Kevin S.
Yelp
This review is the result of around 80 nights at this hotel over the last 7 months for a work project.
NOTE: If I did not have SPG Platinum status then my rating would be lower, since I find the internet and breakfast costs here quite expensive!
The VIBE: 3.5 Stars - Let me first say, Helsinki is a fairly sleepy town as far as capitals go. I had to adjust my expectations overall of what kind of energy level to expect in this city. So, although there only seems to be a little bit of "vibe" here at Hotel Kamp, it is likely more than you will get most places...
The style is old-world classic, with hints of Russian architecture and a quality finish out. The clientele is almost entirely people here on business or tourist groups stopping in during a St. Petersberg cruise.
The ROOM: 3.5 Stars - My own experience was 4.5 stars because I got upgraded almost constantly from the 3rd month forward after I got to know the hotel staff. But the standard rooms are decent for the price paid, not amazing. The beds are fairly comfortable, the temperature was sometimes spotty.
There are separate desks for getting work done, and the rooms have good size for being in Europe. The best part of these rooms are the bathrooms, finished out in bright marble. Even standard rooms have baths and separate standing showers, good water pressure and temperature, and good toiletries. In my 4 years of consulting, I have never taken toiletries home to use while not traveling....until now. This soap is so good I have literally hoarded like 25 little bars of it to continue using.
The SERVICE: 5 stars - The staff here are pretty great, mostly reserved yet extremely helpful. They have honored all of the small requests I've made, with a smile. I am upgraded constantly, most of them know me by name, and when I walk in for breakfast, I don't have to say anything, they already know what to bring. Now, being a creature of habit helps a bit, but I never really had to ask for this service....they just do it...and they don't accept tips!
The Bottom Line - If you have status that allows for free internet and discounted breakfast, this is a great place. If not, those incremental costs can be annoying and you should evaluate the GLO chain. If you are staying for an extended period, this place's service is better than any other option you'll find in Helsinki.