Hotelli Pielinen

Andrei greeted us warmly when we arrived and took time to show us around Hotel Pielinen and its facilities. We were traveling with a toddler, and the playroom was thoughtfully set up. The safe, lovely outdoor space gave our little one room to explore. There was plenty for adults to enjoy as well. We relaxed in the spotless indoor pool and sauna, and used the billiards, darts, and well-equipped gym. Breakfast each morning had a broad selection of fresh, good-quality food for different tastes. We had a wonderful two-night stay, with comfort, hospitality, and an authentic feel throughout. It went beyond what we expected from a five-star stay. We'd recommend Hotel Pielinen to anyone looking for a memorable, warm visit in this beautiful region. Best wishes to Andrei and family!

The hosts were kind and the service was excellent, even though they looked worn out. Keeping the place in shape clearly takes effort, and there are still repairs and maintenance to do. At first glance, the building looked so run down that I nearly turned back, but once I went in, I saw that things were actually fine. Breakfast was nice and had everything available. We had a few small language difficulties, but managed to work through them.

The only real drawback was the gravel road up to the hotel. It's a lovely base for visiting three national parks, each about an hour's drive away. The owner was very nice, and the hotel is small and set in a very quiet area. In the morning, you hear birds singing instead of people shouting or traffic noise.

The autumn colors were gorgeous, and we found loads of lingonberries in the nearby woods. Since it was late in the season, they were really sweet, not sour, and we had fun picking and snacking on them. I had a great weekend here with friends from my studies in Helsinki. The trip to central Finland felt like an adventure, and the hotel makes a fun little getaway, with lots to do: swim, play soccer, kayak, use the sauna, make kota at a Finnish campfire, play games, or work out in the gym.