2ndhomes Central & Cozy 1 BR Apartment

The Kluuvi apartment is in a convenient spot by tram and metro stops, with shops and restaurants close by. Still, I’d avoid it unless there’s no better option. The check-in took several attempts, and the €200 card reservation wasn’t released at checkout. Picking up the keys at the office adds a long walk: 20 minutes from the train station, then 20-25 minutes from the office to the apartment. At least there’s an elevator. It was dusty and grimy, and things were broken, including a leaking shower and toilet and a literal hazard above the tap. The hill is a challenge with heavy bags or if climbing is difficult. For wheelchair users, the main road has stairs, so you need a longer route. There’s also a step into the apartment and a small bathroom with a raised door lip, so accessibility is limited. The door only has its main lock and no additional lock, and it opens outward from the apartment. If you’re cautious, bring a way to secure it further. In summer it didn’t get properly dark at night, and the curtains weren’t blackout, so I slept badly and ended up with a headache. Cleaning and repairs, plus proper curtains, would bring it to 3/5. Better check-in could push it to 4/5 or even 5/5.

The flat was spacious, with a living room, kitchen, one and a half bathrooms, bedroom, sauna and balcony. The bed was comfortable and the bedding clean. It’s in an older building on the fifth floor, though, and there’s no elevator, making luggage a challenge. Getting the keys means going to the central office first, a few minutes from the central station and in the opposite direction from the property. That was inconvenient, though I understand the reason, and they try to explain it during booking. The apartment is also only a few minutes from Helsinki’s central train station. There were several problems that made the stay less enjoyable. Black mold covered the shower tiles, making it disgusting and basically unusable. The sauna wouldn’t work despite my reading the instructions and giving it time to heat. The balcony was in terrible shape and unusable. Paint around the windows was cracked and peeling, which made me concerned about possible lead. I can’t recommend the property.

Getting up to our third-floor room without an elevator was quite a challenge. Don’t rent it, there are better options.