Overnattingsrom

Overnattingsrom is a Norwegian and Danish term that literally translates to “overnight room.” It refers to any private accommodation space provided for temporary stay, typically within a hotel, bed‑and‑breakfast, hostel, or similar lodging establishment. The room is furnished with a bed or beds, bedding, and essential amenities such as a washbasin, a television, and often a private toilet or a shared bathroom. In many Scandinavian countries, the word is used interchangeably with “overningshjelm” (overnight shelter) in tourist contexts, though the former specifically denotes a private cabin or suite.

The word is derived from the verb "overnatte," meaning “to stay overnight,” combined with the suffix "-rom," meaning “room.” Its usage dates back to the post‑industrial era when tourism and business travel expanded, creating a need for a standardized term that could be incorporated into travel literature, hotel advertising, and travel regulations. Over the past century the term has entered official tourism guides, booking systems, and consumer protection law, ensuring that travelers are aware of the minimum standards for safety, heating, and hygiene.

In practice, an overnattingsrom may range from a basic, single‑bed “budget” room with no private bathroom, to luxury suites with balconies, spa facilities, and panoramic views. Local regulations often require a certain minimum floor area and minimum width for doors, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has set guidelines that many Norwegian and Danish hotels follow. The word is also used in the hospitality industry's advertising, where slogans such as “overnattingsrom med gratis frukost” appear prominently.

In summary, overnattingsrom is a concise, widely understood term in Scandinavian countries for any accommodation unit meant for an overnight stay. Its concise usage makes it a staple in tourism literature, booking platforms, and legal texts describing lodging standards.