Tromsø, Parkgata 469.648809,18.949921(Show on Map)
8.2
Very Good
Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
First Hotel Backpack in Tromsø is highly praised by guests for its strategic location, cleanliness, and friendly staff, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. Centrally positioned, the hotel offers easy access to Tromsø's key attractions, restaurants, and shops, boasting picturesque views of the city skyline and harbor. The location is perfect for those eager to explore Tromsø on foot while enjoying the peace of a quiet neighborhood.
The hotel provides excellent kitchen facilities, allowing guests to prepare their own meals with supplies from nearby stores. Noteworthy is the complimentary offering of Norwegian waffles each evening, adding a local flavor and helping create a warm and communal atmosphere. The absence of an included breakfast service is compensated by this unique tradition and the availability of cookies, tea, and coffee throughout the day.
Rooms at First Hotel Backpack are clean, cozy, and functional, with guests appreciating the comfort and cleanliness despite their compact size. Essential amenities, such as comfortable beds, minibars, and modern bathrooms, contribute to a pleasant stay. While room sizes vary, most guests find the accommodations meeting or exceeding expectations for short visits.
The exceptionally clean environment is maintained by diligent housekeeping staff, who ensure rooms and communal areas are spotless and welcoming. This dedication to hygiene and order enhances the overall guest experience, making First Hotel Backpack a reliable choice for travelers seeking a tidy retreat.
Staff at the hotel are frequently lauded for their friendliness and resourcefulness, contributing significantly to a welcoming atmosphere. Their ability to manage guest inquiries, late check-ins, and provide local information is a highlight, with many visitors appreciative of their attentive and helpful service.
While the WiFi service is generally strong and reliable, some inconsistencies in connectivity are noted, particularly in certain areas of the hotel. Addressing these issues could improve overall guest satisfaction. Parking is available nearby but can be costly, with limited spaces requiring advance reservations.
Though the bed comfort can vary, with minor concerns from some guests, many find them adequately comfortable, allowing for restful sleep. First Hotel Backpack provides value for money with its straightforward offerings akin to hostel-like accommodations, appealing to those prioritizing budget and location over luxury.
Overall, First Hotel Backpack delivers a satisfactory experience with a focus on practicality, comfort, and exceptional service, making it a favored choice for backpackers and short-stay visitors to Tromsø.
Categories
Cheap
This aparthotel offers budget-friendly accommodation in a central location, making it easy to explore the city. Guests can save money by preparing their own meals, and the central location reduces transport costs.
3 Star
This hotel is situated in Tromsø city center and is designed for young travelers. It offers a communal kitchen and dining area, facilitating social interaction and cost-effective meal preparation. All rooms and apartments include free WiFi and a flat-screen TV.
Parking
Sustainability Journey
Nightlife
Small
Room Types
Single RoomThis room has a flat-screen TV, fridge and private bathroom with shower.
Single Room with Shared BathroomThis room has a flat-screen TV, fridge and access to shared bathroom facilities.
Double RoomThis room has a flat-screen TV, fridge and private bathroom with shower.
Double Room with Shared BathroomThis room has a flat-screen TV, fridge and access to shared bathroom facilities.
Triple RoomThis room has a flat-screen TV, fridge and private bathroom with shower.
Triple Room with Shared BathroomThis room has a flat-screen TV, fridge and access to shared bathroom facilities.
Studio ApartmentFeatures a seating area, flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Review Summaries
Location
First Hotel Backpack is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Tromsø, offering travelers an unbeatable location for exploring this vibrant city. Situated in a super central area, the hotel puts guests within a short walking distance of all key attractions, restaurants, shops, and essential amenities. Whether it's visiting the Arctic Ocean Cathedral or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the city's bustling streets, guests will find themselves well-positioned to access it all easily.
The location of First Hotel Backpack is not only practical but also picturesque, offering stunning views over the Tromsø skyline and the harbor. It provides the perfect base for those eager to discover the delights of the city on foot, with all points of interest just minutes away.
Despite its centrality, the hotel manages to offer a peaceful retreat in a quiet neighborhood, ensuring restful nights after busy days of sightseeing. The highlight for many guests is undoubtedly the convenience of being able to walk to all major spots and the welcoming atmosphere fostered by the friendly and accommodating staff.
