Hilton HHonors - Scandic Hotels: What properties do you recommend?

I see that Hilton has just bought out the Scandic chain, 150 or so European properties, and they will be coming on-line with hhonors this year.

Has anyone stayed at one of these and care to give a report? I've got an itch to go to Helsinki next year, and see that while there is no Hilton property there, I could cash in some points with a Scandic there. It appears that nearly any stay in Helsinki could be expensive, otherwise.

JP

I just booked 2 nights at the Scandic Webers hotel in central Copenhagen on an award stay for 17,500 points (opportunity level). I was amazed at how reasonable this was. Anyone familiar with this hotel?

Let me know how you like it there. I am hoping to make the trip to Denmark later this year and would love to find a good place to stay in Copenhagen which accepts HHonors points.

Both the Helsinki Simonketta and Tallinn Hotel Palace are available in July on Opportunity Awards at 10,000 points/night. I was surprised, as this is the peak tourist season for this area, and these hotels are considered top hotels.

I checked a number of Hilton hotels around the world for upcoming travel, comparing both the cost if I paid for a room, and the points I'd have to spend to get a free room. The two Scandic properties I mentioned above were by far better value in terms of point/money ratio than the Conrad Hong Kong or the Gatwick Hilton, for example.

[This message has been edited by SanDiego1K (edited 04-30-2002).]

With the addition of Scandic Hotels to the Hilton Hhonors program, I'm beginning to see comments and questions about individual properties. It might be useful to have one thread to collect this information. I'll start.

1) Helsinki, Finland: Scandic Simonkentta - hotel is an excellent location, by the city bus station and walking distance from the train station. It was an easy 15 to 20 minute walk to the harbor.

We stayed on an award stay, and my Diamond status did not give me a room upgrade. The room was small but very well designed - reminded me somewhat of a ship's cabin. The shower was a corner of the bathroom with a plastic curved panel that pulled out into the room - worked great! Breakfast was extensive, and included. The entire lobby is a bar/cafe area with lots of windows - very welcoming and pleasant.

Our Diamond amenities were a fruit bowl - an orange and an apple - and two small bottles of water. If we had been on a paid stay, we would have gotten a credit toward food. We were well content with the property despite the small room.

2) Tallinn, Estonia: Scandic Palace - best hotel location in town except for an expensive property owned by the Parkconsul that is actually in Old Town. The Scandic Palace faces the Old Town; the only downside is that it is on a busy, noisy street, and has no outdoor cafe (common throughout the old town, btw). It was a 5 minute walk to the trendy Pegasus Cafe and a 10 minute walk into the heart of Old Town.

We were upgraded to a large room overlooking the old town. It had a sofa and two chairs, so was what some properties call a junior suite. It had no air conditioning, and the room was very noisy with the windows open. Again, our Diamond amenties were one bottle of Evian and an apple and orange. Internet was free for the first hour - not sure how they calculate, because we were never charged, even when both of us used the internet a couple times a day.

Breakfast was included, was perfectly adequate although not as extensive as Helsinki. There was a lobby bar, with lots of cigarette smokers. Again, we were well content with our stay.

Scandic St Jörgen Malmö, Sweden

This Scandic hotel is located in the heart of Malmo, just a few minutes walk from the central station(If you come in by train from CPH).

I did book a single room which was very small. Please note this if you consider to stay more then one person since the room is very small.

They didnt treat Hhonors Gold good. I did get the 50SEK voucher but didnt get any upgrade(the hotel wasnt ful at all) and didnt get any fruit and water on the room.

Breakfast was included just like most hotels in Scandinavia and you dont need to leave hungry since the breakfast is big and typical scandinavian.

The hotel has a nice restaurant with also an outdoor part which is bascilly right one of the buzy walking streets. Very nice during the summer but this section is closed during the winther.

Stadshotellet, Kalmar, Sweden

Not a very big hotel. I had just recieved my gold status with Hilton. When asked about my status I said "gold". Although I was unable to substantiate this in any way (no card recieved, no access to the HHonors database), I recieved SEK50 vouchers for all the days of my stay as well as water, fruit etc. No upgrade - I didn't even ask for it since I knew the hotel was fully booked (I was transfered to a non-smoking room 1 hour before departing from ARN). I appreciated them believing in me, though.

