Crowne Plaza Helsinki - Hesperia By Ihg

The hotel offers a luxurious and comfortable urban escape, distinguished by its extensive wellness facilities, including a large gym, pool, and sauna. Guests consistently praise the hotel for its exceptionally friendly staff, delicious and varied breakfast, and the overall cleanliness and comfort of its rooms. Its convenient location near public transport and key attractions makes it an ideal choice for sightseers, business travelers, families, and couples seeking both relaxation and accessibility. Pet owners also find the hotel particularly accommodating. To enhance your stay, consider upgrading to a club room for exclusive lounge access, and take advantage of the flexible early check-in and late check-out options.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts a huge fitness studio that many guests describe as a proper, first-class gym, featuring a wide array of cardio and workout machines, along with dedicated spaces for yoga and bell weights. A fairly sized pool (approximately 18 meters) and comprehensive sauna facilities are highly praised, offering excellent opportunities for both exercise and relaxation. While some guests noted the pool water could be cold or the sauna area lacked service or sufficient seating, the overall quality and availability of the wellness area are consistently highlighted. The club lounge is a significant bonus for many, providing a relaxing space, though some found its breakfast offerings limited compared to the main restaurant. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and the hotel is notably pet-friendly.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the cleanliness of the rooms, frequently describing them as super clean and immaculate. Rooms are generally found to be spacious and comfortable, with many appreciating the modern decor and good views of the city. The beds are often praised for being comfortable and ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few guests found them to be too firm. High-quality linens and soft towels contribute to a luxurious feel. In-room amenities such as USB and standard power sockets, good shower pressure, and adjustable temperature are well-received. While most rooms are quiet, some guests experienced noise from housekeeping or found the air conditioning to be weak, leading to warmer room temperatures. Isolated reports mentioned dust or a bad smell in the bathroom, but these appear to be rare exceptions.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise, described as delicious, excellent, and superb with a wide variety of options. Guests appreciate the quality of the food, including vegan and gluten-free options, and the availability of made-to-order items such as waffles and omelets. The breakfast buffet is frequently highlighted as one of the best experienced in a hotel. While the main restaurant's breakfast is highly recommended, some guests found the club lounge breakfast to be more limited. The hotel's restaurant and bar are noted for their pleasant atmosphere and good food, though some found the lunch and dessert coffee to be expensive. A few guests mentioned that food service might not be available after 10:30 PM, and some desired more fresh fruits and vegetables at breakfast.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is widely regarded as excellent, offering a balance between being close to the city center and situated in a calm, safe area. It is conveniently located near tram and bus stops, making public transport easily accessible for reaching downtown Helsinki and other areas. Many guests enjoy the walkable distance to key attractions like the Opera House, concert halls, and the Olympic Stadium, often through a large, pleasant park. While not directly in the bustling city center, its accessibility to public transportation and major landmarks makes it ideal for exploring. Parking is available next to the hotel, which is a significant convenience for those traveling by car, though some note it can be expensive.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests highlight their accommodating and attentive service, noting a "can do" attitude towards requests. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient, with staff going above and beyond, such as assisting with early arrivals or lost property. Specific mentions include the reception staff being very welcoming and knowledgeable, and the restaurant staff ensuring guests have everything they need, even during busy times. While overwhelmingly positive, a few guests reported instances of indifferent reception staff or issues with housekeeping service not replacing items like bathrobes, but these are isolated compared to the widespread praise for excellent customer service.

Additional Information
The hotel offers a welcoming pet-friendly policy, with guests appreciating thoughtful touches like dog treats and toys provided in the room for their furry companions. For those seeking extra comfort, upgrading to a club room or junior suite is highly recommended, as it often includes access to an exclusive lounge on a higher floor, providing a relaxing space with snacks and drinks, including during happy hour. Guests also value the flexibility of early check-in and late check-out options, which are often accommodated by the helpful staff. The hotel provides complimentary bottled water in rooms, though some guests noted the quantity was limited and were advised to drink tap water.