With its strategic positioning, First Hotel Backpack is ideal for both budget-conscious travelers and those looking to indulge in local culture, making it a popular choice for anyone visiting Tromsø.
Breakfast
At First Hotel Backpack, while traditional breakfast service is notably absent, guests appreciate the excellent kitchen facilities and the spacious communal kitchen that allows them to prepare their own meals. The kitchen is well-equipped, including a refrigerator, dishwasher, and dining area. This setup provides guests with the flexibility to make breakfast using supplies from nearby stores, catering to those who prefer a self-sufficient stay.
A highlight for many guests is the complimentary offerings available throughout the day, particularly the free Norwegian waffles served from 5 PM to 7 PM. This delightful treat, often paired with jam and Brunost, adds a unique local flavor to their evenings. Additionally, coffee, tea, and a variety of snacks like cookies and biscuits are readily available, contributing to a warm and welcoming environment.
Though the lack of an included breakfast service may be a downside for some, the hotel's evening waffle tradition and accessible kitchen facilities are appreciated by guests looking for an enjoyable stay with personal meal preparation capabilities.
Rooms
First Hotel Backpack offers a range of accommodations with a focus on cleanliness and comfort, although room sizes tend to be on the smaller side. Visitors frequently mention the rooms as clean, cozy, and functional despite their compact nature. Some rooms surprise guests with cozy charm and even offer stunning views, while others are situated in the basement, featuring smaller high-mounted windows.
Most reviews indicate that rooms are equipped with essential amenities, such as comfortable beds, minibars, and a functioning pantry in some units. The bathrooms, whether shared or private, are generally modern and maintain a high level of cleanliness, with some guests appreciating the strong water pressure in the showers.
The hotel's prime location, a short distance from Tromso's center, is an added advantage, complemented by efficient and friendly staff. While some guests express concerns about limited space for luggage and some minor maintenance issues, many find the accommodations meeting or exceeding expectations, making it a practical choice for short stays. Overall, this hostel provides an experience of comfort and cleanliness in its renovated surroundings, appealing to travelers who prioritize location and coziness at a reasonable price.
Beds
At First Hotel Backpack, the experience of a good night's sleep seems to be a mixed bag. Many guests appreciate the comfortable beds and soft mattresses, highlighting them as a notable aspect of their stay. Descriptions such as "super comfortable" and "comfy" frequently appear in the reviews, pointing to numerous guests enjoying their rest. Some guests even describe the beds as very good, neat, and wide, adding to the cozy atmosphere of the hotel.
However, not all reviews paint such a positive picture. A few guests have pointed out issues with the beds, mentioning saggy mattresses and discomfort. Some feel the beds were too soft, while others found them tight for two people. Concerns about noise from the older bed frames are also noted, along with a lack of space for personal belongings.
Despite these inconsistencies, the vibe of the hotel remains warm, supported by friendly and professional staff and the bustling environment created by fellow travelers. Overall, while the comfort level of the beds might vary, First Hotel Backpack provides a welcoming atmosphere for backpackers and visitors alike.
Cleanliness
First Hotel Backpack in Tromsø stands out for its exceptional cleanliness, making it a top choice for budget travelers seeking a tidy and hygienic stay. Guests consistently highlight the spotless condition of the rooms and shared facilities, including bathrooms, kitchens, and dining areas. The cleanliness extends to the communal showers and toilets, which are frequently maintained to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
The accommodation is described as simple yet clean and comfortable. Rooms may be small, but they offer essential amenities like a small desk and fridge, and they are consistently noted for being tidy and well-kept. The hostel’s friendly cleaning staff contribute to its welcoming atmosphere, ensuring frequent changes of sheets and towels while maintaining a cozy and inviting environment.
The communal areas, such as the living room and kitchen, are spacious and equipped with everything a traveler might need, enhancing the overall experience. Guests appreciate the opportunity to prepare meals in a clean kitchen, especially with offerings like tea, cookies, and evening waffles.
