This hotel has been recently renovated and the facelift is indeed an improvement. However, it is true to Scandic DNA. Scandic originally was a chain of motels, and they seem to be more true to their heritage than for a while. They call it eco-friendly, I call it cost cutting and making your guest feel guilty.
My taxi had trouble stopping in front of the hotel and according to my driver that is always the case. Then you enter a mall with Lidl in your face - not very welcoming. The lobby on second floor (ground floor in Finland is first floor) you see a space which is a combination of a reception and parking lot entrance. Staff is friendly and welcoming, but they cannot mask the lack of spirit in the space provided. Going up to your room, first two floors are actually parking space....
The room - cheap and cheerful.... No wardrobes, racks and shelves are covered with curtains. Laptop safe, but the sockets have been blocked so I presume there hasn't been room for electricity(?). Be prepared to fetch ice from the corridor, as there is no minibar in the room (or in any other room - management decision during the renovation). This also means that you have no glasses for e.g. wine in the room. Lighting is a bit odd, strong light by the door cannot be switched off, it is part of the room lights and thus you cannot have dimmed mood lightning in the room (even if this is "provided"). Ceiling has had some water issues and is stained.
Bed is ok for sleep, but bedding again is again a bit NHS - clinical before sumptuous.
This trip was for a pleasant and comfortable stay. A bit boring springs to mind. Perhaps ok if you need a room for one night whilst on business, but not great for a romantic stay. AV / internet set-up good, but proofs my point. Toiletries a bit YMCA. So if you need a bit of extra, shop around - other hotels in town might cater for that.
- Scandic Julia Hotel Turku
- Turku Scandic Julia Hotel
