That Time Of The Year!

After more than 3 months in the backburner, finally some time to resume my reviews before my next travel in March.

This is the first of my 3 hotels I stayed in Finland.  I chose Scandic Hotel as it was the most convenient, being located in the city centre (with a supermarket directly opposite it) and the price was reasonable.  I booked a Superior King Room with attached sauna.

Room was fairly spacious despite having a King sized bed and a sofa bed.  There is a fridge provided, complimentary tea and coffee making facility and safe box.  Although the room is big, the toilet was a little small, due to the presence of a sauna in it.  The sauna comes in very handy especially during the cold winter (where it dipped to -22C during out stay there).  One can use it in the comfort of their room, at their own convenience and followed by a nice shower after the sauna and a good sleep after that!

The bed was quite comfortable, and despite being in the city there were minimal noise.  As it is in the city, aurora sighting from the hotel ground is hard due to presence of city lights.  One can walk about 500 meter out to the Artikuum for a slightly better chance of viewing within the city area.  Alternatively, there is Aurora sighting tours that are readily available (at a cost).

Spacious enough for an extra bed

Bathroom a little squeezy

Built-in sauna!

Breakfast was included in the rate.  Do be at the dining area early as it can get pretty busy after 8am (as Scandic Hotel seems to be quite popular especially with Asian tour groups).  Food was good with plenty of local options.  There is other nearby eateries as well within walking distance from the hotel ground.

The one drawback however is the small lifts.  There are only 2 available and each lift can only accommodate 6 to 8 people without luggage.  The lifts were pretty slow as well.

I would certainly recommend this hotel for first time visitors as it offers an accommodation at a very reasonable rate with good breakfast options and more importantly, the convenience.