This is undoubtedly one of the most important openings in Europe this year. The Sommerro opened its doors in Oslo on 1 September, and has immediately established itself as a benchmark for lifestyle and top-of-the-range hotels. This new establishment from the Nordic Hotels group revisits the former Oslo Lysverker head officethe Norwegian capital's main electricity company. An Art Deco building dating from the 1930s, converted into a multi-purpose venue with rooms, of course, with 231 rooms divided into six categories, from Loft rooms to Junior Suites and Heritage Suites, plus 56 residential flats. But the hotel also has seven restaurants and bars, a theatre, and plenty of space for meetings and eventsNot to mention a rooftop swimming pool, the first in the city to be open all year round.
" Sommerro is more than a hotel" said Petter A. Stordalen, founder of Nordic Choice Hotels, recently renamed Strawberry Hospitality. This new flagship of the Scandinavian hotel industry, a member of the Legend collection from Preferred HotelsIt joins the group's other emblematic properties, such as Villa Copenhagen, Hotel Kämp in Helsinki, At Six in Stockholm and, already, the ultra-design The Thief in Oslo. The Sommerro may not have the contemporary architecture of this hotel on the banks of the Oslo fjord, but it shares with it a resolutely arty spirit. No doubt the tastes of its owner Petter Stordalen, a billionaire and major collector, have something to do with it. While The Thief benefits from a partnership with its neighbour, the Astrup Fearnley Museum, to exhibit some of its works on a rotating basis in addition to its permanent collection, the Sommerro has established itself as another true art gallery.
A renowned critic and former director of Oslo's National Museum, Sune Nordgren has organised a vast collection for the hotel, focusing on the emerging local scene, as well as onoriginal works by Per KrohgThis collection features works by the leading artist of the 1930s, including a giant mural on display in the lobby. To discover this collection, art-loving business travellers can take advantage of guided tours led by local museum curators.
In line with its surroundings, the creative district of Frogner, the Sommerro aims to appeal to both residents and local customers through a range of innovative products and services. cultural programme to liven up its social spaces. Events organised by Maren Selvaag, a resident jazz musician and composer, will see magician Jon Ensor perform in September in the hotel's theatre, the Lysverker Scene. Other regular events include musical performances by the Sommerro Soul Band and 'Brunch & Film Classics' sessions.
Boardrooms, theatre and private cinema
The private cinema, with 28 comfortable seats, is part of an attractive MICE offering. As well as its 90-seat theatre - which can accommodate 200 people standing - this intimate auditorium can host VIP presentations. In addition to these two offers, the Sommerro has eight meeting roomsAll located on the third floor and each reflecting the building's historic heritage. All in all, a range of venues suitable for corporate events of varying formats.
The Krohgsalen room, decorated with a mural inspired by the artist Per Krohg, can accommodate up to 180 people, while the Direktørkontoret room, housed in the former office of Oslo CEO Lysverker, can host board meetings of around fifteen people in a hushed atmosphere. While the hotel has four other 29 m2 boardrooms, the library also lends itself to intimate encounters for around thirty people. As for the elegant café To Søstre, apart from offering chic afternoon teas, it can host social events for up to a hundred people.
Café To Søstre is part of an opulent choice of restaurants, with seven different options, ranging from the Spanish tapas bar Barramon to the Thai gourmet restaurant Plah. a Nordic-Japanese rooftop tableTak Oslo, and cocktail bars. On the relaxation front, Sommerro will be adding to its urban retreat offering with the opening of a Norwegian-style public bath in November.
The Sommerro is as committed to CSR as it should be in Northern Europe - for example, it is 100 % powered by renewable energy - but it has yet to reveal all its secrets. We'll have to wait until March 2023 to discover his Villa Inkognito. Adjacent to the hotel, and with its own private entrance, this upmarket retreat is housed in a former private residence dating back to 1870. This intimate setting will house 11 suites, several lounges, a bar and an open kitchen, as well as a fitness centre in the basement and an outdoor area. It's a villa that will no doubt further enhance the hotel's offering for VIP corporate events.
