Henrik’s first floor apartment (18 steps) is well situated just a few minutes’ walk to the shops, pubs and restaurants of Oslo’s trendy Grunerlokke quarter. Henrik is a helpful host and took time to brief me on the apartment and the neighborhood. Check-in and check-out were fast and easy. I enjoyed myself thoroughly during my week-long stay and can recommend this apartment for its location, amenities, and value versus a hotel.

The listing description and photos provide a relatively accurate account of the apartment’s layout. Although it is just a few dozen meters from a buzzing green plaza, the apartment is quiet. Facing the rear of the building, it has a small balcony off the bedroom to enjoy calmer moments. The living area is spacious, while the bedroom and bath are snug.

With so many restaurants around (try the nearby Mathallen/Vulcan complex), it’s unlikely that you’d be doing much cooking, but the kitchen is well-equipped (no microwave) if you choose to have a night in. The Wi-Fi was reliable and password-secured. The washing machine is a real plus for road warriors. The flat-screen TV carries few English language channels (news), though the local channels occasionally show programs in English. Although it just a few dozen meters from the business area, the apartment was quiet, allowing for restful sleep.

There are a few niggles. The sleep experience is a major part of any stay, and the bed would benefit from larger, quality pillows and a thick mattress pad. Also,with other residential buildings just across the street, window coverings are sorely needed in the living room for privacy.

Oslo is a walker’s town, but several tram lines are within a two-minute stroll. [Tip: The #30 bus will take you directly to Museum Island in about 20 minutes. Catch it at the NW corner of Birkelunden Park, about a five-minute walk from the apartment.]