a&o Copenhagen Norrebro - Hostel

I’ve stayed in plenty of hostels around Europe and never had an experience this inconvenient. I was given a bed that someone was already using. When I told reception, I was advised to take another free bed in the room, which I did, and I even told him which one I’d chosen. In the middle of the night another guest woke me and said I’d taken his bed, clearly because reception hadn’t told him. It was intolerable management, especially with an early flight the next morning. Hygiene was poor too. I got a red rash after staying there, and the mattress didn’t seem thoroughly cleaned and sanitised. Think twice before booking. My Nordic trip would have been perfect without this hostel.

The room and bathroom were good, and they’d cleaned the room properly before we arrived. My only annoyance was the bed: two singles pushed together to make a double kept separating during the night, so we had to wake up and slide them back. Aside from that, we had a really good stay.

The indoor play corner at reception was the main reason we booked, and it turned out even better than expected. With cold weather outside, the kids could play freely indoors. Ms. Angelique was especially kind and attentive with them, and her warmth made a lasting impression. The whole staff were welcoming, and when my children’s severe dust mite allergies caused a minor issue, Michael at reception changed the sheets right away without hesitation. We spent three pleasant nights here as a family of five, including two children. It’s not an ultra luxury option, but it’s comfortable, family friendly, and budget efficient. The location is handy for the airport and public transport, a few minutes from the subway, with several good restaurants an easy walk away. Rooms aren’t large or fancy, but they’re clean, maintained well, and adequate for the price. Breakfast is simple, with the essentials, and reasonably priced and convenient given Copenhagen’s dining costs. Great value, friendly service, and a welcoming place for families. We’d book again.

The staff at reception and in the breakfast area looked tired and came across as unhappy or unfriendly. Breakfast itself was basic: eggs, cheeses, sliced meats, vegetables, hummus, yogurt, spreads, bread, drinks, and pancakes from a machine that made two at a time very slowly. One side came out pale and the other brown. Some utensils and glasses were dirty, with peanut butter stuck on knives and glasses that looked oily and wet even after washing. The room overlooked the parking lot and construction, and the small TV had almost all German channels, with just one English one. Noise from upstairs and neighbouring rooms carried through. The room was too dim with yellow lighting, while the wall lamp shone too brightly into your eyes. The windows opened and there was a heater, but the floor was dusty and needed vacuuming under the bed. The toilet worked, though you had to hold the shower in place or the water sprayed away from you. I did like being able to request cleaning online as needed, which seems more environmentally friendly than cleaning every day. The hotel is near train stations, though not especially close to tourist sights.