BEST WESTERN Spahotel Casino

The hotel is a little dated, but comfortable and very good value. The staff were super friendly and the service was nice. It sits by the lake, close to the city center and nature, with excellent road connections and everything you need nearby.

The location is a highlight, with lakes nearby and just a five-minute walk across the footbridge to the center of Savonlinna. Parking is free and there's plenty of it. We paid 100e for a Friday night for three people, including breakfast and spa access, which seems reasonable for Savonlinna and Finland. The spa area is small, but fine for a quick visit, especially after a long drive. Breakfast was good, though just the usual Finnish hotel spread. The building is old and the rooms feel tired, but they're laid out thoughtfully. The beds were good, which matters a lot to me. A great inexpensive place to stay in Savonlinna.

We spent two nights at Casino hotel and went to the spa four times, about an hour each visit. As hotel guests, we could use all the facilities as often as we liked, including in the morning. They even had aqua aerobic videos on a screen, so I exercised before breakfast each day. At Bomba, I was disappointed that guests only had morning sauna access, without the pool or jacuzzi. Our superior room was a very good choice since we were traveling with a dog. It was large and pleasant, the bathroom had been renovated, and the view was lovely. I could take the dog straight outside from the balcony. The room was fairly quiet, and we didn't hear karaoke, though all the dog rooms are next to each other, so you might hear a dog left alone in a room in the parking area, but not too much. I personally like the old style, and felt comfortable in the shared areas. It had an 80s retro look with some nice design pieces. People who prefer modern decor or are obsessed with Ikea may not like it. The spa is old and doesn't compare with spas in Sokos hotele, but guest access is a big plus. Breakfast was very good, and the surrounding area was wonderful, peaceful, and full of beautiful nature.

The internet was the worst part for me. I need a connection for work, but it was down more often than it worked, and when it did work it was too slow to stream. I've had better internet on airplanes. The location is lovely, and the price is cheap, but the hotel is so outdated and poorly kept that those positives don't make up for it. Old can be fine when a place is maintained, but this one isn't. I won't make the mistake of staying here again.