Holiday Inn Helsinki - Expo by IHG

The breakfast buffet the next morning was a highlight, with tasty food and guests from all over the world. The atmosphere was lively and memorable. I checked into the Holiday Inn Helsinki the night before sailing on the huge Finnlines ship to Estonia. My plans to tour Russia had fallen through, apparently because I hadn't sorted out my visa before the border, so the detour to Finland turned a travel hiccup into a highlight. I felt at home as soon as I arrived. The hotel was modern and sleek, but what hooked me was the coffee and tea in the room. I don't remember the brand, but I drank every last drop. It was that good. The location was perfect for an evening walk around Helsinki, with museums, parks, and shops all within reach. At the front desk I met a stunning blonde woman with kind, big eyes. She was beautiful and incredibly helpful, answering my questions patiently and warmly. She even helped book my ferry with Finnlines, though that wasn't part of her job. When I had trouble with some local police, she handled the situation calmly and gracefully. A five-star receptionist at a five-star hotel.

The breakfast was excellent, and the room was comfortable. There’s also a sauna you can use for free. The hotel is right by the Helsinki exhibition center.

Getting there from Helsinki Central Station is easy, with frequent trains and trams to the nearest stop. The hotel itself isn’t in the city center. Inside, it’s bright and clean, and the staff are helpful and nice. The gym and spacious sauna were both clean too. Breakfast was pretty good, though I’d have liked more hot dishes. I also had the pasta at dinner, which was delicious 😋, and the portion was generous enough.

They gave us a free room upgrade and a complimentary drink, which we hadn’t asked for and really appreciated. The hotel is central, so you can walk to almost anywhere in the city, and most rooms probably have a great city view. We had a great stay at the Holiday Inn Helsinki and would happily recommend it. Breakfast wasn’t included in our room rate.