Anker Hotel

Trees front the 13-story concrete-and-glass Anker Hotel, somewhat softening its stark effect. Geared toward tourists on a budget, the hotel draws couples, families, solo travelers, young backpackers, and business guests -- in short, any traveler seeking a central location within walking distance of the young and hip Grunerlokka area at a reasonable rate. The overwhelming amount of white and light in the lobby -- from the tiled floors to the ceiling -- punctuated by a scattering of minimally styled furniture in purple, rust-red, and black, might strike some as clinical. Stark-white hallways with exposed wood baseboards and gray-patterned carpeting continue the look. The lobby bar provides a nice area to work or relax, although the space feels unfinished, and it could use a few more decorative details to pull the room together. 

Overlooking the Akerselva River, the hotel is on the outskirts of Grunerlokka, a hip, young area with cafes, restaurants, eclectic boutiques, and bars. This riverfront location, however, can feel dicey, and get noisy, at night. Birkelunden Square in Grunerlokka is a 15-minute walk, and Thorvald Meyers Gate is a 10-minute drive. Karl Johans Gate is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Buses and trams stop right outside the hotel, and it's about a 20-minute trip to the Royal Palace and Aker Brygge, and a 15-minute trip to the Opera House. By subway it’s a one-hour trip to the Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump. From the Oslo S. station it’s a 40-minute trip to the Oslo Airport.

The 264 well-maintained, minimalist modern rooms can look a bit stark. Floors are wood or navy carpeted, furnishings are basic blond wood, and textiles are neutral beige with the occasional striped pillow to perk it up. Views are of the wooded surroundings, streets, or courtyard, which can get noisy when events are going on. Rooms range from Singles with one bed to Family Rooms with three single beds and one or two sofa beds. Superior Rooms have two single beds or one double bed, while Grand Lit Rooms have a queen bed. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and writing desks. Kettles can be requested, and ADA rooms are available. Utilitarian, white-tiled bathrooms have narrow shower stalls and hairdryers but no toiletries. 

The Anker Hotel’s bar and lounge, where the free breakfast buffet is served in the morning, provides colorful chairs and black modern sofas spread out in a spacious lounge. In the warmer months garden seating is available, and a patio can be rented for barbecue cookouts and private gatherings. Also available are seven meeting rooms that can be booked at a daily or hourly rate, accommodating between two and 100 people. They come with modern audiovisual equipment, and coffee breaks or lunch service can be added on. There are two computers in the lobby, and free coffee is available all day. Nearby parking is offered for a fee at the Q-Park. Guests can get a pass (for a fee) to use nearby fitness facilities, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.