Anker Hostel

Anker Hostel is a modern, lively place that appears to be very popular with backpackers in a city where accommodation is very expensive. The whole block is owned by “Anker” and there’s a more luxurious Hotel Anker next door (we had read one review of the hostel in which the writer got an upgrade to the hotel -- sadly we weren’t so lucky) as well as an internet café a couple of doors down and an Italian restaurant that serves low cost breakfasts, although not so cheap as the hostel, which offers a very basic breakfast.

The Location

Anker Hostel is situated about ten minutes' walk from Oslo’s bus and train stations and central shopping area. It’s in an area called Grunerlokka, which is quite mixed ethnically and therefore has a few cheaper places to eat. There’s a tram and bus stop almost directly opposite the hostel. The hostel is just ten minutes' walk from the beautiful botanic gardens and the Edvard Munch Museum.

Rooms and Bathrooms

We had booked a private double and were given the key to a room on the seventh floor. A small ensuite was on the left just inside the door. We stepped into the main sleeping area and found out why there were separate clothes hanging areas -– we were in an eight-bed dormitory. Although there was no sign of sharing the room, we popped down to reception to check and were assured that the entire room was ours for the duration of our stay. There were four sets of bunk beds and we chose the lower bunks closest to the windows, as it was quite warm in the room. There is one overhead light fitting near the window but it doesn’t generate much light; there are also two wall lights, one on each side next to two of the upper bunks. The lower bunks are practically in darkness and don’t have a reading light. There are also individual clothes hanging and shelving areas. There’s a fair-sized locker for each bunk, you’ll need your own padlock.

Each corridor has a heavy metal door at the lift end and you can’t access that corridor unless you are staying on that floor. You can wait ages for the lift in the morning; take the stairs or be prepared for a long wait.

At the other end of the room there is a kitchen area with a sink, a two-burner electric hob, and a fridge. There is no cooking equipment, cutlery, or crockery -- not even a glass. We did use the fridge for chilling water and beer, but that was it. We did investigate the kitchen next door, but found that this was also totally devoid of equipment. On our second day we noticed a sign in reception saying that cooking equipment could be borrowed for a deposit.

The bathroom is tiny and dimly lit but very clean and perfectly adequate; however there are issues with the bathroom. There is no lip to the shower and the water just runs down a drain in the corner. With only a flimsy shower curtain to separate the room, it is inevitable that water covers the whole bathroom floor and there is no bathmat and no extractor fan which means that once wet, the floor remains wet for ages. Once steamed up, the mirror is also useless and there is no other in the room.

Common Spaces

We arrived around 10:45 p.m. and the place was buzzing. It was a warm evening and there were people sitting outside drinking beers, as well as a good number queuing at the reception desk to check in. Reception is the hub of the hostel and there are always people there watching television on a big screen, playing table football, or taking advantage of the Wi-Fi. You can buy soft drinks, beers, and coffee from reception but we didn’t see any prices, so we can’t say whether it’s any cheaper than buying them from the nearby convenience store.

Perhaps due to the high prices in Norway, people appear to stay around the hostel in the evenings. The atmosphere seems friendly, and with plenty of seating areas, it looks to be the kind of place where you can easily get to know other travelers. Personally we think the hostel is a little impersonal due to its size; when large groups are in public areas, it is a bit overwhelming.

Summary

When we went to find our room, we went the wrong way twice because it’s not clear where exactly to go and instead of having helpful signs giving directions, they prefer to plaster the place with notices reminding you that checkout is by 11 a.m. at the latest.

All staff speak perfect English, so you’ll have no problem being understood and asking for information. Reception was very busy when we arrived, but there were three members of staff checking people in so it wasn't that bad. We paid by credit card, so we didn’t have to pay an additional deposit for our key, which applies if you pay in cash. We did, however, have to pay extra for the bedding and would have had to pay for towels too if we hadn’t managed each to squeeze one in our hand luggage.

Anker isn’t perfect, but it really isn’t anywhere near as bad as you might read about. In fact, for location and price, it’s perhaps the best value in central Oslo. Hostel Anker is cheap only in Norwegian terms; in fact we saw lots of family groups and older couples as well as young backpackers. The hostel may not be plush but if you can do without the frills, it’s a decent option if you are looking to save costs to spend on other things (and in Norway you have to save wherever you can).