Located in a calm, quiet part of town, yet only a few minutes walk to pubs, resturants etc (not that there are that many in Kalmar... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif )

Breakfast included, and as kempis wrote - you don't have to leave the hotel on an empty stomach!

The room was not big, but recently renovated. Lots of bright, wooden details. I have stayed at this property earlier, and got larger, but much more worn down rooms.

Scandic Anglais Stockholm SWEDEN.

Checked out today: Very nice location, Stureplan, I would say best neighboorhood in Stockholm. Shoppping, restaurants, bars, the sea.

Rates: lower end of Stockholm-pricing

Rather old rooms, but ok, windows could not open (a/c), good view over stureplan (5th floor), noise from street, nice outdoor bar.
No tub, soap and shampoo bottles are replaced by two big bottles on the wall, one of them with a SOAP sign and one of them SHAMPOO and SHOWER GEL, IMHO it contained exactly the same soap... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Staff friendly, but not very skilled (but seemed proud to be a part of Hilton now).


They had lot of problems with the hh registration.
First they told me my number was invalid (eventhough they got all my personal info from the number) and when I showed proof, they said they had many problems with hh accounts.
So they would sent an email to hh instead of registering online (?) (hope I will see my points some day) ..


[This message has been edited by The-Longhauler (edited 07-11-2002).]

[This message has been edited by The-Longhauler (edited 08-07-2002).]

Longhauler: I have had the exact same problems as you with regards to registering. I learned from HHonors/Sweden that there is no live connection between the Scandic systems and the HHonors system. Personal info submitted into HHonors does not show - you will have to register a Scandic profile and link it to an existing HHonors account. Maybe it is from a previous Scandic stay that they got your personal information?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by johanmm:
Longhauler: I have had the exact same problems as you with regards to registering. </font>

Johanmm, Did the points show up ? if yes after how many days ?

Still no sign of my scandic points.. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Any suggestions on the best Scandic property to stay at in Copenhagen?

IAD777. We stayed in June at Copenhagen downtown Scandic. There are 2 hotels 100 years apart. We chose the Webers. Right by Train station. Neat. Anyway for 10,000 HH points week night we got a 'Hollywood Suite'. Even the HH fax confirmed this. Which is good as they wanted to charge us when we checked out. Breakfast included automatically, which in Denmark runs high. About $800 or whatever a night. All for 10k points. Best deal in the Hilton world.

Also is Oslo Norway last month had the Sandic Byporten. Right by Station in center again. Superb breakfast and the way EVERYTHING costs in Norway, a breakfast probably runs $100 for 2! And then some. A local BEER cost us $20 a glass etc. A 2 star hotel in the boondocks $250 etc.

It looks to be clearly a mistake of some TERRIBLE kind right now this Scandic 10,000 points deal for week nights in super expensive cities but grab it while it lasts is my advice to one and all.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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~ Glen ~



[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 07-16-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by IAD777:
Any suggestions on the best Scandic property to stay at in Copenhagen?</font>

I haven't stayed there since I live in CPH, but I can give you some hint's :

SCANDIC HOTEL COPENHAGEN:
The former Sheraton property in Copenhagen.
Should offer a exellent view and nice restaurants and bars...
Walking distance to Tivoli and City square hall and Central Station.

SCANDIC WEBER:
Privately owned hotel before they joined Scandic.
Neighboorhood around Central station is not considered the best.
Walking distance to Tivoli and City square hall and Central Station.

SCANDIC HOTEL SYDHAVNEN:
New hotel, finished construction 01FEB2002
Located approx 4 km from city, walk by the water to City or taxi would be 50-70 DKK. train station 500m. Walking distance to local shoppingcenter and restaurants.

The other 3 copenhagen scandic hotels are far away from city ....10- 25 km's ..

