Looking for a decent city center hotel in the $150-$200 range for July '09. The Scandic hotels are affordable and breakfast is included yet RS doesn't suggest them. Is there a problem with location, cleanliness, staff, etc? We had good luck with the THOM hotels throught Norway. Is this a similar type chain? Specific hotel suggestions for the two cities would be very helpful. Thanks, Larry
Posted by
Espoo, Finland
102 posts
The Scandic Continental in Helsinki is at a great location and looks to be a really nice hotel. I think that it used to be Inter-Continental Hotel but has probably changed owners and looks like it has been recently renovated and updated, judging from the pictures. It is right on the Mannerheim Street so you can walk easily where ever you need to go. I do not see a problem even though Rick does not recommend it. There should rarely be any problems with cleanliness in Scandinavia anyway.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1558 posts
The Scandic hotels are decent but not luxurious. We stayed in quite a few of them a few years ago - didn't pay for it but used Hilton points - this was when they were a part of the Hilton chain. These were truly a steal for the little # of points required.
We stayed at Scandics in Marieham (Aland islands), Turku, Helsinki, Tallinn and Vilinus. I know that in Helsinki they had a number of Scandics - we stayed in the Simonkentta one which was really nice and very close to the train station.
Posted by
Yorkshire, UK
264 posts
Larry - I don't have a perfect answer to your question, but as no one else has replied yet I'll take a stab at it.
In regards to Scandic. I seem to remember, maybe even in a Rick Steves book, that they are fine and pretty cookie cutter much like THOM is. I have nothing to substantiate that though.
I would suggest in your case going on tripadvisor.com. It will tell you what people find to be the best places to stay. Given your budget you should have a good amount of choices especially if its over a weekend.
One other thing to mention. I forget the website, but it is possible to get a room/stockholm city card deal. This provides you with entry to a lot of attractions and transportation during your stay.
I don't have experience with regards to Helsinki
Posted by
OP
Derry
175 posts
Thank you all for the information. Larry
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
1 posts
Larry,
My wife and I did Scandinavia last year and stayed in Scandic hotels in Copenhagen and Stockholm. They are clean, quiet and breakfast isn't bad. In Stockholm we stayed at the Malmen - it is about a 15 minute brisk walk to the harbor. There is one closer to the harbor but I don't remember what it's called. Also, DO THE VASA MUSEUM!!!!!
Helsinki - can't help you with.
Good luck - Todd
Posted by
OP
Derry
175 posts
Thanks Todd. Good info. Larry