Cornwallgurl
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Following a blessedly flat crossing from Tallinn our VJV group were taken off for a 2 hour plus route march round Helsinki shortly after checking in. There was barely enough time to clock the marvellously quirky Art Deco interior and decorations (full sized horse lamp in the bar/reception area anyone?)|After our tiring walking tour, all we wanted was somewhere to eat (this was Friday evening, mind) without having to walk to get there. The hotel did really well to fit in our largish party of around 15 people at no notice and the food was excellent. The hotel is spread over several buildings (it has a really splendid Art Deco exterior) and an attractive internal courtyard, through which you went to the restaurant/breakfast/dining room. |The bedroom was a good size, beautifully furnished (I really wanted that armchair!) with a bathroom with a spacious wet room, good toiletries and bathrobes. First time I didn’t pack a dressing gown, and none of the other hotels provided them! Breakfast was beautifully presented – cloth napkins, cruets, cutlery and place mats on tables, and happily, no coffee machines. Tea and coffee (in large heatproof jugs and a jug of milk) was brought to your table so you could then help yourself. There were unusual local specialities, as well as standard buffet and hot food. Definitely the most civilised breakfast surroundings of the trip!|I absolutely loved this hotel and its décor, perhaps because I’d lived in a famous Art Deco block in London and furnished it with replica Art Deco, but it might not be to everyone’s taste. A word of caution – I was in Room 535, at the farthest end of the building, necessitating opening many sets of doors, (some of which had to be opened with room key cards, others by pressing things) and a flight of unavoidable 6 stairs up to another level. It took about 5 minutes to fight one’s way back to reception and carrying suitcases up the stairs and through all the doors would be difficult for some. There was a lift shaft near the room, but it was not in use. Apparently there was another one at that end of the building which came out in the courtyard, but I never found it. This is an observation, not a criticism, and if booking all one would need to do would be to specify a room not too far from Reception. Receptionists were lovely – friendly and smiley, and all spoke impeccable English (which seemed very much the norm in Helsinki). If you want something a bit different from the bland, corporate lookalike hotels, but still close to things, this is an excellent choice.