Enter Backpack Hotel

The hotel offers a distinctive experience centered around its welcoming communal areas and the exceptional service provided by its staff. Guests frequently highlight the well-equipped communal kitchen and inviting lounge area as a hub for social interaction and cost-effective self-catering, making it a memorable feature. This establishment is particularly well-suited for budget travelers and solo travelers seeking a friendly and supportive environment, as well as families who appreciate the practical amenities and comfortable, interconnected rooms. Its central location also makes it an excellent base for sightseers and explorers looking to easily access city attractions and tour meeting points. To enhance your stay, guests recommend taking full advantage of the complimentary coffee, tea, and waffles, and if driving, it is advisable to book parking in advance due to limited availability. Be prepared for an uphill walk to the property, especially if carrying heavy luggage or during snowy conditions.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of practical facilities that significantly enhance the guest experience, particularly emphasizing communal living. The communal kitchen is consistently praised for being exceptionally well-equipped with various pots, pans, utensils, a kettle, toaster, coffee machine, and multiple cookers, allowing guests to prepare their own meals and save on dining costs. This kitchen is maintained with high standards of cleanliness. Adjacent to the kitchen, the lounge area offers a cozy and inviting space for relaxation, socializing, or even working, often featuring a TV. While free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, some guests noted that the signal can be inconsistent, particularly on higher floors or in specific rooms. For added convenience, laundry facilities including a washer and dryer are accessible, and hairdryers can be borrowed from the reception.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's high standards of cleanliness, noting that both the rooms and shared bathrooms are spotless and well-maintained. The comfortable beds are frequently highlighted, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some guests found their mattresses to be too soft or uneven. Rooms are generally described as small or basic, but functional and cozy, with some apartment-style rooms offering more space. Many rooms include a private sink and a mini-fridge, adding convenience. While the heating system is effective and easily adjustable, some guests experienced issues with hot water fluctuating in the showers or the bathroom floor getting wet after showering due to plastic curtains. Noise levels from hallways or adjacent toilets were occasionally mentioned, but overall, the environment is considered quiet and conducive to relaxation.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel significantly enhances the guest experience by providing excellent self-catering and complimentary food options. While breakfast is not typically included, guests highly value the opportunity to prepare their own meals in the well-equipped communal kitchen, which helps manage expenses in an otherwise costly city. A standout feature is the continuous availability of free coffee, tea, and cookies in the lounge area, providing a warm welcome and a convenient refreshment point throughout the day. Additionally, the hotel offers complimentary waffles with jam and brown cheese during specific evening hours, a popular and much-appreciated local touch. A unique community fridge and pantry allow guests to share leftover food, promoting sustainability and assisting fellow budget travelers.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, placing guests within easy walking distance of the city center, main attractions, various restaurants, shops, and tour meeting points. This convenient proximity makes exploring the city on foot highly feasible. However, guests frequently note that the property is situated uphill, which can present a challenge, particularly when arriving with heavy luggage or navigating snowy and icy conditions during winter months. Despite the incline, its elevated position can offer pleasant views. The hotel is also conveniently located near bus stops, providing easy access to the airport and other areas. For those traveling by car, parking is available, but it is limited and requires advance booking, often incurring an additional fee.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming demeanor, positive energy, and willingness to go above and beyond to assist with inquiries, provide local tips, and offer advice on activities like finding northern lights spots. The check-in and check-out processes are described as very easy and efficient, often facilitated by a convenient key box system for late arrivals. The staff are also praised for accommodating requests such as early check-in and late check-out, and for providing luggage storage services. Housekeeping is noted for its thoroughness, ensuring rooms are clean and well-maintained throughout the stay.

Additional Information
While generally considered a good value for money option, especially given the city's overall cost of living, some guests found the pricing to be on the higher side for a hostel-style accommodation, particularly for basic rooms without private bathrooms. It is important to note that the property does not have an elevator, which means guests with heavy luggage or mobility challenges will need to carry their bags up stairs to higher floors, a point frequently mentioned by travelers. The communal kitchen and reception areas operate with specific hours, with the kitchen typically closing in the evening, which some guests found slightly inconvenient for late-night use. The hotel also demonstrates a commendable commitment to environmental initiatives, including a food pantry for shared leftovers and waste separation, which is appreciated by guests seeking sustainable travel options.