The Sentrum Pensjonat youth hostel is ideally located in the heart of Oslo and is a good value stop for any backpacker looking for a real bed with decent linen and a friendly atmosphere.
The Location
The hostel is centrally located and is only five minutes' walk from the central railway station. Once you've found your bearings and checked the map, it's easy to find. It's right in the heart of the city and although there are rumors of seedy nightlife plying its trade on the streets outside, we didn't see any of this on the several occasions we stayed -- the streets of Oslo seem relatively safe and friendly even at night. Despite being on a main city road the area is fairly quiet at night, so the road noise won't keep you awake.
If you are arriving by air, there is a high-speed train between the central station and the airport, which will cost you an arm and a leg but only takes about twenty minutes. If you're prepared to slum it with the locals, the commuter train takes about forty minutes for half the price.
Rooms and Bathrooms
This hostel provided actual beds (not bunks) in its rooms and they come with linen, pillows, and towels. All rooms also have their own small refrigerator and some have a small kitchenette with hotplates and water. Most rooms have four to six beds, but there are one or two semi-private, two-bed rooms. Each room has its own key but there are no individual lockers. There is a spacious luggage room beside reception if required.
The number of toilets and showers are a little low for the number of beds, but if it's not busy this isn't a problem. Showers are private, unisex cubicles and are clean and adequate with a place for clothes and room to change.
Common Spaces
On the first floor, there is a large common room, two lounge suites, a large wooden table and chairs, pay internet, and two DVD-only televisions.
Along one wall of the common room is the kitchen. The kitchen is adequate for small numbers of people using it at the same time, but it would be advisable to plan your meals for off-peak times of the day to avoid waiting. There is no refrigerator in the kitchen -- use the one in your room.
The common room could be quite a good place to meet fellow travelers and discuss plans. This is a subdued but quite social hostel. There is a restaurant on the ground-floor where you can eat fairly cheaply that seems to have a relationship with the hostel, although is not strictly part of it. Otherwise there is a reasonably good supermarket in the railway station nearby.
Security
You will be given a code for the front door and a key to your room. There is a luggage room if you require that. Most of the hallways and common areas are monitored by security camera, which, although a little creepy, does mean that in theory you are safer here than elsewhere.
Summary
This is a good hostel with only a few quirks but is clean, friendly, spacious, and comfortable. Overall it is very good value for money and well worth considering.
— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
July 2008
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