personal check-in experience, I interacted with a friendly receptionist who, although well-intentioned, didn't provide a thorough explanation of all the hotel amenities. However, when it came time to check out, I decided to give the kiosk a try, and the experience was flawless, even for a foreigner like me.
I highly recommend visiting the Munch Museum when you have a chance and see amazing art by Edvard Munch—including three variations of The Scream.
Once I received my card keys, I headed up to the eighth floor, where my room was located.
Bedroom Review
Upon exiting the elevator, I found myself having to walk for a full two minutes before reaching my room. The journey from the elevator to my room proved to be rather perplexing. Once I stepped into the room, I was greeted by the inviting hardwood flooring and the whimsical design and decorations that added a casual and approachable feel to the space. Near the entrance, a narrow built-in cabinet caught my eye, housing a Nespresso machine—a telltale sign of a boutique hotel.
The bedroom employed ingenious interior design layouts to optimize its floor plan.
As I made my way further into the room, the bedroom area revealed itself. Admittedly, it wasn't particularly spacious, but considering that I had been upgraded, I was content with what I had received. Dominating half of the room was a queen-sized bed, complete with a leather-wrapped headboard that spanned the length of the wall. The bed was adorned with numerous throw pillows, providing an overall plush and comfortable experience.
Despite the compact size of the room, the bed was comfortable, and the space was full of playful and unique designs.
The bed had a pentagonal metal nightstand on one side, featuring a bedside lamp that had a metal body and a translucent paper lampshade, reminiscent of an IKEA lamp. The headboard was equipped with 220 V outlets and USB ports, along with flexible reading lights and ambient lighting positioned behind it. The room exuded ample brightness, thanks to the combination of various light sources. Adorning the wall was a charming quilted bear's head, donning a scarf hat and a pair of glasses, which added a delightful touch to the room's ambiance. Adjacent to it, an art piece titled "In the Heart of Oslo" by Wall Stories showcased an aerial view of Oslo's city map.
"In the Heart of Oslo" by Wall Stories showcased an aerial view of Oslo's city map.
A small plaque accompanied the artwork, providing insightful information about the artist and the piece itself, which I found to be a thoughtful way of educating guests who may not have visited Oslo before. Facing the bed, there was a modern drawer with a flat-screen TV perched on top.
Hotel guests could easily navigate the TV to access information regarding the facilities and amenities offered by the hotel.
Although not a smart TV, it offered Chromecast functionality and served as a digital replacement for traditional paper information sheets found in hotels. Similar to the sustainable approach by Hotel St. George in Helsinki, guests could conveniently browse the TV to access details about the hotel's facilities and amenities.
Growhub is a sustainability-oriented initiative aimed at encouraging urban harvesting of produce.
Nestled within the drawer was a compact refrigerator stocked with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as tasty snacks.
There's no need to purchase bottled water in Norway as its tap water ranks among the purest globally.
Positioned between the TV and the bed, a comfortable lounge chair and an abstract metal side table added to the room's aesthetics. While the bedroom lacked floor-to-ceiling windows, guests could still enjoy a breath of fresh air by slightly opening the windows. Regrettably, the view from the room was less than thrilling, as it directly faced an office space.
The view from the bedroom window presented a rather depressing view of the nearby office space
One aspect I found lacking in the bedroom was the absence of a dedicated work desk. I had to utilize the side table when taking care of a few emails, which wasn't ideal since the accompanying lounge chair was so low. Even when considering the limited space in the bedroom, I believe the hotel could have incorporated a small work desk.
While I would have preferred a designated work desk, fortunately, the lobby provided decent spaces for remote work.
Apart from that, as long as you're aware of the compact size of the room, you'll be satisfied with the functional and minimalist bedroom offered at the Clarion Hotel The Hub.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom had a sliding door with a secure lock mechanism, featuring a strip of opaque glass to indicate if it was occupied.
A simple strip of opaque glass on the bathroom door indicated when it was in use.
Equipped with a single sink vanity and ample countertop space, the bathroom exuded a modern and pristine ambiance, albeit lacking the distinctive character found in the bedroom.
While the bathroom lacked the charm of the bedroom, it was both clean and modern.
It wasn’t the most spacious bathroom, with the rest of the space housing both a toilet and a walk-in shower, with the latter designed without a physical door. Thanks to the rainfall showerhead, the water remained contained within the shower booth, preventing any splatters on the bathroom floor.
