Omena Hotel Jyväskylä

The rooms were quiet and clean on both of my stays, and the air conditioning was adjustable and worked well through the heat wave. The blackout curtains could have done a better job, which is annoying during Finnish summer, though even pricier hotels often have the same issue. The third-floor rooms are new and feel closer to three-star quality than two-star. The first floor is being renovated, so I'd avoid ending up in an old room on the second floor. Omena was a welcome option when prices peaked. I normally stay in four- or five-star hotels, but this was fine for a night's sleep, even if it's not somewhere you'd come to enjoy the hotel itself. I'd return, especially if it's half the price of the nicer places in Jyväskylä.

We didn't expect a lot, but the location was good, the decor was simple, and everything was clean. It's a straightforward room with what you need. I was unsure about there being no staff, but communication was good and getting in was easy. There's free parking a short walk away from 16:00 to 8 am, and it's free all weekend, so we didn't have to pay for the whole day in the car park next door. A great stay either way.

The room was pleasant and quiet, and good value for that part of the stay. But from the outside, it didn't look like a hotel, and getting there from work meant taking an irritating spiral route, even though the map made the location seem convenient. Breakfast was meant to be included, but I couldn't work out where to get it since nobody was working there. I expected an actual hotel; this felt like a tolerable version of Forenom, which I wouldn't recommend.

The location is hard to beat, right in the center, and the place was quiet while we were there. The cleaning staff were friendly and got us extra things for the baby when we needed them. The keycode locks worked perfectly. For the price, you get what you pay for, and it's fine for a night or two, maybe three if you have to. We stayed ten days as a young family because circumstances left us needing to, which was far too long. It looks dated, with cracked walls, a loose ceiling, and water damage in the bathroom. A quick clean seemed fine, but the more thorough cleaning wasn't: there was dust everywhere, though maybe the company rushes room turnarounds. The beds were only comfortable enough for a couple of nights; my back wasn't happy. There was no parking and no discounted rate at Sokos, which could have been better. It's basic and acceptable if you just need somewhere to stay. Would I go again? Probably alone for a night or two. With family, probably not; I'd pay a bit more for an update. Still, for a cheap place, four out of five.