Sokos is the local chain of hotels in Finland and they are in general nothing special but usually fairly affordable, clean but often a bit old. The Seurahuone is one of the Sokos hotels in Turku and I decided to try it due to the relatively low price (around €70 including breakfast) and its good location.
It is in the city centre, a few minutes walk from the main square (where for example the airport buses stop) and a few blocks from the river. The location is central yet rather calm. If arriving by train it is a bit of a longer walk but still possible (except for perhaps in winter time).
Check-in was smooth and efficient but what surprised me was the friendly service (I often find the service in Finland efficient but seldom friendly) so a plus for the service. When I got up to the room it was fairly basic but rather big. It had most of the things that I would want such as TV (old style but functioning, mini-bar and iron). Would have been nice to have some coffee/tea making facilities in the room.
The bed was rather narrow but I did still sleep well. The furniture was definitely worn but still functioning and it did not feel dirty or so. The desk was good enough to work at and the free wifi worked well. Bathroom was also good enough with a bathtub. A bit cheap with shower gel and shampoo provided only in big bottles but they did provide lingonberry bath oil.
The hotel also had a business center where it was possible to also print for free. A decent gym and a sauna (of course) was also available. The breakfast is often a sorry chapter in Finnish hotels and the breakfast at Seurahuone is not great but it is a lot better than the one at Scandic Plaza (where I have stayed in the past). There is a decent selection of both hot and cold food and the quality is at least not awful.
Looking at the price I would consider staying here also next time in Turku.