The Hilton Copenhagen Airport is also an alternative since you can easily take a train for 15 min to city costs 12-15 DKK.

Thanks for the tips Ozstamps and Longhauler. I will try to stay at either the Scandic Webers or Scandic Hotel Copenhagen.

I visited Scandinavia the first two weeks of July. My Scandic experiences point to a wide variety of quality and comfort in this chain. In Stockholm I stayed at Sjofartshotellet. Not too expensive. Hallways and rooms like cabins on a ship. In Helsinki (using reward) stayed at Markski, central location, nice modern hotel. In Oslo stayed at KNA, a decent hotel in quiet area, quick walk from harbor, decent rates. In Copenhagen I had reward reservation at Webers. I checked in and found hotel and room to be old, worn, no air (it was 85 degree day), old keyed rooms, generally not to my liking. Found that Scandic Copenhagen was two blocks away, had modern conveniences, and moved to that hotel. Generally, aside from 1-drink-worth coupons did not get any benies by being Gold. No Hilton points show yet in account.

Scandic Bruges, Belgium:

We stayed there recently on a bargain basement rate so we weren't expecting much. As it turned out it was great value for money.

Rooms are brand new and comfortable. Staff are excellent and very helpful - we lost a pair of sunglasses and they went out of their way to search for them. Breakfast buffet includes pretty much everything although it can be very busy around 9:00.

Apart from the fact that it is about a 5 min taxi ride from the centre of town the only downside is the (evening) restaurant - it's a *much* better idea to eat in town!

-- Dambus

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by The-Longhauler:
Johanmm, Did the points show up ? if yes after how many days ?</font>

Longhauler: Yes, they did. It did take a couple of weeks, though.

Am planning getaway to Sweden next spring and came across a good discounted rate at a Scandic branded hotel in Malmo. Since they are part of the Hilton family, I thought the good rate and HH points made it an even better offer. But having never stayed at a Scandic, does anyone have any input as to comparable hotels here in N.America?

I'm in a similar position, booked into the Scandic Copenhagen later this year, so I second the question.

Please see the thread where it is announced that all Scandics can be had for Opportunity--level points! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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Play the travel game 3 vacations into the future! :)

On request http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/004792.html

On my recent trip to the Baltic countries, I found the room at the Scandic Neringa in Vilnius comparable to Radisson properties. This one had been recently renovated and is attractive. Lobby / checkin area was much smaller than some of the Radissons, but maybe it was a function of the size of the hotel.

And best of all, on my second stay, the hotel was basically empty and they upgraded me to a suite ! (and they didn't even know I was HHonors gold !!)

It seems that there were several hotels in each city, so they may vary somewhat from property to property .....

Not so enchanted with Scandics. Stayed a few days ago in Uppsala Upplandia and it is an old dumpy hotel. Cost not too bad though. No upgrade. Now at By??? in Oslo, next to train station. New hotel. Got room from the information agency for Oslo (cheaper) but they REFUSED to give us an upgrade. Small rooms. New, however. Paying 780 NOK for a queen bed inc taxes and breakfast. There are Club rooms. Can't have upgrade if not paying full price. News to me. I don't think they are fully integrated into Hilton. Hope I get my 50K CNTU for all my efforts.

Stayed at Scandic Synhaven near Copenhagen in June. It was an award stay for 2 nights booked for 10,000 pts. The hotel seemed like it was brand new and I think that they must have given me the worst room in the entire hotel (perhaps because I am young). It was very small and had no aircon making it hard to sleep at night. The bed was only a double bed and my fiancee and I had trouble fitting. The decor was decidedly Scandanavian (it looked like ikea designed the whole hotel!) I have a feeling that the Scandics in the main cities CPH, GOT, Stockholm, ect. are nicer than those in the 'burbs. I would not pay for a Scandic branded hotel in Scandanavia as comprable hotels can be much cheaper. Since it was so few points, however, I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

Thanks for all of your input.

I got through to a live human being at HHonors redemption desk and she checked out the amount and availability for the Scandic CPH next spring. She pleasantly advised me that it could be had for as low as 15,000 points for a 3 night single stay and gave redemption code. While the computer didn't show availability, she says it's likely too early to show up in her computer.

