Smarthotel Oslo

Pros     

• Kick back in these modern, soundproofed rooms that are centrally located, within a 15-minute walk of major attractions.
• Beer, wine, and snacks are available in the friendly “barception” area and there’s an outdoor terrace during seasonal months.
• Family rooms and suites have a bit more space, while safes and luggage storage are both available in the lobby.

Cons

• The diminutive, sparse rooms aren’t for everyone.
• Breakfast is included if you book directly with the hotel (though it’s affordably priced for everyone else).

Authenticity

The sleek façade of this high-rise hotel with 257 rooms does not seem like a budget hotel at the onset. When you walk in the front door though, there is a homey vibe to the main floor and lobby. You can use the kiosks near the front door to check in and check out, thereby avoiding any sort of wait at the front desk. This gives the friendly staff more time to talk to guests about local suggestions and itinerary ideas. With large city maps, books, magazines, and traveler memorabilia gracing the tables, shelves, and walls, along with cushy, well-worn furnishings, the place feels like a cozy café—great for pulling out the laptop or flipping through a guidebook with a beverage before exploring Oslo.

Location

Oslo is a great walking city, and this hotel has a central location just a few blocks from the popular pedestrian street, Karl Johans gate, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops. You can also get to the National Gallery, Royal Palace, and Palace Park, on foot, as well as the Aker Brygge waterfront area along the Oslofjord with museums and outdoor restaurants. Public transportation is also convenient and there is underground parking for a fee close to the hotel.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Functional rooms are intentionally small so they can be kept at an affordable rate, though the quality beds help with comfort. Solo travelers can opt for the small single rooms that have a single bed built into the wall, a small desk and chair, a mounted flat-screen TV, and a window that opens for fresh air. Bigger rooms can fit couples, while family rooms have sleeping space for up to three guests. There are also studio apartments with extra seating and a mini-fridge and microwave. All rooms have their own bathroom with a shower and hairdryer, and range in size depending on the room type. Housekeeping is limited to every fourth day.

Other Highlights

Guests can choose between self-check-in at the kiosks or traditional check-in with a staff member. In the lobby is a cashless “barception” area with a variety of food, snacks, and drinks for sale including beer and wine. This large space has the feel of a hostel and offers several seating areas with maps, books, and magazines, while in the rear is a restaurant area for the breakfast buffet that leads to an outdoor terrace. Guests can store luggage in a locked luggage compartment or use one of the safes for smaller items. 

Sustainability

Bathrooms have eco-friendly dispensers, and the housekeeping team changes towels and linens every fourth day to save water.