Thon Hotel Polar

The hotel is a highly regarded choice in Tromsø, celebrated for its prime central location and an exceptional breakfast buffet that consistently receives rave reviews. Its strategic position makes it an ideal base for sightseers eager to explore the city's attractions, business travelers seeking convenience, and families looking for easy access to activities. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness and the comfortable accommodations, contributing to a pleasant stay. While the staff generally provides attentive service, some minor inconsistencies have been noted. To make the most of your visit, be prepared for winter conditions by bringing appropriate footwear, as sidewalks can be challenging. Additionally, consider requesting a room on a higher floor if you prefer quieter surroundings, as some street noise can be present. The hotel's warm and welcoming atmosphere ensures a memorable experience for most visitors.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the range of facilities available, enhancing their stay. The hotel features a well-equipped fitness center, though some have noted it can be warm with limited air circulation. A welcoming lobby area serves as a communal space, offering free coffee and tea throughout the day, along with shuffleboard and other games for relaxation and entertainment. Rooms are generally equipped with a mini-fridge and a kettle for guest convenience. While there isn't a dedicated full-service bar, a limited selection of drinks can be ordered at the reception. The Wi-Fi connection is consistently reported as working perfectly, ensuring guests can stay connected. For those on business, meeting rooms are available, providing suitable spaces for professional gatherings.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, though with some notable variations. Many guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, often praising the quality of duvets. Rooms are frequently described as clean and well-maintained, with some guests highlighting impeccable standards. However, some reviews mention occasional lapses in housekeeping, including missed cleanings, unremoved trash, or visible dust and stains. Room size is a common point of discussion; while some find rooms compact or small, others, particularly those in superior or family categories, report them as spacious. Bathrooms are often described as practical, with the added luxury of heated bathroom floors being a significant positive, though some note small shower areas or drainage issues. Noise levels are mixed, with some rooms being quiet, while others experience street noise or sounds from adjacent rooms. Room temperature can also vary, with some finding rooms too warm or too cold, and limited control over ventilation.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is consistently highlighted as a major strength, receiving widespread acclaim for its exceptional quality and extensive variety. Guests describe it as "amazing," "fabulous," and "one of the best," offering a mouthwatering array of options. The spread includes both Norwegian and international fare, with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients. Notable selections include various freshly baked breads, cereals, yogurts, chia pudding, juices, and a wide assortment of fruits, salads, and spreads. The hot buffet features items like scrambled eggs, sausages, and other savory dishes, with ginger shots and gluten-free options, including a dedicated toaster, also available. The staff in the dining area are frequently praised for their attentiveness and cheerful service, often offering coffee refills at the table. While breakfast hours are generally convenient, some guests note the later start on weekends can be challenging for early tour departures. The hotel is also connected to an Egon restaurant, providing a convenient option for evening meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, placing guests directly in the heart of Tromsø. It offers easy walking access to numerous popular attractions, including shops, restaurants, museums, and the harbor. Many tour pick-up points are also conveniently located nearby, simplifying excursions. The hotel is well-connected to public transportation, with bus stops for local routes and the airport express bus just a short walk away, providing efficient travel to and from the airport. While the location is highly praised for its convenience, guests visiting during winter months are advised to bring appropriate footwear, as snow and icy conditions can make walking challenging on unshoveled sidewalks. Public parking is available in the vicinity, though it is noted to be expensive.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Many guests highlight their willingness to "go the extra mile," providing valuable information on transit and local directions, and even preparing breakfast boxes for early departures. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient, contributing to a positive first impression. While the majority of interactions are positive, some guests have reported isolated instances of less welcoming or inconsistent service, particularly at the front desk. Housekeeping efforts receive mixed reviews; while some appreciate daily cleaning and fresh towels, others note inconsistencies, with rooms occasionally not being serviced or lacking replenishment of amenities. However, the breakfast staff are almost universally commended for their cheerful demeanor and proactive service, such as offering coffee refills at tables.

Additional Information
The hotel offers several unique features and policies that guests should be aware of. Some rooms provide lovely views of the city, mountains, or the fjord, while others may face less appealing interior courtyards or walls. The hotel's general condition is mostly positive, though some guests have noted tatty carpets in corridors or areas that feel less maintained. There have been instances where guests were moved to other properties, leading to discrepancies in promised in-room amenities like slippers or bathrobes. Practical features include a mobile key option for room access and a TV with casting functionality. Guests have also reported issues with shower drainage, leading to water accumulation, and challenges with room temperature control due to windows not opening or ventilation problems. A thoughtful touch is the provision of body lotion in rooms.