Even with the rainfall showerhead, the wide glass wall efficiently contained water splashes.
Additionally, a handheld option was available for those with specific preferences. The toiletries provided were from Rituals, a well-regarded Danish brand renowned for their use of natural ingredients.
While products from Rituals were excellent, I wish the hotel promoted a local, Norwegian brand.
Overall, the bathroom perfectly embodied the image one would expect from an upscale business hotel—sleek, contemporary, and functional. While it may have lacked the same level of personality as the bedroom, this was not necessarily a drawback, as most guests at the hotel are likely either tourists exploring the city or business travelers seeking a restful night's sleep before important presentations in the morning.
Gym & Pool Review
The gym was conveniently located on the ground level and operated seven days a week, from 6 AM to 10 PM. It was divided into two sections. The first part served as the entrance and featured state-of-the-art strength exercise machines by TechnoGym.
The gym was adorned with minimal decor, featuring posters highlighting Norway's prowess in winter sports.
These machines catered to both upper and lower body muscle groups and even had built-in rep counters. Moreover, there was an all-in-one machine that allowed for a wide range of exercises in a compact space.
These advanced TechnoGym strength machines could even count reps for you.
While cardio machines were not available in this area, there was a StairMaster for guests to use, which is one of my favorite exercise machines that could push you to the limit. Upon leaving the strength room, guests would come across a small circular indoor pool and a lounge area next to a hydration station.
Next to the pool, guests could stay refreshed and hydrated with pristine Norwegian water.
Given that Norwegian tap water is renowned for its pure freshness, I was more than happy to drink directly from the tap. While there were some seating arrangements available, it would have been preferable if the hotel provided more lounge beds for guests' convenience.
The poolside area could have accommodated additional lounge chairs on the floor.
Prior to using the pool, guests could utilize one of the two gender-separated locker rooms. Although the male locker room was relatively compact, it did offer complimentary lockers and a shower for guests to freshen up before entering the pool.
The personal lockers were quite small, making it challenging to store items beyond my cellphone and shoes.
The indoor swimming pool itself was not heated, but the water temperature was pleasant, and the depth was suitable for children, making it particularly appealing to families.
The indoor pool was unsuitable for lap swimming, primarily because of the pole situated in the center of the pool.
To cater to different crowds, the hotel designated specific hours exclusively for adults in the early morning and late at night. Adjacent to the pool, there were both wet and dry saunas—my favorite amenities in Scandinavian or Nordic hotels.
The sauna was my favorite amenity—perfect for relaxing and detoxing your body.
Each sauna had enough space to accommodate up to eight people, ensuring comfort and privacy. The side-by-side arrangement of the saunas allowed guests to alternate between them if one became too crowded.
I alternated between the steam room and the sauna, but they became somewhat crowded during peak gym hours.
Unfortunately, the two cold shower booths in the facility were out of order, preventing guests from fully experiencing the Nordic sauna culture.
The sauna experience would be more invigorating if the cold showers were not out of order.
Upon passing through the door adjacent to the hydration station, guests will discover the second gym at Clarion Hotel The Hub. This portion of the gym focused on free weights and cardio machines. As I entered the gym, I was welcomed by a selection of treadmills and ellipticals.
The deeper portion of the gym focused on free weights and cardio machines.
Beyond them, the space opened up to reveal an area dedicated to free weights. The fitness center featured a flat bench with high-quality Olympic barbells, as well as a squat rack equipped with safety bars.
There was no shortage of heavy weight plates for weightlifters at the fitness center.
With the entire floor padded, there was no concern about making noise while performing deadlifts. Furthermore, there were SkillMill treadmills, providing guests with opportunities to challenge for sprint training.
When exercising alone, make sure to utilize safety bars for your own protection.
On top of that, rowing machines were available, along with an open space containing kettlebells and medicine balls, ideal for HIIT workouts or full-body exercises.
Although there was no Peloton bike, the gym did supply a TechnoGym cycling bike that was user-friendly and intuitive.
It's evident from my enthusiastic tone that I thoroughly enjoyed the gym at Clarion Hotel The Hub. Divided into two areas, it catered to both experienced individuals seeking intensive workouts and casual gym goers wanting a comfortable environment. Moreover, the gym boasted state-of-the-art equipment that truly allowed guests to push their limits.
