We booked a special deal and got a comparatively good rate (under $170AUD) for the Grand. A 10min easy walk from the train station, even for someone as unfit as me, and right in the centre of Oslo.
After checking in, one of the staff insisted on taking our bags and had a good chat to us as we went to our room. Once we got there he explained how to use everything, how to access the wifi etc. Being Australian I didn't know if I should tip, but before I could even consider it he wished us a great stay and was gone.
The breakfast in the Grand Cafe was great and the staff friendly and efficient (hey, Perth, you could learn a few lessons). We would often not need lunch after sampling the breakfast buffet. A great budget saver in expensive Norway.
The hotel is undergoing some work and I caught a glimpse of some of the newer rooms and they were very modern and nice. Our room was good, though the bathroom was looking a bit dated if I was to be picky. The bed was huge. At 6'5'', it was something I appreciated.
The only downside, other than Norwegian prices, was the occasional smell of cigarette smoke. I understand there are still smoking rooms and in the evening we could smell smoke coming through the aircon. It didnt last all night, but was a bit of shock coming from a country were smoking is banned in all indoor areas.
