Hotel Seurahuone is a real 19th-century beauty, and both the common areas and the rooms are extremely plush, in a gilded, stuffed kind of way.

Everything is in flawless condition, and the high-ceilinged breakfast room and luxurous bar are like something out of a movie set. Memorable and lovely.

In the individual rooms, the bathrooms are exquisite, with beautiful new fixtures, heated floors and towel racks, and a single fresh flower.

That said, the rooms are TINY - and adding all that plush, stuffed, gilded furniture to them doesn't help. As a 5'4" woman, I felt cramped. Heaven knows how a big or tall man would survive it.

I also felt the service was a bit on the cold side. The only people I met during my three-day stay were at the front desk, and although they were certainly accomodating and helpful, their wasn't that extra touch of friendliness that would have made me feel more at home.

For example, we arrived on a steaming Sunday, and found our mini-bar half-empty. I called down to reception to ask if I could get a Coke, and the man who answered said that was impossible, since both the bar and the restaurant were closed for the day and he was the only one on duty. He suggested a kiosk at the railroad station across the street. Not a crime, but hardly what I'd expect from a 'luxury' hotel.

Finally, the Seurahuone has no air conditioning, and yes, Helsinki can get hot during the summer, and hot at night, given the midnight sun. All our room's windows were glued closed, so we were given a little dime-store electric fan.

All in all, a great experience from the visual side. This is an extremely pretty hotel. But I might choose someplace a little bit more comfortable and hands-on for my next trip to Helsinki.

Classy, traditional hotel right in the heart of Helsinki, next to the Central Railway station. Good on all. Nice atmosphere, friendly personnel. Clean room and good facilities. Breakfast room stylish in the old fashioned way and the breakfast itself was of high standard and abundant. Free wireless internet cards available at the reception. No minusses.
On this business trip I booked a single room, but still had a double bed. I prefer the Seurahuone to the Sokos Vaakuna right on the opposite. There I stayed several times, but only in single beds. Also, the Serahuone's standard is at least equal to the Vaakuna. For a next trip, I will book this hitel, not the Vaakuna.

This place has real character, a great location, and very good service. I spent a week here in mid-May and was very satisfied with the service and the comfort of the bed, bath, etc.