15,000 points for 3 nights! One of the biggest steals this FF has come across ever! Viva Flyertalk!

15.000 points for 3!!! nights? Are you really sure? Thats a great price.

You can get info on Scandic in CPH here :

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/004734.html

Yes, Kempis. I double checked today again and got same story, codes and amount as previous.

Is this great or what? I have yet to log any stays at Hilton since joining the HH program 18 months ago, but have been collecting the quarterly bonuses like clockwork. To date have a lowly 12,000 in my account and thought I'd have to transfer in some CO OP miles to get anything. But boy what a steal!

Well on the 2 threads referenced above I surmised the 10,000 HH a night deals we took in Oslo and Copenhagen was THE best use you will ever see.

THREE nights for 15,000 is just astounding. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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~ Glen ~

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tcook052:
Thanks for all of your input.

I got through to a live human being at HHonors redemption desk and she checked out the amount and availability for the Scandic CPH next spring. She pleasantly advised me that it could be had for as low as 15,000 points for a 3 night single stay and gave redemption code. While the computer didn't show availability, she says it's likely too early to show up in her computer.

15,000 points for 3 nights! One of the biggest steals this FF has come across ever! Viva Flyertalk!</font>

Point Stretcher dates for 2003 won't be loaded in for some time yet. But it is true 3 nights Opportunity PS = 15K.
Stateside it usually means December at the Johnstown, PA, Hampton Inn or February at the Toledo Hilton! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif:O

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Play the travel game 3 vacations into the future! :)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tcook052:
I got through to a live human being at HHonors redemption desk and she checked out the amount and availability for the Scandic CPH next spring. She pleasantly advised me that it could be had for as low as 15,000 points for a 3 night single stay and gave redemption code. While the computer didn't show availability, she says it's likely too early to show up in her computer.

15,000 points for 3 nights! One of the biggest steals this FF has come across ever! Viva Flyertalk!</font>

I wonder if it's just the Scandic CPH or if other Scandics are PS next spring. That would really be great.

More Scandic info. We were told that almost no hotels in Scandanavia are air conditioned and it seems to be true. HOWEVER, we are now in a terrific Scandic halfway between Stockholm and Arlanda Airport ín Upplands. Bad news is that it will be a Hilton Wednesday! First rate. All the staff is well acquainted with HHonors benefits. We were upgraded to a jr suite, breakfast inc. Got the hotel for 905 )about $91 inc tax and breakfast. Downtown was almost sold out and the cheapest rate was $260! Hotel has an atrium modeled after the Hilton in Atlanta. They are madly renovating as I write. Bringing in Hilton bathrobes, amenities, etc. Happy, happy. Hope never to see Uppsala again! Orebro has two Scandics - the Grand is way expensive but well located. The Vast is next to a freeway and reminds me of a Howard Johnson. Again, no upgrade, etc.

Off topic (actually way off topic!) but:
I am thinking of picking up our Volvo in Sweden through overseas delivery. Planning a 7-10 trip.
What is a good time to visit and what kind of things can I look forward to doing?

I forgot to mention in my post above that in the case of BOTH Hotels on free night Scandics they automatically gave us coupons for drinks at the bar, to a certain amount of local currency. They had coupons in 3 pre-printed value categories in pads on the desk. Seeing beer can (and did!) run $20 a glass in Norway, that is one heck of a bennie.

For friendly oz folks they gave us extra coupons, so the booze chits were worth way, way, more than breakfast coupons runs in most places.

Both our award stays had BTW automatically included breakfast, also a major expense in Scandinavia. For 10,000 HH a night and 15,000 for 3 days these are insanely good awards, it needs to be said again and again. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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~ Glen ~



[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 08-25-2002).]

Which hotel did you use to get point stretcher for 15K points/3 nights?

