Interview with Emelie Hamberg, General Manager at Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station from Oslo

Lifestyle - Interview

by Melisa Kaya

Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station, which opened its doors in 2014, has a unique location for both business and leisure travelers. Located in the heart of Oslo, Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station is 30 m from the bus stop and just 50 m from the subway station. With its elaborately decorated 167 rooms and innovative concept, Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station is an ideal stop for those who want to experience Oslo. Offering every advantage of being part of one of the largest hotel chains in the world, Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station provides service with an approach that makes life easier. I talked to Emelie Hamberg, General Manager at Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station, to get more detailed information about the hotel and its concept.

Emelie, before talking about Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station, could you tell us about your background and your career in Nordic Choice Hotels?

I was born in Sweden in 1986. football was my life until an injury stopped me. I moved to Oslo to work up a travel budget, and after one year, I packed my backpack and went out in the world to meet new people, discover culture and nature. After a few years, I returned to Oslo and saw that Comfort Hotel was about to open a new hotel, and I realised I could do all these things I loved about traveling at Comfort Hotel. I started as 80% Receptionist, or what we call it, Barceptionist, in 2012. From that point I worked determined to be as knowledgeable in every position, which lead me to where I am now; General Manager at Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station in Oslo.

Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station is located in the heart of Oslo. Could you briefly tell us about your location and its advantages for your guests?

Everything we do comes down to; EASY on the wallet, EASY access, EASY on the planet, EASY to enjoy. We are literally located in the heart of Oslo, close to restaurants, sightseeing, but also just around the corner to Oslo's main shopping street. Our hotel is the perfect location to catch any transportation for our guests' next adventures or why not just walk there, with our location nothing is far away.

Could you tell us about the Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station and the overall concept?

I am more than happy to! Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station opened its doors in 2014 with 167 rooms over 7 floors, and became the little rebel in the hotel market.

We have a service station for check-in, a co-work friendly lobby for guests and anyone passing by, and we clean stay-over rooms every 4th day, our guests can purchase cleaning if they really need it. In the rooms, there is a donation box where guests can leave clothes and shoes behind, and we will donate them to those in need. Breakfast at Xpress is made with a twist, guests can purchase their breakfast bag in our Comfort Deli whenever they feel like it, and since we like to be rebels, we call our reception - Barception, works like a bar and reception all together. On top of this, we have our Comfort Deli, where we sell snacks, drinks, and light food. EASY, right?

What type of different rooms and suites do you offer to your guests? Could you tell us about your rooms and suites? What are their features?

Our hotel is so much more than just rooms, with our great lobby where a spontaneous co-work can end with a few drinks before a night out. If you are one of those that like more space and on top of that a private balcony for those picture-perfect afternoons, then check-in to one of our superior rooms with floor to roof windows, available in both double and twin beds.

We got plenty of options when it comes to standard and tripple rooms and of course, moderate rooms, perfect for the short stay, All categories have a desk, luggage rack and bathroom with shower and all wrapped up in a cool urban design.

What could you tell us about your guest? Why do they prefer the Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station?

Doesn't matter if you wear a suit or a t-shirt with your favourite rockband, we have a great mix of both corporate and leisure guests who likes our good location, great service, flexibility to decide how they like to check-in/check-out but also the responsibility we take in our environmental work.

Xpress breakfast and Comfort Deli, please tell us about them. How they make your guests' lives easier?

Our guests appreciate when things run smoothly, there is no time for extra frills when you'd rather spend time exploring the city or fighting time to a deadline. With our Xpress breakfast, you never again have to set your alarm to reach breakfast hours, we got breakfast bags ready for you all the time. With our Comfort Deli, you get a good and healthy selection to a price hard to beat. What`s not to love?

Please tell us about your services and amenities. How could your guests live comfort at Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station?

With us, you can sleep with a green clean conscience in a very comfortable bed. We are topping that sleep with a good high-speed free WiFi and a friendly face greeting you with a - good morning - before you grab your breakfast bag to enjoy in the lobby area or on-the-go before your first-morning meeting.

Which services and features of Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station make it different from other hotels in Oslo?

Our team will give you that insider local tip about Oslo that you just can't miss.

How can travelers make their individual or business/group reservations?

Simply by visiting our homepage or app, www.nordicchoicehotels.com, to get the lowest individual room rates. Are you a group with more than 9 rooms, please contact us at xpress.centralstation@choice.no, and we will make sure to give you an offer you can't resist.

What are the most famous attractions near you? If you have only one weekend in Oslo as a first-time visitor, in this limited time, what are the best things to do?

Our hotel, but jokes aside, we recommend guests to visit Bjørvika for architecture, Sørenga for the city beach vibe and the perfect after beach dinner, VIPPA for that afternoon sun and food experience, Tøyen is heaven for graffiti lovers. If you would visit Oslo during winter we strongly recommend to try cross-country skiing around Sognsvann and end the day at the floating saunas in the Oslo fjord, backdrop scenery Oslo Opera House. Not to forget about the famous Vigelandsparken, suitable to visit all year round.

How do you describe Oslo in one sentence?

The underdog of Scandinavia.

Thank you Emelie for your time.

For more information, please click here to visit the website of Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station

Thursday, February 6, 2020.

All photos are the property of their respective owners.