My rule with Norway is the experience is on the outside of the hotel and not the hotel itself. It save you a good deal of money which will allow you to experience more of this incredible country. The Anker Hotel fits that description perfectly, it's superb value for money, is extremely clean and tidy and the rooms are generously proportioned.

Location wise, it's a 15 minute walk from the station which means you're within easy reach of Gardemoen Airport.

The catering was perfectly fine, breakfast was generous and full of choice (a buffet) and the staff were really lovely and helpful in directing us around the city for a good night out.

All in all the Anker provides great value for money, an excellent location and the kind of service that will satisfy most guests. What more do you need?

We only stayed one night at Anker and that was more than enough. While it may be relatively cheap (compared to other accomm in Norway, where everything is expensive), next time I would prefer to pay a little more and stay elsewhere.

The rooms are very cramped, with no lockers to keep your things secure. The bunk bed was so small that I couldn't sit up without hitting my head on the bed frame. There was a kitchen in the room, which meant that when our roomates cooked, it stank our the entire room and our clothes. And if you rent linen, expect to be charged a huge fee (50 nok). Add to the fact that the staff weren't very friendly, and you really have nothing that was good about this place except the price.

I normally do not stay in hostels but faced with ridiculous prices for hotels in one of the world's most expensive countries then had to economise this time. The hostel is about a 10 minute walk from Oslo Central Station & the main Bus Terminus, with the number 12 tram stopping virtually outside. Chose a 4 bed dormitory room. Was handed linen & a towel at check in (extra cost applies. Can bring your own but cannot use a sleeping bag). Room itself was a huge 8 bed dorm room on the first floor that was only being used as a 4 bed. Bunk bed was comfortable & a reasonable state of cleanliness in the room & ensuite bathroom. Having the bathroom (with heated floor!!) was a bonus. The room also has a fridge & small kitchen area. Only had to share with 1 other person both nights which was a real plus as well. Free wi-fi was good & if you want to use it in your room try & get a first floor room as the signal can be picked up from there. The lobby got very crowded with people trying to use their laptops etc in the evenings. I ate at the Norwegian restaurant nillsons they recommended on the 2nd night which is about a 10 minute walk from the hostel & which gives guests a 15% discount. If you decide to try it out please note they only accept cash. They take Sterling & Euro as well as Kroner. All in all not a bad budget choice in a good location in the city centre although this would be considered very overpriced elsewhere, in Oslo this is about as cheap as it's going to get!!

I find it absolutely ridiculous that we have to pay extra for bedsheets. Why would the day rate of the hostel not come with sheets?! Absolute rip off..

The room smells and is so minimalist and you have to pay for everything, including utensils. The room's heater will only go up to a maximum of 21 degrees and the bed matresses are patheticly thin and uncomfortable. Toilet flush dosen't work well and floor heating is not working. Wireless internet is only available at the lounge area which is crowded in the morning. We were there during autumn so I can imagine how pack it will be at summer. The reception people were also not too friendly. One of them even look like a thug.

Our Norway trip lasted 11 days and we stayed in 4 different hotels. The stay at Anker was the last part of our trip and the worst. It actually spoiled our mood and overall stay in Norway.

Avoid at all cost!