Anker Hotel

Anker Hotel is a straightforward, good-value hotel on Storgata, the long street that runs from the centre of Oslo up toward the Akerselva river and the lively districts beyond. It is a practical, friendly base for travellers who want to spend their money on sightseeing, food and drink rather than on a grand lobby. The building is simple and well kept, the staff are used to guests of all kinds, and the price is one of the lower ones for a central address. If you are travelling on a budget, or you are a family or a group that needs extra beds, it is an excellent choice for a few nights in the city. The rooms are plain but comfortable. There is a long list of types: single rooms for solo travellers, small doubles with a smaller bed, standard doubles and twins, and deluxe and superior options with a little more space. Several rooms come with a sofa bed or an extra bed, and there is a family room that sleeps five, which is rare and valuable in a city where family accommodation is expensive. Beds are made with memory foam, bathrooms have showers and hair dryers, and each room has a flat-screen television and free wifi. Cribs and infant beds are provided without charge. Some of the small double rooms have city views. There is a restaurant and a bar on the premises, a lobby with free tea and coffee, a vending machine for late snacks, and a front desk that is staffed twenty-four hours a day. The hotel has a lift, luggage storage, and meeting rooms that are used by small groups. Housekeeping is daily, and the staff speak several languages. Only service animals are allowed, and the premises are smoke-free. There is no spa or pool, so the focus is firmly on the room, a meal and a good location. Breakfast terms vary by rate, so check when you book what is included. The location is the real strength. The Akerselva river and its footpaths are about a minute away, and the walk along the water, past old mills and waterfalls, is one of the most pleasant free things to do in Oslo. Grünerløkka, famous for its cafes, vintage shops and bars, is a short distance beyond, and the music venue Rockefeller and the Oslo Spektrum arena are a few minutes' walk. The Oslo City shopping centre is about eight minutes away, Oslo Central Station and the airport train are around ten minutes on foot, and Karl Johan, the main promenade, is about twelve minutes. A tram stop is two minutes away, so the harbour and the museums are easy to reach. Anker suits budget travellers, students, families, groups of friends and concert-goers. It is not the place for a spa weekend or for formal dining, and some rooms are compact, so travellers who value space should look at the larger superior options. Because it is in a lively part of the city, ask for a room on a higher floor or at the back if you are a light sleeper. Rates are low by Oslo standards, with the biggest savings outside the summer months, and it is worth checking when you book what the cancellation terms are for your chosen room.