Located centrally, First Hotel Backpack provides easy access to local attractions, and its cleanliness makes it an ideal base for exploring Tromsø. Whether staying a single night or enjoying a longer visit, the hotel earns high praise for providing a clean, comfortable, and quiet retreat with exemplary service from its staff.
Staff
The First Hotel Backpack garners high praise for its exceptional staff, who consistently leave guests impressed with their friendliness, attentiveness, and welcoming demeanor. Visitors frequently highlight the staff's dedication to providing excellent service, making everyone feel at home and cared for during their stay. Whether it's the warm reception from Cadi and Odin or the accommodating nature of Simon and Kadi, the team demonstrates a level of hospitality that transcends expectations.
Receptionists are particularly noted for their enthusiastic and helpful approach, with guests appreciating their resourcefulness and effort in addressing any inquiries or needs. Alberto at the reception stands out as being kind and attentive, and Emily provides a warm and friendly welcome, ensuring guests feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.
The staff's ability to manage late check-ins and offer valuable local information further emphasizes their commitment to guest satisfaction. Even when faced with challenging situations, such as early arrivals without room readiness, the receptionists provide flexible solutions to ensure convenience and comfort.
Overall, the hotel staff exudes a warm and homely atmosphere, greatly contributing to the hotel's welcoming structure and excellent value for money. Despite a few isolated instances of less friendly behavior, the team's dedication to the guests is overwhelmingly positive, making the First Hotel Backpack a favored choice for travelers seeking attentive and helpful service in a clean and comfortable setting.
Wi-Fi
The WiFi experience at First Hotel Backpack shows a mix of satisfaction and areas for improvement. Many guests appreciated the fast and trouble-free internet service, enjoying very good and perfectly working WiFi connections, particularly in some parts of the hotel. However, frequent challenges were noted, especially regarding connectivity in specific areas such as upstairs rooms and the basement. Reports of weak, unstable, or unusable connections are common, with issues like disconnections and poor coverage being mentioned by several visitors. While some found the WiFi service reliable without any problems, others struggled with the connection, especially in their rooms or apartments, indicating that the WiFi service can be inconsistent. Improving coverage and stability across all areas could significantly enhance the overall guest experience.
Parking
First Hotel Backpack is situated in a convenient location that provides an option for guests to park their vehicles. While guests appreciate the ability to keep their cars parked overnight, it is essential to note that parking nearby is quite costly, averaging at 250 NOK per day. The spaces are limited and reservations are recommended in advance to secure a spot, which highlights the competitive nature of availability.
While there are parking options, including a nearby affordable parking garage at Fjellet p-hus, guests often voiced concerns over the narrow and tight parking spaces, as well as the need to sometimes drive a fair distance to reach the garage. Furthermore, the driveway conditions, especially during winter when it isn't cleared of snow and ice, posed challenges for pedestrians.
Overall, the hotel's great value is marred slightly by the parking situation, which is seen as a necessary additional expense. Travelers seeking convenience and proximity may find the arrangements satisfactory, provided they book ahead and are prepared for the associated costs.
3 Star
First Hotel Backpack in Tromsø offers travelers a satisfactory experience with an emphasis on value for money, making it a viable choice for budget-conscious visitors. Many guests found the hotel to be a good option for short stays, providing basic yet comfortable accommodations that are typical of a three-star standard. The hotel features essential amenities, focusing on function over luxury, which appeals to those who are passing through and need a convenient base in the city.
Its central location is noted as a key advantage, allowing easy access to Tromsø's attractions without a hefty price tag. The hotel’s affordability, especially when compared to the higher average prices in Norway, is frequently touted as a plus, despite some guests suggesting that the cost is still high for the limited comforts provided.
Guests often describe First Hotel Backpack as more akin to a hostel than a hotel, pointing out the simple decor and shared facilities, including toilets and bathrooms. While the shared kitchen received mixed reviews due to cleanliness issues, the overall cost-performance ratio remains attractive for those who prioritize budget over luxury. Despite some feedback on noise and room size, the consensus leans towards the hotel being a reasonable choice for short, economical stays in Tromsø.
FAQ
No, First Hotel Backpack doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at First Hotel Backpack.
No, First Hotel Backpack doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at First Hotel Backpack.
