The Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Oslo

Located right in the city centre, the Clarion Hotel offers 810 modern rooms for a reasonable price. There’s a lovely green roof space for growing veggies for the 13th-floor Norda restaurant. Norda, along with Calmeyers Hage bar, serves inspired fusion cuisine and imaginative cocktails alongside panoramic views of the Opera House. Only two minutes from Oslo Central Station, you can easily catch a train for destinations further afield while staying here. The central setting will also let you check out the chic shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes in Oslo’s trendy Bjørvika neighbourhood.

Citybox Oslo, with no reception staff to speak of, could fit inside a futuristic film like Blade Runner (1982). The simple yet functional rooms – from cheerful singles to substantially larger suites – stick to a modern, minimalistic decor, all with private bathrooms. The downtown locale is hard to beat. Guests check themselves in and out via check-in terminals, which print out key cards. Should anything ever go awry, fear not, as a host is always on-site to sort you out.

Just north of the Royal Palace, this guesthouse offers archetypal Nordic style at affordable rates. The Coch sisters first opened their doors to travellers in 1927 and today the historic building houses 90 rooms. Most have a private bathroom, but if you’re on a strict budget, some come with shared hallway bathroom use. The Royal Palace is nearby, but if you prefer something more commercial, Oslo’s famous Bogstadveien shopping avenue is only a few minutes away as well.

While the rooms here are stripped to the minimal, modern essentials, they still offer wellbeing at a sensible price. This small hotel – near the western bank of the Akerselva river – is ideal for exploring the Grünerløkka borough, full of riverside nature walks. You’ll also stumble across plenty of trendy boutiques, cafes and pubs in the vicinity as well. The hotel is a learning environment for those it employs, providing work experience for those not currently in the hospitality sector, meaning that booking a few nights here is a kind-hearted way to support the local community.

The Anker, about a 10-minute walk northeast of Oslo’s downtown core, isn’t an overly extravagant place to rest your head at night. However, the tidy, contemporary rooms are a good size for the price and the sociable staff are always willing to help you out. Another plus is the large breakfast, which the hotel takes pride in (try their fresh Norwegian bread). Load up on the calories you’ll need to explore the capital later on.

Chic design aesthetics, a delightful rooftop terrace plus an extensive Scandinavian breakfast buffet make up for the small rooms here – which the hotel lets you know about upfront. Situated near the National Assembly and Royal Palace, and not too far from the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Smarthotel Oslo is geared for solo travellers or shorter stays. If you don’t plan on spending a lot of time in your room, this spot is a shrewd choice for thrifty nomads, as the hotel is well-maintained, staffed and conveniently located.

If you love Nordic furnishings, you’ll be smitten with Hotel Bondeheimen. Ultra-modern Scandinavian design pervades the entire hotel. It sits just north of Studenterlunden Park and the Hard Rock Cafe, and is a stone’s throw from the Royal Palace. Kaffistova Restaurant (open since 1901), on the ground floor, delves further into the city’s culture via chef-inspired takes on traditional Norwegian fare.

A smidgen south of Studenterlunden Park, the centrally-located Hotel Verdandi Oslo occupies a modern-looking building, yet still incorporates elements of classic Scandinavian style. With options ranging from comfortable standard rooms to deluxe suites, groups of different sizes can book here and stay within budget. If inclement weather keeps you inside (not uncommon in Norway), the second-floor indoor courtyard with glass rooftop is a great place to dry off and catch whatever natural sunlight there is to be had.

Karl Johans gate, running from Oslo Central Station to the 19th century Royal Palace (home to the King of Norway), is perhaps the most famous street in Oslo. While this large, modern hotel, smack dab on Karl Johans gate 12, is in the thick of the city’s urban life, it’s surprisingly tranquil. Check-in via your phone or at a self-service kiosk. Grab some French-inspired nibbles and meals at the Rodins Bar & Bistro, then use this locale as your launchpad for discovering Oslo.

Saga Hotel Oslo Central – only a few blocks from the Akershus Fortress – is within easy reach of the capital’s main attractions. The interior lounge areas are colourfully decorated with large playful prints, whereas the rooms are chic, modern and sophisticated. Foodies who like to experiment will rejoice at the Nordic and Japanese blend of chef-fashioned meals here, served at the hotel’s captivating Restaurant Fangst. Dig into the omakase (chef’s choice) menu and prepare to be delighted.