Helsinki Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti: Stay and Tell
Helsinki is one of the most stunning places to visit in the world, with gorgeous grass-covered gardens and islands. Perhaps that’s why the 20-minute journey from the airport to the hotel seemed like I was watching an episode of National Geographic’s Baltic’s Daughter. Aside from the natural splendour, the vernacular architecture situated, exceeding mesmerising lakes drew my attention. This was a wonderful joyride to Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti.
Before I knew it, the chauffeur had driven the car into the city’s core, then slowly towards the Kampii mall on the Etelainen Rautatiekatu square, where this box hotel is located. I was ecstatic to be staying in central Helsinki since I knew it would save me a lot of time on the road. Sokos Hotel Presidentti is sure to wow first-time visitors with its majestic carton-shaped design. An experience that begins with you crossing that massive sliding glass door!
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Sokos Hotel Presidentti Lobby
A luxurious lobby with a large reception desk and a suitable waiting area is located, on the opposite side of the entryway. Despite the long queue of people, there was plenty of room for everyone to walk about with their belongings. Furthermore, the kind and courteous reception staff handled the check-ins quickly, resulting in happy smiles after the day. Wouldn’t you agree that such considerable actions elicit a sense of unspoken inspiration? I took my room key from the receptionist, who was still smiling at me, and then made my way to the double elevators, holding that notion in my mind.
Who doesn’t enjoy being spoilt with choices? So I, thought when I eyed two adjacent elevators ferrying many passengers at the same time. Raging into a mental triumph, I asked myself, if I should take the first one or the second? At that very moment, a fellow guest nearly propelled me inside the first lift. The elevator door re-opened in a matter of seconds, and here I was, on the third level with long (and I mean really long) hallways. You must ‘really’ pass these before you get to your room. It’s a common vista across Europe.
Fortunately for me, I picked VIP bags as my luggage companion, and they made scouting across such long corridors rather straightforward. On the other hand, walking is a fantastic workout, and when you look about it that way, walking through Europe’s long passages doesn’t seem so bad. Those willing to spend EUR 220 per night to stay at Sokos Hotel Presidentti should be aware that the rooms are designed to provide a sense of comfort, warmth, and relaxation. I stayed here in 2016, but they recently renovated all of the rooms, so you can anticipate a nice Finnish surprise when you arrive.
Sokos Hotel Presidentti Room
Despite the compactness of the area, each piece was positioned exactly where it should have been, allowing plenty of freedom to walk around. My accommodation included all of the latest conveniences, including a fully stocked minibar, flat-screen TV, complimentary WiFi, telephone service, and excellent service. The dazzling curtains, as well as the queen bed with a hybrid mattress, guaranteed a restful night’s sleep. By savouring the first cup of coffee in the room, you may start your day in complete calm.
A wonderful ensuite bathroom with a vented shower, bathtub, amenities, hairdryer, towels, bathrobes, and bathroom slippers is located beyond the bedroom. (And, I suppose, the drinking cups) It’s typical to drink tap water while travelling in Europe, so why not give it a try and see what the natives do? So, whenever I stay at a hotel in Europe, I make it a point to drink tap water at least once. But, then again, that’s just me! You are not obligated to do so. Returning to the Sokos Hotel Presidentti, I must add that the centralised heating kept me toasty warm like a nice sweater!
Additional room amenities such as an electric kettle, iron board, radio, safe, sofa, and work desk did, however, contribute to the joy of my trip. The world outside the single glass window did, too! I recall pulling back those lovely drapey drapes to watch Hollywood come alive on the streets of Helsinki. Finns in overcoats waded their way down immaculate roads, while ‘nebulous’ night lighting provided depth to a sight that exemplified Finnish lifestyle at its finest.
I was so engrossed in that atmosphere that I completely forgot to record it with my camera. Aside from that, Hotel Sokos Presidentti offers a variety of in-house entertaining events to keep guests occupied. They have four restaurants, including Bistro Manu, Coffee Bar, Presidentti VIP restaurant, and Pressa nightclub-restaurant. They also have a magnificent pub named Pub Adjutantti, as well as an excellent clubhouse, eight sauna-spa rooms, and a lovely indoor swimming pool. Have I mentioned the food as yet?
I didn’t get to eat much at the restaurants because of my tight travel schedule, but I made sure to eat breakfast every day. Not just because it’s complimentary, but also because it’s delicious and organic. Cold meats, bread, choice of eggs, fruit yoghurt, cheese, and all the local products on the buffet were among my favourites. I would eat my breakfast before 9 a.m. every day and go out to tour the city.
Because of the Sokos Presidentti’s placement, I was able to explore half the city on foot. The nearest landmarks are Kamppi Metro Station and Helsinki Harbour and the neighbourhood is bustling with stores, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
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