SweetDream Guesthouse - Hostel

The shared room was so cramped that with six of us, even ordinary movement disturbed everyone’s rest. There were no bed curtains for privacy and no window curtain to block the Finnish sunrise, which brought daylight in by 4:30. The room opened right onto the communal area, where people talked loudly despite quiet hours and started making breakfast at 7 am. Earplugs didn’t help. My companions also came back between 2 and 4 am, turning on lights and leaving the communal room doors open. I got about two hours of sleep and left the next day, even though I’d already paid. The staff were polite and nice, but that didn’t make up for the conditions. I know Helsinki is expensive, so if this is all you can afford, it may be fine. Otherwise, I’d spend a few more euros. A couple of tips about Helsinki on the wall don’t make a place a good hostel. I’ve stayed in plenty, and this is only the second time I’ve said I’d never return.

A tram stop right beside the hostel makes it easy to get to the city center in about 15 minutes, and there’s a supermarket nearby that stays open 24 hours. The hostel and its location felt safe, so I’d recommend it to women traveling alone. The rooms and toilets were clean, too.

I don’t usually stay in hostels, so I was glad this turned out to be a good experience. I spent two nights in the all girls room. It got a little hot in summer, but leaving the window slightly open made the temperature just right. Late-night check-in was really smooth. Everything uses the key card they give you, including the room and locker, and the locker was big enough for a regular backpack. I’d definitely recommend it.

The trip there by metro is easy, though it’s a bit far from the city center. You can hear people talking in the living room and coming and going through the doors, so nights can be a little noisy. Those are minor issues next to the experience as a whole.