Arendal Budget Stay

The shared bathroom was simple and mostly clean, though the shower curtain was dirty. I needed somewhere to sleep at short notice after the nearby camping cabins were fully booked, and for that it did the job. The room was spacious and felt safe for two, though the 1.20 bed would be cramped for a pair. Since I was on my own, it was fine. The pillows were lousy, so I used two. The walls were worn and full of holes, but there was also a tired sofa, a rocking chair, a table and two chairs. There are large shared kitchen and living areas, and someone has tried to make them pleasant with the furniture and a painting in the hall. The terrace had no furniture and the garden was overgrown, though both could be nice with a bit of care. The kitchen looked good, but I barely used it. The freezer had a thick layer of ice, and the sink water wouldn’t get cold. The living room and open, unused rooms were messy, and all these things added up to a negative impression. If a camping cabin is available, you’d save money and likely have a better stay there. This place has a lot of potential, and a renovation plus more upkeep could make it cozy. As it is, it only covers the basics: a clean bed, quick shower and maybe a fridge for groceries. I think it should cost half as much in its current condition. I’d consider trying it again if it gets renovated and looked after.