Scandic Simonkentta

The hotel's signature feature is its unparalleled central location, offering direct indoor access to the Kamppi shopping center and the main train station, making it exceptionally convenient for navigating the city. This prime position makes it an ideal choice for sightseers eager to explore Helsinki's attractions, business travelers needing easy transit, and families looking for accessibility to amenities and transport. Guests frequently commend the hotel for its consistent cleanliness, the overall comfort of its accommodations, and the truly exceptional breakfast selection. The friendly and helpful staff further enhances the guest experience, providing attentive service. To ensure a restful stay, particularly for light sleepers, it is recommended to request a room facing the inner courtyard, as some street-facing rooms can experience noise. Guests should also be mindful that the hotel is undergoing renovations, which may lead to some temporary disruptions.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed for guest convenience. Many guests appreciate the sauna, available for use in the evenings, and the gym, though some find it a bit small. A significant convenience is the indoor connection directly to the Kamppi shopping center and the main train station, allowing easy access regardless of weather. The hotel also features a rooftop bar offering city views, though some guests noted it was closed or lacked a cozy atmosphere during their stay. A lobby bar is also available, but its service can be inconsistent. While free Wi-Fi is provided, some guests found it unsecured. Most rooms do not include a kettle for tea or coffee, but these can be borrowed from the reception. Ongoing renovations are affecting some areas, including the restaurant and lobby, which guests should be aware of. The luggage storage system is available but has received mixed feedback regarding its organization and security.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, with many describing the rooms as clean and comfortable. The beds are frequently praised for providing a restful sleep, and many rooms are noted for being spacious. Despite the hotel's central location, the soundproofing is often effective, minimizing external disturbances. However, some guests have reported issues with noise from the street, trams, or ongoing construction, particularly in rooms facing the main thoroughfare. A recurring concern is the bathroom design, where the shower often lacks a full enclosure, leading to water splashing and soaking the entire bathroom floor, which some find inconvenient and potentially unsafe. A few reviews also mentioned the bathrooms appearing somewhat outdated or needing renovation. While most rooms do not include a kettle, guests can request one from reception. Some visitors also experienced difficulties with room temperature control, finding rooms either too cold or too warm. Many rooms offer pleasant city views.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as exceptional and a highlight of their stay. Most guests are impressed by the wide variety of options available, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs. The selection frequently includes gluten-free and vegan options, ensuring that all guests can find something to enjoy. Specific items like chia pudding, smoothies, and a range of fresh breads and pastries are often highlighted. The overall food quality is considered very good, with many appreciating the fresh and tasty offerings. While the breakfast area can become crowded, especially during peak hours, the staff generally manages the flow efficiently. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar that have received positive comments for their food and service, though some guests noted these facilities were temporarily closed due to ongoing renovations during their visit.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, placing guests at the heart of the city and making it incredibly convenient for exploring Helsinki. It is situated within a short walking distance of the main train station, making arrivals and departures seamless. A significant benefit is the direct indoor connection to the Kamppi shopping center, which also houses a major bus terminal and metro station, providing unparalleled access to public transportation and a wide array of shops and dining options. A tram stop is conveniently located right in front of the hotel, offering easy access to various parts of the city. Guests appreciate being able to reach most major attractions and the city center on foot. While parking is available, it is often noted as being expensive and sometimes challenging to find, as it is located in an adjacent facility.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlight the positive interactions with the reception team, who are often described as accommodating and efficient in resolving issues, such as booking complications or room requests. The check-in process is often smooth and quick, though some guests have reported experiencing long lines and slow service during peak times. While the staff is largely commended, there have been mixed reviews regarding housekeeping, with some guests noting issues such as unmade beds, unreplaced towels, or a lack of amenity refills. Additionally, some visitors felt there was a lack of proactive communication regarding the ongoing renovations and their potential impact on services. Despite these occasional inconsistencies, the overall sentiment towards the staff's dedication to providing good service remains positive.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is undergoing significant renovations, which can lead to some noise during the day and temporary closures of certain facilities like the restaurant or bar. While efforts are made to minimize disruption, this is a recurring theme in reviews. Another point to note is the luggage storage system; while available, some guests found it to be less organized than expected, with a self-service approach that occasionally led to a messy or less secure environment. Furthermore, several guests commented on the pillow comfort, describing them as notably hard or uncomfortable, which might impact sleep quality for some. It is also worth noting that the hotel has a pet-friendly policy, though specific details on amenities for pets are not widely mentioned. The hotel also offers early check-in and late check-out options, often for a fee, which can be convenient for travelers.