NORWAY - Scandinavia - page 632

$$ Basic Hotel Victoria is an old hotel turned into a college dorm that be-
comes a utilitarian, minimalist budget hotel each summer. There are no pub-
lic spaces, the tiny reception is open only 9:00-23:00, and you won't get your
towels changed. But its 43 modern, bright, simple rooms are plenty comfort-
able for the price (open June-Aug only, Sb-895 kr, Db-995 kr, Tb-1,395 kr,
free Wi-Fi, Kong Oscarsgate 29, tel. [phone], www.basichotels.no , victor-
[e-mail] ) .
$ Citybox is a unique, no-nonsense hotel concept: plain, white, clean, and
practical. It rents 55 rooms online and provides you with a confirmation num-
ber. Check-in is automated—just punch in your number and get your ticket.
The reception is staffed daily 9:00-16:30, except May-Oct until 23:00 (S-400
kr, Sb-500 kr, D-600 kr, Db-700 kr, extra bed-150 kr, family room for up to
four-1,200 kr, no breakfast, elevator, just away from the bustle in a mostly res-
idential part of town at Nygårdsgaten 31, tel. [phone], www.citybox.no ,
[e-mail] ) .
Private Homes and Pensions
If you're looking for local character and don't mind sharing a shower, these
accommodations—far more quiet, homey, and convenient than hostel
beds—might just be the best values in town. Both require guests to climb out-
door stairways, which may be tough for those not packing light.
$ Guest House Skiven is a humble little place beautifully situated on a
steep, traffic-free cobbled lane called “the most painted street in Bergen.” Alf
and Elizabeth Heskja (who live upstairs) rent four non-smoking doubles that
share a shower, two WCs, and a kitchen (D-600 kr for Rick Steves readers, no
breakfast, free Wi-Fi, 4 blocks from station at Skivebakken 17, tel. 55 31 30
30, mobile [phone], www.skiven.no , [e-mail] ). From the train sta-
tion, go down Kong Oscars Gate, uphill on D. Krohns Gate, and up the stairs
at the end of the block on the left.
$ Skansen Pensjonat (not to be confused with the nearby Skansen Apart-
ments) is situated 100 yards directly behind the entrance to the Fløibanen fu-
nicular. Jannicke Alvær rents seven tastefully decorated rooms with views
over town (small non-view S-450 kr, larger S-500 kr, D-800 kr, fancy D on
corner with view and balcony-900 kr, apartment-1,000 kr, includes break-