Smarthotel Tromso

This hotel offers a highly central location that serves as an excellent base for exploring the city, making it a popular choice for sightseers and solo adventurers. While guests consistently highlight its affordability compared to other options in the area, a defining characteristic is the exceptionally small room size, which is a recurring theme in reviews. Despite this, the hotel generally maintains a good standard of cleanliness and provides a highly praised breakfast. The staff are often noted for their helpfulness. It is particularly well-suited for budget-conscious travelers and those on short-term visits who primarily need a place to sleep. To make the most of your stay, be prepared for compact living spaces and take advantage of the complimentary hot beverages available in the lobby.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently appreciate the availability of free tea and coffee 24 hours a day in the common area, which many utilize as a comfortable space to relax given the compact nature of the rooms. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, though some guests reported issues with its stability, particularly when trying to use the smart TVs for streaming, which often buffered or did not work. Luggage storage is available, offering convenience for early arrivals or late departures. However, several reviews noted that the elevator was frequently out of order, posing a challenge for guests with heavy bags or mobility issues. Rooms typically lack in-room amenities such as a kettle, refrigerator, or minibar, reinforcing the hotel's basic, no-frills concept.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests found the rooms to be exceptionally small, often described as tiny or compact, which significantly impacted comfort for longer stays or for two people, with some noting difficulty in moving around or opening luggage. Despite the limited space, the rooms are generally reported as clean and tidy upon arrival. The beds are frequently praised for being comfortable with good quality bedding, though double beds are often noted as being too narrow for two people, sometimes requiring guests to climb over each other. The bathrooms are also small but functional, typically featuring a good shower with strong water pressure. Some guests experienced issues with noise levels from other rooms, the street, or general maintenance, and a few mentioned minor cleanliness oversights or issues with the hairdryer.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as very good, excellent, or fantastic. Many highlight the varied selection of both hot and cold options, including fresh food and sometimes gluten-free alternatives, making it a substantial start to the day. While some guests found the breakfast to be a bit expensive for a budget hotel, the overall quality and range of choices were generally seen as a significant positive. The hotel does not have a full-service restaurant for lunch or dinner, but guests are welcome to bring their own food to the common dining area, where a microwave is available for use.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of most popular attractions, shops, restaurants, and bus stops in the city center. Its proximity to public transportation, including the airport bus stop, is frequently highlighted as convenient. While the hotel is well-situated for exploring on foot, some guests noted that the road leading up to the hotel can be steep and potentially slippery, especially during winter conditions. For those arriving by car, the hotel does not offer dedicated parking, and guests must rely on nearby public underground parking, which can be expensive.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receives mixed feedback, with many guests praising their friendliness and helpfulness, particularly in the breakfast area and for specific requests like luggage storage or tour information. The check-in and check-out process is often described as quick and easy, with options for online self-service. However, some guests reported instances of disinterest or unresponsiveness from reception staff, particularly during busy periods. A common point of feedback concerns housekeeping, with many guests noting that rooms are not cleaned daily, and towels or bin emptying need to be specifically requested, which can be inconvenient for longer stays.

Additional Information
This hotel is widely recognized as a budget-friendly option, offering a basic yet functional stay. Guests should be aware that the hotel operates on a no-frills concept, meaning amenities are minimal, focusing primarily on providing a clean bed and shower. Some recurring issues mentioned include maintenance problems such as non-functioning lights, clogged sinks, or inconsistent air conditioning. Guests occasionally reported noise from other guests due to thin walls or inconsiderate behavior. The smart TVs in the rooms are often cited as problematic, frequently buffering or not working at all, which can be frustrating for those hoping to relax with entertainment.