Interview with Marianne Bergseng, General Manager at First Hotel Grims Grenka from Oslo

Lifestyle - Interview

by Melisa Kaya

First Hotel Grims Grenka is the first Design Hotel in Oslo. The design concept of First Hotel Grims Grenka has been bearing the signature of architect Kristin Jarmund who combined both International and Norwegian elements in a new context. With 65 well-appointed rooms and suites, Q Lounge, and MADU restaurant, First Hotel Grims Grenka offers a unique urban boutique hotel experience. I asked Mrs. Marianne Bergseng, the experienced General Manager at First Hotel Grims Grenka, to get more detailed information.

First Hotel Grims Grenka

Marianne, before start talking about First Hotel Grims Grenka, could you tell us about your background and your career in First Hotels?

My background is teaching but I have worked within the hotel industry since 1991 and full time since 2002. Operation wise everything from Housekeeping, Front Office, Conference, Hotel Manager and General Manager. From Head Office perspective as a Sales Manager, Key Account Manager, Corporate Director and Commercial Director and Director of Sales & Marketing. Worked with Scandic Hotels AS, Hilton, Hotel Continental (LHW) and now First Hotels Grims Grenka.

Could you tell us about First Hotel Grims Grenka and the Urban Boutique Hotel concept?

Became Oslo's first design hotel, perfectly located in Oslo city just a few blocks from everything you want to explore in Oslo. A smaller, unique, boutique property with spacious Junior suites and Suits, Madu ala carte restaurant and a very popular roof terrace, Q Lounge, during summertime.

First Hotel Grims Grenka

First Hotel Grims Grenka is Oslo's first design hotel. Could you tell us about your design concept?

As architect Kristin Jarmund said: The intention has been to create a hotel focusing on refined and modern design ingredients, giving it a luxurious and sensual atmosphere. Natural materials such as stone, wood, and leather are used together with glass, fabric and painted surfaces. Added to this are certain special "Norwegian" features such as abstract patterns from nature and traditional folk art, reindeer horns used as lamps and a "moss garden" in the reception desk. This makes the hotel a unique experience combining both international and Norwegian elements in a new context.

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?

We offer everything from standard rooms to suites and notice that a lot of our inventory is quite spacious. Free wifi, slippers, bathrobes and bath amenities in every room and Nespresso and minibar in Junior Suites and Suites.

First Hotel Grims Grenkais host to MADU restaurant. Could you tell us about MADU restaurant and its concept?

Madu is our a la carte restaurant open 5 days a week. Serves classic, Nordic cuisine enjoyed with a Nordic ambiance from the sound of our own waterfall.

First Hotel Grims Grenka

Which services and features of First Hotel Grims Grenka make it different from other hotels in Oslo?

Our very centrally and quiet location is absolutely one of our best features and we are of course proud of our breakfast buffet. The hotel provides free wifi connection and our rooftop terrace Q Lounge is one of the hottest spots to be in Oslo throughout the summer season.

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

Please feel free to book your next stay directly at https://www.firsthotels.com/hotels/norway/oslo/first-hotel-grims-grenka/

You can also contact our booking at grimsgrenka@firsthotels.no

How would you describe Oslo in one sentence?

OSLOVE :)

Thank you Marianne.

For more information, please visit website of First Hotel Grims Grenka

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Monday, August 20, 2018. All photos are the property of their respective owners.