Comfort Hotel Karl Johan: Central, cheap, noisy

Two minutes from Oslo Central Station. On the main pedestrian street. Steps from the Opera House. Drop your bags and you're already in the middle of everything, no tram ticket needed.

The rooms are small. The entry-level "Compact" category runs 10 to 15 square metres, which means opening a suitcase on the floor will block the path to the bathroom. Pay the upgrade to Standard or Superior. The extra space is worth every krone. The decor leans budget-trendy: exposed brick, neon signs, a vaguely youthful energy in the lobby where the reception doubles as a bar.

Now, the noise. Rooms facing Karl Johans gate catch the full pedestrian circus, day and night. Rooms facing the internal courtyard catch bass from the bar and music that runs late on weekends. Lower floors get it worst. Request a high floor facing the back when you book, not when you arrive. The view will be a brick wall. You'll sleep.

Housekeeping only comes every four days unless you ask. That's a Strawberry chain policy, not laziness, but it catches people off guard. Fresh towels require a specific request.

Free coffee in the lobby around the clock. In a city where a café latte costs 60 NOK, that adds up fast. The gym in the basement is open 24/7 and properly equipped, free weights and cardio machines both.