First Hotel Backpack is an aparthotel at Parkgata 4 in central Tromsø, spread across two buildings with thirty units on four floors. Its class is two and a half, and it is the budget option in our roster. All rooms are private, from singles to triples, with some on a shared-bathroom basis and a basic one-bedroom apartment for two. Rooms include a kitchen area, a fridge, a desk and a flat-screen television, and guests also have access to a shared kitchen and laundry facilities. Outside there is a terrace with a barbecue grill and a picnic area. The cathedral and the art museum are about four minutes away on foot, and Polaria and the Polar Museum are eight and nine minutes.
Practicalities
This property works differently from a full-service hotel. There is no front desk, entry is through a private entrance, and after-hours check-in is not available, so you must arrive between 3 pm and midnight. Check-out is before noon, and contactless check-in and check-out are offered. The minimum check-in age is 18. There is no lift, which matters if you have heavy bags. Pets and service animals are not accepted, and a crib costs a small daily fee.
Breakfast and food
Breakfast is not included, and the buffet is served at Hotell Viking, about 300 metres away, which guests are asked to book through the property. Many guests simply cook or buy food at the supermarket, which saves a lot in an expensive country. Parking is available for a nightly fee, either self-parking or extended parking, so it is workable if you arrive by car. The airport is about nine minutes away by car.
Who it suits
Backpackers, solo travellers, couples on a tight budget and anyone who likes to keep control of their own meals. It is not the choice for guests who want a lobby, a bar or room service, and light sleepers should note that rooms are soundproofed according to the property. Read arrival instructions carefully, because a missed check-in window is the main risk of a self-service property. For the price, a short walk to the harbour and tour pickups makes it hard to beat.
Why stay here
- ✓Private rooms
- ✓Kitchen area in rooms
- ✓Shared kitchen
- ✓Laundry facilities
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Terrace with barbecue grill
- ✓Soundproofing
- ✓Self check-in
Good questions
Where is First Hotel Backpack?+
At Parkgata 4 in central Tromsø, about four minutes on foot from the cathedral and eight from Polaria.
Is breakfast included?+
No. Breakfast is served at Hotell Viking, about 300 metres away, and guests are asked to book it through the property. Many guests cook in the shared kitchen instead.
Is there a front desk?+
No, the property has private entrance access and no front desk, and after-hours check-in is not available. Arrive between 3 pm and midnight.