I'll be staying at the Scandic St. Barbara in Tallinn later in the month and will let you know. Since I travel to Tallinn on a monthly basis, I usually have at least one overnight hotel stay. My hotel of choice had been the new Radisson SAS (since I'm also a EuroBonus member and get Basic points for the stay) but the rate was ridiculous this time.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mindgame:

Which hotel did you use to get point stretcher for 15K points/3 nights?</font>

AFAIK Hilton is treating ALL Scandics as at 'point stretcher' rates until year end. One night is thus 10,000 and 3 nights is 15,0000 it seems? Others may have more info to add? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif



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~ Glen ~ Calling all United 1K Members - please join .. www.1Kflyers.com (http://www.1Kflyers.com)

ozstamps:
Wow, paying USD 20 for a beer in Oslo!?
Price record for me, definetely (And I do believe I know quite a lot of bars/restaurants/nightlife).

One hotel that was recently renovated on some floors is the Scandic KNA which is in the western part of Oslo, very central for nightlife and sightseeing. Offers weekend rates down to approx 100$ for a double, breakfast included as well as tax.
Sometimes in periods of low occupancy in any individual hotel, it will give you the "Scandic x-treme" rate on short notice. This is their rock bottom rate, typically 70-90$, even on weekdays...

I'm going to stockholm in march and would like to stay at a nice hilton/scandic. I'm a diamond member so I would like a room that gives me the most for status.

Also is malmo? just outside stockholm?

Malmo's just over the Oresund Bridge from Copenhagen... complete other side of the country.

I stayed at the Hilton in Stockholm and had a really nice stay. Centrally located and a nice view. Got a plate of fruit and water as my Gold amenities. Don't know what you'd get as a Diamond though.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Diesel:
I'm going to stockholm in march and would like to stay at a nice hilton/scandic. I'm a diamond member so I would like a room that gives me the most for status.

Also is malmo? just outside stockholm?</font>

In Stockholm: Hilton Stockholm Slussen.
The last time in Malmo I stayed at Copenhagen Airport Hilton. Apprx. 25 minutes ride on a train. Ideal location to visit both Copenhagen and Malmo.
I heard they opened a new Hilton in downtown Malmo.


AndrewM

Dambus,

can you tell me were you got the cheap rate and wat it was, because I am looking for good deals to keep my Gold vip status and points with CNTU promo ! Also other cheap rates in Belgium and The Netherlands are welcome...

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Dambus:

Scandic Bruges, Belgium:

We stayed there recently on a bargain basement rate so we weren't expecting much. As it turned out it was great value for money.

Rooms are brand new and comfortable. Staff are excellent and very helpful - we lost a pair of sunglasses and they went out of their way to search for them. Breakfast buffet includes pretty much everything although it can be very busy around 9:00.

Apart from the fact that it is about a 5 min taxi ride from the centre of town the only downside is the (evening) restaurant - it's a *much* better idea to eat in town!

-- Dambus

</font>

Last week I was on a short business trip to Vilnius, and due to the INTU promotion chose to stay at Scandic Neringa. The stay was quite good, the hotel has been renovated, it was pretty empty, service was reasonable and breakfast was OK. Also, the location is very good, apart from the fact that there is a lot of construction going on in the centre of the city right now.
Rates were 450 LTL on weekdays (~ 125 $) and 300 LTL on weekends (~ 84 $), including taxes. The weekend rate is a pretty good deal, I might use that again if I come short for the INTU promotion.

Any S hotels in Ireland?

No Scandic hotels on Ireland.

Any Scandic hotel in Vienna or Munich? and how would I go about booking the 3 nights for 15000 points offer?

Thanks!

jsy9999

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jsy9999:
Any Scandic hotel in Vienna or Munich? and how would I go about booking the 3 nights for 15000 points offer?</font>

Scandic Hotel in Vienna has been rebranded as Hilton, and AFAIK, there is no Scandic hotel in Munich.

On the "3 nights for 15,000 points". That would require a Point Stretcher, but according to what kempis posted in this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/005344.html), there are no Point Stretchers currently available at any Scandic property. Scandic properties are all listed as Opportunity level this year though (25,000 points for 3 nights), which in itself is an incredible value in most, if not all, locations.

