Amerikalinjen—Oslo’s Contemporary Design Hotel—Wins at the Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Star Awards

Oslo’s premier boutique getaway earns global praise. Amerikalinjen in Oslo has once again been awarded at the Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Awards for its exceptional service and stunning property. In 2026, Amerikalinjen is the only Norwegian hotel to be featured on the winners' list.

Forbes Travel Guide is one of the global authorities on luxury hospitality. Its inspectors travel the world to assess the finest hotels, restaurants, and spas to determine their coveted ratings. Now, in its 68th year, the guide announces the winners of the 2026 Star Awards—their most expansive award yet, growing to include more than 100 countries.

This year, Amerikalinjen—Nordic Hotels & Resorts’ storied boutique hotel in the heart of Oslo—once again captured the spotlight at the awards. It marks a repeat success, as the hotel was featured at last year’s awards as well. In 2026, Amerikalinjen is the only Norwegian property featured on the list. This cements its reputation as one of Northern Europe’s most compelling stays. 

– I couldn’t be prouder of this recognition. Norway is a competitive hospitality market, and being the only hotel in Norway and one of the few in the Nordics on the list is very humbling. This is a strong testament to our brand and that it resonates with the global traveller. Most importantly, I’m very proud of my team and their dedication. Every single one of them embody the forward-thinking and service-minded spirit of Amerikalinjen, says Ørjan Lundmark, General Manager at Amerikalinjen.

Showcasing a History of Adventure

Amerikalinjen is set within a gracious 1919 neo-Baroque landmark. In the early 1900’s, the building served as the headquarters for the Norwegian America Line, a former ocean liner company taking hopeful Norwegians in search of opportunity to the US. Today, the hotel’s approach is still one of exploration; with history in mind, it aims to be a thoughtfully curated starting point for modern explorers.

The ties to both New York and Oslo unfold as soon as guests step in through the grand wooden doors. 122 sleek rooms display original architectural flourishes, alongside elegant modern comforts. Here, parquet floors and textured ceilings that recall the era of trans-Atlantic voyages mix with bespoke Norwegian design pieces.

The culinary venues tell their own stories. Atlas Brasserie & Café serves mostly Nordic produce, here detailed with worldly accents. Think crispy Norwegian salmon with Philadelphia foam, red wine-braised beef cheek with maple-glazed root vegetables, and pistachio cheesecake. The Little Bakery’s New York-style bagels are a small but telling example of how the hotel weaves originality into the everyday. Behind the bar at Pier 42—previously crowned one of the 100 best cocktail bars in the world—inventive cocktails reimagine the golden age of transatlantic travel.

– Amerikalinjen is a great example of hospitality that is authentic, curious and deeply human. Just as important as its fantastic service and amenities is the storytelling, tying together the past and the present. We at Nordic Hotels & Resorts are immensely proud of this recognition, but even more proud of the Amerikalinjen staff. This award goes to them and their hard work, says Henrik Berghult, Chief Operating Officer at Nordic Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle division. 

The Forbes inspector's highlights from Amerikalinjen range from the hotel’s interior design to its gym, and everything in between. Or, as they put it in their review:

“Reserve the floating bartender experience if you’re staying in either the superior or deluxe rooms or one of the Fortuna suites. For 30 minutes, a skilled mixologist will come in with a full bar cart and whip up cocktails with a side of history in the comfort of your room.”

Guests are also encouraged make a visit to the hotel’s jazz club, Gustav: 

“The jazz club Gustav is named after Gustav Henriksen, the founder of Amerikalinjen. See a live show and have a drink Fridays and Saturdays in the intimate and comfortable space.”

Oslo: A Capital on the Rise

For decades, Oslo has steadily nurtured its own identity—equal parts design capital, cultural hub, and gateway to wild landscapes. It’s a city that rewards curiosity, with a burgeoning food and bar scene, as well as world-class museums and green spaces that spill into the urban core.

As a result, there is a booming international travel interest in Norway. Many global editors have also taken notice: Condé Nast Traveller recently featured Oslo as “the chicest escape for 2026”, highlighting the city as a European mix of cultural richness and nature.

This sense of city-meets-landscape is part of Oslo’s charm. Here, cutting-edge Nordic architecture sits comfortably beside verdant forests and wide waterways. Culturally, Norway’s capital punches well above its weight. It’s home to world-renowned institutions like the Munch Museum, the Nobel Peace Center and an annual calendar of festivals and events. Yet the city’s growth hasn’t dulled its character. If anything, it’s made Oslo a textbook case of how a capital can evolve without losing its core.

About the Forbes Travel Guide

Forbes Travel Guide’s ratings are objective, independent and data-driven. Incognito inspectors pose as everyday guests—checking into hotels, boarding cruises, trying spa treatments and dining at restaurants—to test hundreds of exacting standards, and always paying for a stay. While the quality and condition of the facilities remain vital, exceptional service accounts for 70% of a property’s rating, reflecting the human element at the heart of luxury.

Beyond these metrics, Forbes Travel Guide inspectors assess the intangibles behind a truly remarkable guest experience: whether a property allows you to continue a health-conscious lifestyle and enhance your well-being; whether the location or design conjures a strong sense of place; and whether the staff delivers all components seamlessly, culminating in an unforgettable stay.