Bar Review—Calmeyers Hage
Situated on the 13th floor of Clarion Hotel The Hub, Calmeyers Hage is a celebrated bar featuring a terrace. It operates until midnight on weekdays and stays open until 2 AM on weekends. Arriving after a long flight from Texas, I was eager to unwind with a delightful cocktail before calling it a night. Without a reservation, I approached the bar on a Friday evening and found that while it was moderately busy, securing a seat was effortless. The ambiance was enhanced by soft pop music playing in the background, and the venue itself was visually stunning.
Calmeyers Hage was a beautiful bar that celebrated creative Norwegian cocktails.
Adorned with artificial trees and captivating lighting, it provided an ideal setting for romantic dates and social gatherings. The staff members were attentive and ensured my water cup remained replenished throughout the hour I spent there. The menu at Calmeyers Hage exceeded my expectations, and the thorough descriptions of each signature cocktail on the menu provided helpful guidance in making my choice. Ultimately, I opted for the Amaro Bouquet and ordered some nuts as a snack.
I ordered one of the signature cocktails that blended two Amaros, and it was deliciously complex with herbaceous notes and subtle hints of cinnamon and dark chocolate.
The cocktail proved to be a refreshing delight, expertly blending two Amaros, intertwining subtle hints of cinnamon and dark chocolate with the bitterness from herbs. The addition of egg white elevated the drink, lending it a luxurious and velvety texture. The accompanying nuts consisted of crispy peanuts infused with a gentle curry flavor. As the night progressed, a DJ began playing music, but the beats were tastefully integrated, perfectly complementing the upscale ambiance of the bar. Cocktails at Calmeyers Hage ranged from 14 USD to 20 USD, which, coming from Austin, I found to be relatively affordable compared to prices in the United States. Whether you crave well-crafted cocktails or are in search of an excellent spot for a date night, I highly recommend exploring the offerings at Calmeyers Hage.
Breakfast Review—Norda
At Clarion Hotel The Hub, guests are treated to a delicious and nourishing breakfast at Norda, situated on the 13th floor of the hotel. As part of the room rate, every guest has the opportunity to indulge in the breakfast buffet, available from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM on weekdays and from 7:30 AM to 11 AM on weekends. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, non-guests have the option to dine in by paying 37 USD per person.
As long as you pay the premium, non-guests could enjoy breakfast buffet at Norda.
Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately struck by the sheer size of the buffet, which seemed to stretch across the entire floor. With a plethora of seating options available, I had the freedom to choose any table that I desired. While there were outdoor terrace seating options that would be lovely in the summer, I decided to stay indoors.
Norda boasted plentiful seating choices and could accommodate many guests at once.
To begin my breakfast journey, I started with classic hot breakfast items such as eggs, turkey sausage, and potatoes.
The fried eggs were cooked to perfection, and there were other breakfast classics like bacon and potatoes.
My plate was loaded with flawlessly cooked sunny-side-up eggs, accompanied by baked beans and sautéed mushrooms.
With such a wide array of options, it was challenging to refrain from loading up my plates.
In terms of beverages, the breakfast buffet featured a tucked-away corner where juice dispensers and espresso coffee machines were conveniently located alongside the assortment of pastries. While the juices were not freshly squeezed, I couldn't resist starting my morning with a cup of orange juice.
For catering to large groups of guests, the restaurant utilized commercial juice dispensers at the beverage station.
The pastries, consisting of an array of danishes and cakes, catered to the guests' desire for something sweet. However, upon sampling them, I found that they lacked the artisanal qualities I had hoped for.
Although the buffet offered a plethora of pastries, the quality did not match the quantity in terms of excitement.
A similar observation can be made about the fresh bread station, which predominantly offered pre-sliced bread options tailored to please a larger audience rather than showcasing the distinctive characteristics typically associated with local independent bakeries.
There were multiple bread stations and every stand had Nugatti (a sweeter and more spreadable Nutella), hummus and whipped butter as staples.
To complement the assortment of carbs, the breakfast buffet conveniently situated cold cuts of meat and cheese in a central location.
Even though the buffet was massive, the restaurant continuously delivered high quality food.
One aspect that truly impressed me about the hotel was that each type of meat and cheese had an information tag displaying its name and country of origin. This attention to detail allowed guests to know exactly what they were enjoying.
