"I' ve never a bad review before - I have worked in hospitality and retail for many years so I know how tough it is.
This hotel benefits from an excellent location in the centre of Oslo. I also observed some brilliant service by some of the employees to other guests in the 'Host Office' - but that's where the good stuff ends.
Check in was a disaster. The self serve machines eventually recognised my booking from my phone number (it rejected my passport and email). The machine told me my room wasn't ready and to see a 'Host'.
The lady who 'helped' me on the desk looked at me like something she had trod in and was stuck to her shoe when I explained what was happening on the machine. 'ID' she barked. After swiping my passport and huffing abit, she put my passport on desk with two key cards and barked '316'. And that was it. No explanation of where to go, no confirmation of stay length,nothing about facilities - just '316'!
As for room 316, if you like bare walls, lots of external noise, broken temperature controls, no safe, nothing to drink out of, mouldy bathroom ceiling,leaking shower,broken shower fittings - you will love this room.
I expected minimal budget accomodation when I booked to stay - but cheap isn't always cheerful!
I have cancelled forthcoming Citybox stays elsewhere not because of the room, but because of the behaviour of that one person in the 'Host Office' . Such a shame."