Pingvinhotellet UNN Tromsø

The hotel has the best shuttle bus I’ve ever seen. It comes to you anywhere on the island with flashing lights and paramedics. But it’s crazy that none of the booking websites mention that this is literally a hospital. The rooms are okay and the views are good, though you can’t get away from the hospital feeling.

The rooms are clean and quiet, and the playroom is great. The tourists can be another matter. This is a hospital hotel, but it presents itself like a tourist hotel, so it can be full when people need somewhere to stay after treatment. It’s upsetting to try to get food from the buffet when you’re feeling most vulnerable, while loud, rude tourists who came for the food, view, and photo opportunity stare at you and comment on your disheveled appearance.

The food was delicious, and the hotel is clean, cozy, and spacious. It’s 3.5 kms from the center, with a bus stop right outside. Just bear in mind that it’s attached to the hospital. If that’s okay with you, everything else is marvelous!

There’s a big free breakfast buffet with fresh fruit, sliced meats, potatoes, yogurt, and assorted breads. The hotel is attached to the hospital and has a small market for bedside needs. It’s a great hotel. If you’re visiting for a reason other than the hospital, you’ll need to take the bus. It’s about a seven-minute ride to the center of town and costs around $2 USD. Not too expensive, just a bit inconvenient.