Citybox Oslo

This hotel offers a highly efficient and modern stay, primarily distinguished by its central location just minutes from the main train station and its streamlined self-check-in process. It caters well to business travelers and sightseers who prioritize convenience and accessibility to the city's core attractions. The minimalist design and focus on essential comforts also make it a suitable choice for solo travelers and budget-conscious guests seeking a functional base. While rooms are often compact, they are generally clean and provide comfortable sleeping arrangements. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room away from the street to minimize noise, and be prepared for a largely self-service environment, though assistance is available if needed.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the hotel's modern self-check-in kiosks, which provide a quick and intuitive arrival experience, though some occasionally encounter issues with booking codes. A significant advantage is the well-equipped communal kitchen and pantry area, offering a microwave, refrigerator, and utensils, with kettles available upon request. This space also features vending machines for snacks and drinks, along with a coffee machine (for a fee). The hotel provides a convenient laundromat for guest use. Common areas are spacious and engaging, including a TV lounge, games like ping-pong and foosball, and various seating arrangements. Wi-Fi is generally reliable throughout the property.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Room comfort receives mixed feedback, with many guests finding the beds comfortable and the rooms generally clean. However, some reviews note specific issues such as dirty floors, hair, dust, or stains in certain areas, including bathrooms, and occasional mold in showers. Rooms are consistently described as small, compact, or minimalist, often resembling a "box," which can be challenging for guests with multiple pieces of luggage. In-room amenities are basic, typically lacking a television, refrigerator, or glasses. Noise is a frequent concern, stemming from street noise (trams, traffic, clubs), slamming doors within the hotel, and sounds from neighboring rooms, leading many to recommend earplugs for light sleepers.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not offer complimentary breakfast, but guests have the option to purchase meals at two attached cafes or restaurants, which are accessible directly from the hotel and often provide a discount for hotel guests. Feedback on these dining options is varied, with some finding the breakfast selections limited or expensive for the value, while others appreciate the convenience and quality. There is no traditional in-room dining service. However, the communal kitchen facilities allow guests to store and prepare their own food using a microwave and shared utensils, offering a flexible alternative for meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset. It is situated just a few minutes' walk from Oslo Central Station, providing excellent connectivity for airport transfers and regional travel. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of many major attractions, including the Opera House, Karl Johans Gate, and the main city center shopping and dining areas. A tram stop located directly outside the hotel offers convenient access to public transportation, making it effortless to explore other parts of the city. The surrounding area is vibrant, with a wide array of shops and restaurants readily available.

Staff & Service
The hotel operates predominantly on a self-service model, with check-in and check-out managed via kiosks. While this process is often described as quick and efficient, some guests report difficulties with booking codes or system glitches, requiring assistance. Staff members are present in a dedicated office, accessible via a bell, and their helpfulness receives mixed reviews; some guests commend their friendliness and responsiveness, while others find them unhelpful or impersonal, particularly during busy periods or when addressing specific issues. Housekeeping is not provided daily, with rooms cleaned upon request or at checkout. Specific services like borrowing kettles or requesting fans are available.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel's design, spread across multiple interconnected buildings, can sometimes be confusing to navigate. A notable concern for some is the security of the luggage storage room, which operates on a self-service basis, leading to reports of items going missing. While rooms are designed to be basic to keep costs low, some feature a pleasant heated bathroom floor. However, a recurring issue is that some room doors do not automatically lock upon closing, requiring guests to manually tap their key card to ensure security. The hotel's overall concept emphasizes efficiency and affordability over traditional hotel amenities.