Scandic Hakaniemi

The hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional public transport connectivity, with metro, tram, and bus stops conveniently located directly outside, including a direct airport bus service. This makes it an ideal base for sightseers and business travelers seeking easy access to the city center and beyond. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's excellent breakfast buffet and the friendly, helpful staff as major positives. While rooms are generally clean and comfortable, some guests note that the hotel's overall aesthetic is a bit dated. The hotel is well-suited for families due to its spacious rooms and for pet owners who appreciate its welcoming policy. To ensure a peaceful stay, it is advisable to request a room facing the inner courtyard to minimize street noise, and guests should be prepared for the absence of in-room kettles or minibars.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers several amenities that enhance the guest experience. A notable feature is the small, gender-separated sauna, available for use in the evenings, typically from 6 PM to 9 PM, providing a relaxing option after a day of exploration. For families, a dedicated children's play area is available. While Wi-Fi is provided, some guests reported intermittent connectivity issues. The elevators are described as small, which can lead to slight delays during peak times. Most rooms do not include a minibar or kettle, which some guests found inconvenient for storing cold items or preparing hot beverages. A basic fitness center is also on-site, though some found the equipment selection limited.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, with many describing rooms as clean and comfortable. The beds are often praised for being comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some found them too soft or noted they were showing signs of wear. Noise levels are a recurring theme; rooms facing the street can experience significant street noise from trams and traffic, particularly at night, while those facing the inner courtyard are typically much quieter. The air conditioning system receives mixed reviews, with some finding it effective and adjustable, while others reported it being noisy, ineffective, or difficult to control, sometimes leading to rooms being too warm or too cold. Issues with bathroom cleanliness, shower drainage, and inconsistent water temperature (fluctuating between very hot and cold) were mentioned by a few guests.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast buffet is consistently highlighted as a major strength, receiving widespread praise for its excellent quality, variety, and abundance. Guests appreciate the wide selection of hot and cold items, including local specialties, fresh produce, and diverse options catering to various dietary needs, such as vegan and gluten-free choices. The coffee quality is generally good, and the breakfast staff are frequently commended for their friendliness and attentiveness, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere. However, the restaurant area can become very crowded during peak hours, especially on weekends, making it challenging to find a table. The hotel does not feature a dedicated dinner restaurant or bar for evening meals or drinks.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location that is a significant advantage for guests. It is situated directly opposite a major public transport hub, with immediate access to metro, tram, and bus stops, including the direct airport bus (route 600). This allows for very easy and quick travel to any part of the city. Many popular attractions and the city center are within a convenient walking distance (approximately 10-20 minutes). The proximity to supermarkets and the Hakaniemi Market Hall (accessible via an underground connection) adds to its convenience. While parking is available in an underground garage, it is often described as expensive, limited in space, and can be challenging due to ongoing roadworks in the vicinity.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend the front desk team for their welcoming demeanor, efficiency during check-in, and willingness to assist with various requests, such as early check-ins or providing local recommendations. The breakfast staff are particularly noted for their exceptional service, creating a positive and energetic atmosphere in the dining area. While most experiences with housekeeping are positive, some guests reported inconsistencies, such as missed room cleanings or insufficient towel replenishment. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing a pleasant experience is a recurring theme, though a few isolated instances of less helpful interactions were mentioned.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a very welcoming pet-friendly policy, with guests reporting a warm reception for their animal companions, including special amenities like welcome bags with toys and snacks. Some guests noted issues with key cards occasionally deactivating, requiring multiple trips to the reception. The in-room entertainment system does not support Chromecast or similar streaming options, which some guests found limiting. There is no room service available, and guests should be aware that basic amenities like kettles or minibars are not typically provided in the rooms, requiring purchases from the reception or nearby stores. The hotel's lobby area is described as small, which can feel crowded during busy check-in/check-out times.