Each type of meat and cheese had an information tag displaying its name and country of origin.
I had the pleasure of sampling various Norwegian cheeses, including Ridderost cheese and Nokkelost cheese. Additionally, there was a multitude of condiments available to pair with the meats and cheeses, such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and cornichons.
The salad station brimmed with fresh ingredients and toppings, elevating an otherwise mundane salad to new heights.
As for my culinary adventure, I decided to try Brunost, brown cheese, for the first time. While its subtle caramel notes were initially unfamiliar to me, they quickly grew on me, making it a fascinating and pleasant discovery.
Brown cheese, also known as Brunost, is a Norwegian delicacy that has a slightly sweet caramel flavor.
Venturing into more adventurous territory, I discovered traditional Nordic and Scandinavian dishes. From pickled herring to mackerel in tomato sauce, these items showcased distinct fishy flavors, and some may even find them pungent.
For those seeking adventure, try out traditional Nordic and Scandinavian dishes at Norda.
Nevertheless, they provided a wonderful opportunity for guests to taste traditional Norwegian and Scandinavian fare. Given that I had already experienced similar dishes at Hotel Telegraaf in Tallinn, Estonia, I sought out fresh fruits or desserts to conclude my meal on a refreshing note. The breakfast buffet offered a variety of fresh, pre-cut fruits, although I found them to be not as ripe as I would have preferred.
The breakfast buffet featured an array of freshly pre-cut fruits, although I noticed they were not as ripe as I would have liked.
Consequently, I decided to take a pear for a late afternoon snack and opted for a small bowl of Turkish yogurt instead. While there were other flavored yogurts and overnight oats available, my personal preference is plain yogurt adorned with crunchy nuts, dried fruits, and berries. Among my favorite toppings were chopped hazelnuts and cubes of dried coconut. For guests with dietary restrictions that may make the aforementioned items less accessible, the hotel has thoughtfully set up a dedicated subsection called allergy station.
The buffet featured a dedicated special section for those with dietary restrictions.
For food at the allergy station, special consideration has been given to accommodate dietary restrictions, featuring vegan butter, vegan cheese, vegan mayo, as well as gluten-free muesli and gluten-free brownies. The breakfast buffet truly catered to a diverse range of guests, ensuring that almost everyone's needs and preferences were met. All in all, whether you were an international traveler seeking to explore traditional Norwegian cuisine or a seasoned business traveler seeking a simple yet nutritious meal before starting your workday, the breakfast buffet at Clarion Hotel The Hub had it all covered. It provided an opportunity to broaden your palate and culinary experiences, leaving guests satisfied and eager to start their day.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The hotel's location is ideal for both business travelers and tourists exploring Oslo for the first time. Situated across from Oslo Central Station, it serves as a central hub connecting various subway lines, including the one that leads to the airport.
The fitness center was truly impressive. It boasted state-of-the-art machines from TechnoGym, including everything from a comprehensive squat rack to cutting-edge SkillMills. All the equipment guests could possibly need, and more was readily available, allowing them to take their fitness routine to the next level.
The breakfast at the hotel was delightful; the restaurant offered an extensive array of food and beverages. It was particularly enjoyable to have a selection of traditional Nordic delicacies available, allowing guests to try and sample foods they may have been hesitant to try before.
Negatives
I wouldn't categorize this as a drawback since it's more of a matter of personal preference, but Clarion Hotel The Hub, being designed for business travelers, aimed to cater to a wide range of guests. However, as a result, it may have lacked the distinctive and individual charm typically associated with smaller, independent hotels.
Summary
Clarion Hotel The Hub was my first introduction to the overall Choice Hotels. Its central location, right across from Oslo Central Station, was excellent as I took a direct train from Oslo Airport. While it serves mostly business travelers and thus lacks personal characters, I was pleasantly surprised to find the hotel excelling at delivering elevated wellness and dining experiences. My upgraded room was slightly compact, but it still embodied functional and sustainable Nordic design ethos. I recommend staying at Clarion Hotel The Hub for those visiting Oslo for the first time, as it serves as a fabulous central hub.
![Credit Card Review: AMEX Hilton Honors Surpass [Nov. 2023 Update]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e155597124c2c0cab493f6e/1661725828389-ZBO2U7K160DG8TQT26GD/Screenshot+of+Explain+And+Send+Screenshots+%282%29.jpg)
