Centrally located budget-friendly boutique property near the train station
No-frills rooms are stylish, and come with the essentials
Family Rooms have a double bed and bunk beds
Kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, and vending machines off the lobby
Modern, colorful lounges with two flat-screen TVs
Two Apple computers for guests' use
Book exchange in the lobby lounge
Luggage room
Free Wi-Fi throughout
No in-room TVs, safes, hairdryers, mini-fridges, or tea/coffeemakers
Rooms overlooking the interior courtyard offer little privacy
No breakfast
From booking to payment to check-in and check-out, it's self-service at the budget Citybox Oslo, with kiosks handling the functions usually assumed by a front desk. Located within a five-minute walk of the train station, this boutique-style property is modern and stylish -- with plenty of cool art and lights -- in a minimalist way. The 216 air-conditioned rooms are sleek but utilitarian -- with work desks, chairs, reading lights, beds with pillow-top mattresses, pegs to hang clothes, and free Wi-Fi. Lounges have lots of mod seating and two flat-screen TVs, and there's a small kitchen area off the lobby with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and vending machines for snacks and drinks. While the do-it-yourself concept keeps room rates low, it's not for everyone, and travelers might want to check out the Best Western Karl Johan Hotell, a mid-range alternative with slightly higher rates.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Modern, self-service hotel with hip, fun designs and low prices
Citybox Oslo has eliminated the conventional hotel front desk and replaced it with video surveillance and two self-check-in kiosks. If guests get confused while checking in, they can press a call button to summon a live human being who will step in to help. Interiors are fun, hip, and colorful, with red mod furniture set against forest wallpaper and varnished white brick walls in the lobby lounge. With zigzag-patterned carpeting, hallways have oversize metallic room numbers fixed on walls, and an elevator services all six floors. With mod furniture, cool lights, and plenty of art, the vibe is hip, and clientele ranges from budget-conscious travelers in suits to backpackers.
Location
In Oslo’s city center, where Prinsens Gate and Dronningens Gate intersect
Centrally located in a busy location surrounded by bars, restaurants, cinemas, and other hotels, Citybox Oslo is about a five-minute walk to the Olso S train station and Flytoget Airport Express train. Also within walking distance is the Oslo Cathedral, Parliament of Norway, and Oslo Opera House, all less than 10 minutes away on foot. The popular arty Grunnerloka district is about 11 minutes away by public transportation, as is the Royal Palace. The bus to Aker Brygge harbor, a busy tourist destination, takes about 15 minutes. The Vigeland Museum and Park are 20 minutes away by public transportation. Oslo Airport is 35 minutes away by train, or about a 40-minute drive.
Rooms
Basic, stylish rooms with the essentials -- desks, bathrooms, beds, pegs for clothes, and free Wi-Fi
Rooms, while basic, are colorful and fun with red and black striped carpeting. They come in various categories: Small and Standard Single Rooms with a single bed; Small and Standard Double Rooms with a double bed; Twin Rooms with two single beds; and Family Rooms with one double bed and bunk beds. All come with reading lamps, desks, chairs, pegs on the wall to hang clothes, and free Wi-Fi, and overlook the street or the courtyard. Small, sleek white-and-gray bathrooms have showers (no tubs). Note: Extra towels come with a fee; rollaway beds are available on request; rooms are cleaned every fourth day; and doors don’t automatically lock -- they can be secured only by using the automatic room key.
Features
Kitchen area,TV lounges, computer corner, luggage storage, and a book exchange
Keeping with the hotel’s do-it-yourself concept, a small communal kitchen area -- with a sink, plastic utensils and plates, a microwave, refrigerator, and vending machines -- is available to guests 24 hours a day. Two flat-screen TVs and a small book exchange are in the lounges, along with two Apple iMac computers. There's a locked luggage room, where guests can store their bags (a bell can be rung for assistance), and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
