This was my first trip to Helsinki partly business, partly (mainly) pleasure. I was struggling to find a hotel that was centrally located but also a good value and a nice place. Upon reading the reviews I decided on hotel Albert and was not disappointed.
Location: Helsinki is pretty small (as compared to other European capitals) so it is easy to walk to all major areas of interest from this centrally located hotel. There is the #6 tram that runs less than a block away and takes you to major hubs if you don't want to walk (like in the middle of winter!). It is also ideally located in a quiet street where you can get a good night's rest without having to worry about street noise. This was really nice.
The hotel also is very close to some small but well stocked grocery stores if you need to get something. There is a convenience store across the street (7-11 type) and grocery stores 1 block south (to the right exitting the hotel) and 2blocks north (to the left exiting the hotel). The main blvd Bulevardi has restaurants, coffee shops close by. But you are also only 10 to 15 minute walk max to the main drag of Mannerheimintie where you can find pretty much everything.
Hotel/Rooms: Nice modern hotel with all the amenities. Very Finnish/Scandinavian efficient which I really appreciate. I had a double room, which is tastefully decorated, good beds and nice work table to get work done. Not a lot of excess furniture, but perfect for the size of the room and allowing me to get work done. Note: My room had iron and Ironing board already in it which is something I appreciate since I needed them given my business meetings. The room was impeccably clean and nice size bathroom.
The lobby area is sort of small, and is shared with the bar. This can be busy at times with check in and check outs, but the staff handles it fine. There is a comfortable lounge or "living room" space which is quite nice to relax in, with tables and sofas. Nice place to have a drink, use your laptop/tablet, meet with people even have a bite to eat, and work. Again very comfortable area.
Services: The rate included internet service (wifi) which was really fast. Appreciated given the need to work and prepare for my meetings. Definitely the best hotel internet service I have had in a long time, and better than many paid services I had used. The rate also included a full breakfast, which was complete with all standard Northern European fare. It was very good, and had an excellent selection.
Hotel Staff: Excellent and very efficient staff, both at the main desk and in the restaurant. The do their job well and were accommodating. They manage to anticipate their guest needs and provide attention to details which made the stay nice. The cleaning staff seemed nice (crossing them in the halls) and also did a very good job. They were there to help if needed, but stayed out of your way if you did not need them. I really appreciated them.
Rates: I booked my room directly online with the Sokos website. The rates to the Albert were very competitive, and less than other hotels. Quite frankly the rates here given the room, and included features makes this hotel a really good value. I would definitely return here.
Overall an excellent hotel and experience. I highly recommend it.
Room Tip: Top floor rooms seem to have more daylight and may be quieter. Also book a double room if possible...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
22 December 2011
Dear guest,
Thank you very much for your kind feedback regarding the Sokos Hotel Albert.
I think our future guests will find your post helpful.
Our staff are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us.
We hope to see you as our guest again in the near future.
Best regards,
Martin Andergard
General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
