i stayed at the sokos vaakuna early january 2012 (for one night between connecting flights). my short stay was peaceful and enjoyable, the room was well appointed albeit small, the bed was very comfortable, many rooms on the 9th floor have balconies with a very nice view of the CBD, the old building is beautiful and quirky (inside out) and close to everything in the centre of town including the train station and the airport shuttle bus stop, the staff is very helpful and polite, booking in and out is speedy and effective, the television was too small and too slow in changing channels, the sauna could do with extended opening hours, prices are moderate, late booking out is appreciated. i will go back to the sokos vaakuna given another visit to helsinki, and i will recommend it to my friends.

As I mentioned in my hilton review I decided to stay her the last few nights of my trip and this for me ended it on a high note.

I got a simple standard room which came with the usual super comfy bed like the one I had in Tampere.

The staff were all very friendly and eager to help and while I didn't eat at the restaraunt nor did I make it to breakfast once (which I blame on helsinki nightlife) the bar at the hotel was fun and made for a good launching off point each evening.

If I stayed again I'd probably get a superior room but this was very good and you certainly don't feel ripped off.

I will say that the elevator is comically small and not just from an american perspective everyone that got into it had a chuckle at it's size.

But again another great experience at a sokos.

I loved this hotel for several reasons: architecture and decoration is really cool, original 50's style. I was lucky to be upgraded to a top floor two room-suite with terrace and nice view over the neon lights of central Helsinki. Floors of oak gives a good feeling of quality. Best of all: Very comfortable bed and different sized pillows. And the room was completely silent! No noisy air con, elevators or slamming doors. I could highly recommend this suite for both business and pleasure!
Breakfast hall is really special and choice of food abundant. There is a sauna with a view which I did not have the opportunity to try. Location is perfect right in the city center.

The hotel is historlcal and it can be felt. My overall impression of the hotel was positive. The atmosphere was a bit busy, everyone seemed to hurry somewhere.

The main entrance is not accessible for wheelchair. You have to ring a bell to get the receptionist to let you with the staff elevator. It wasn't such an easy thing to pop out outside quickly because the receptionist was needed to let me in and out. The accessible room is large and has a proper toilet (although the towels were kept too high for me). The staff was busy and therefore not able to help immediately.

The room service didn't have any vegetarian main courses. The breakfast room (that also serves as a highly appreciated restaurant) has a great views over central Helsinki.