Once again, I´ve arrived at Tromso´s airport and shuttled with the "Flybussen" in the city.
The bus-stop is around the corner, not much to walk.
Some minutes to wait to check-in with some other pax from the bus in front.
The main disappointment was opposite the hotel, a large construction side, not the hotels fault, but reason enough to book something else.
The workers also used the long daylight, so no sleep till late in the evening.
The room itself was small, but ok, it seems refurbished with wooden floor, a small bed and a sofa chair.
The bathroom was very small, not refurbished and with shower only.
Breakfast, well, is served in a restaurant nearby and when I´ve arrived soon after they opened in the morning there was nearly nothing prepared for the guests.
Only some hard bread and coffee.
No time to wait at check out, all together not recommendable.

I'd read that it was important to book a room in the modernized section of this hotel, so I did that first. When I arrived, I was happy to learn that the room was ready for me (at about 1130: fantastic!). However, the room looked out at a hotel across the street and was on the second floor (it was very clean and modern, though). I traipsed back to reception and told them that, as this was my first visit to Tromsø, I'd hoped for a little... more (yes, even on a budget). After a small search, another room was found for me on the ninth floor, if I was willing to wait a couple of hours? (absolutely!) What a nice room. Small, yet clean, modern and with all I needed. And the VIEW was to DIE FOR. Seriously. A friend staying at the Clarion had to come over and take photos from my windows.So, if you're heading that way and you don't need a lot of space, and if you can walk from the eighth floor lift up one flight of stairs, I'd recommend a room on the ninth floor here (specify that you want northern exposure, looking towards the bridge). (At least I think that's north...!) Absolutely everything is within walking distance. Take a walk over the bridge if you get a chance. Tromsø is lovely and unique; enjoy!

To say this hotel was disappointing would be putting it mildly. To be fair, the hotel was undergoing renovation while we were there, so some of the issues I’ll discuss relate to that but overall the hotel was a huge disappointment and not worth the money. We had not intended to stay at the Thon Polar, but all of the other hotels were booked due to the influx of tourists for the summer solstice. I had never stayed at a Thon hotel so I had no idea what to expect. Even so, what awaited me was dismal at best. The lobby was small and rather drab. The front door to the hotel became jammed on several occasions, so that no one could enter or leave until it was fixed. The elevator worked, but it was very small and it didn’t inspire confidence. The room was tiny, drab, worn and it was right in the area being renovated. The halls were stripped of carpet, the wallboard was being replaced and there were supplies everywhere. Workmen were frequently in the hallway and during the day the sounds of construction echoed throughout the hotel. On the bright side, the bed was comfortable and the shower had plenty of hot water, so I was able to rest and get ready for my meetings. The hotel breakfast area was undergoing renovation, so breakfast was served at a nearby restaurant. The breakfast buffet was very good and going into the restaurant was actually a relief. Perhaps the Thon Polar will be much better once it has been completely renovated, but until that time you would be wise to stay away!

I stayed at the Thon Polar for three nights in June 2008. The first room we were given was tiny, cramped, badly in need of refurbishment and right opposite a building site ( part of the hotel is under renovation).

I simply refused to accept the room as it bore no resemblance to the picture displayed on their website. After much arguing, we were given a different room in a completely different league.

Essentially, half of the hotel has been renovated to a high standard for a budget hotel. The renovated rooms come complete with a good size bathroom and plasma TV. The other half of the hotel is stuck in a 1970's timewarp and is very down at heel.

Norway is expensive; it is hard to find a decent hotel for less than €150. We paid €120 a night excluding breakfast which is good value compared with similar stays in other hotels.

I'm not sure when renovation is scheduled to be finished but would recommend ensuring you're in the renovated part of the hotel.