Scandic Fornebu

The room was roomy, clean, and comfortable, and the receptionist gave us a lovely welcome. With the 200 NOK parking discount, the overnight stay came to about 200 NOK, which is affordable by Norwegian standards. But the room got too hot. The air conditioning could heat, not cool, so we opened the window. People outside were laughing and shouting late into the night. Around midnight, I tried the QR code by the TV to reach reception, but it wasn't working. I found a number on the hotel's website and called, then sent a message and an email. No one replied. I couldn't go down to reception because I couldn't leave my children alone in the room. I ended up shutting the window to block the noise, and the heat made it hard to sleep. We woke with headaches. I won't give a final verdict, but guests may want to consider whether reception will be reachable if they need help.

We paid for a room based on the pictures online, but the room we got was tiny and cramped, with a layout and facilities that looked nothing like the listing on Booking.com or the other booking sites. When we raised the misleading photos, staff said they knew about them and that it was a booking.con issue they couldn't fix. The same images are still on several booking websites, which feels deceptive to customers choosing a room based on them. It was a very disappointing stay. Travelers should check the exact room type, size, and facilities before booking.

The Oslofjord views are a real highlight, and the hotel sits among coastal paths, beaches, and parks. It’s lovely for a run or a walk by the water, and the setting is quiet and green. Telenor Arena is close by, so it works especially well for concerts. Buses run frequently, though the ride into Oslo takes time. The city center is about a 15-minute drive away, and this residential and business area has fewer independent places to eat within walking distance than the city. Parking can also be expensive. The glass-heavy modern building lets in lots of daylight, with fjord views from many rooms and common spaces. Rooms are clean-lined and Scandinavian in style, with hardwood floors and practical furniture. They’re generally spacious and well cared for, though standard rooms can feel more utilitarian than the suites. Breakfast is a strong point, with organic choices, fresh bread, smoked fish, local cheeses, and plenty of variety. The restaurant serves Nordic-inspired food overlooking the water, but the menu may feel limited on a longer stay. There’s also a gym. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel reflects the hotel’s environmental standards as part of the Scandic chain. Conference facilities are a major feature, with large windows in the meeting rooms and lobby areas suited to networking or remote work. Scandic Fornebu is a great fit for business trips and events at Telenor Arena. For leisure, it’s appealing if you want nature and Scandinavian design and don’t mind staying outside central Oslo.

The sitting garden is a nice place to relax, and there’s a good path down to the shoreline. Service was very good, and the room was as expected, clean and pleasant.