I stayed recently at the Scanic in Frankfurt-Offenbach.

The hotel can be reached with the subway (S-Bahn S1, S8, S9; Stop: Kaiserlei) and a 500m walk.

The hotel is built as a tower. All (AFAIK) rooms have a balcony. My room was new and functional. The breakfast buffet was very good with a good choice of food.

Negative: Check-out took over half an hour until my bill had the correct address.


Surely, there's no comparision to the Hilton in Frankfurt. The Hilton plays in a higher class - regarding comfort, service and price. Those who want to avoid the higher price at the Hilton, will have a good choice with the Scandic.

We are planning a trip to Scandanavia next spring and looking at booking the following as possible award stays:

Stockholm Scandic Hotel Anglais
Copenhagen Scandic Hotel Copenhagen
Oslo Scandic Hotel Byporten
Bergen Scandic Hotel Bergen

On the return we are looking at a one night London stop over, again an award stay:

Hilton London Paddington

Are we getting the best locations (we won't have a car)? Are we selecting the hotels that give the best return on a reward stay?

ALL HELP/ADVICE APPRECIATED!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Blueridge:
We are planning a trip to Scandanavia next spring and looking at booking the following as possible award stays:

Stockholm Scandic Hotel Anglais
Copenhagen Scandic Hotel Copenhagen
Oslo Scandic Hotel Byporten
Bergen Scandic Hotel Bergen

On the return we are looking at a one night London stop over, again an award stay:

Hilton London Paddington

Are we getting the best locations (we won't have a car)? Are we selecting the hotels that give the best return on a reward stay?

ALL HELP/ADVICE APPRECIATED!</font>

The Copenhagen Scandic is the old Sheraton. I am staying there next week. Will report how it is. It's very centrally located, although on the slightly more seedy side of town. You can walk from the main train station (15 min from airport), although a stop on the "S-train" called Vesterport is slightly closer. There is a "nice" strip club called the Waterloo across the street. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif It's a 5 min walk to the Town Hall Square and Tivoli and all that good stuff.

If you want to splurge the Airport Hilton is really nice and only a 15 min train ride to downtown. 30 seconds from the Hotel to train platform. If they have a point stretcher go for it. Unfortunately it's only available second half of November.

Ozstamps reported about getting a Suite at the other Scandic at Webers, but it is normally a lower class hotel. Check the archives. It sounded like they were offering it to me as well when I inquired.....

I am also staying at Sergel Plaza rather than Anglais next week. The location of Anglais is good. It's probably a crapshoot between the two, but the Anglais looked a bit tired from the photos.

Is Scandic going to be 10k points indefinitely?

Several others on FT also got a suite at Copenhagen Webers. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

We also stayed Oslo Byporten in June. Quite OK.

For 10,000 points either is a superb deal. See:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/004734.html

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~ Glen ~ Calling all United 1K Members - please join .. www.1Kflyers.com (http://www.1Kflyers.com)

I just stayed at the Scandic Copenhagen. I received a suite (and I'm not any kind of elite! I was also traveling solo.) I enjoyed the stay. The breakfast is included, but the heated items in the buffet were a bit tepid at best. That was the only downside of the stay.
It is a couple minute walk from the train station, and I never observed the "seedy" side of the neighborhood.
I had to call back to France to check in and when I mentioned that their payphone wasn't working, the front desk handed me their phone- free call! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
There was no problem using points/an award and there wasn't even a question when I checked out (I say this as I have heard some say they were almost charged for their awards stay...)
I hope to return again.

Did you get an upgrade and breakfast because you are Hilton Gold or better? Did you get the impression that the hotel has been renovated recently?

When I say "seedy" it's relative. You are close to the main train station and the red light district that emanates from the western back end of the station. A conservative American might be troubled by the strip club across the street. I am sure the Scandic is a source of a lot of flabby "businessman" clientele.

The other "hub" of downtown CPH is Kongens Nytorv, which is more upscale with the grande dame D'Angleterre hotel, etc.

[This message has been edited by gnaget (edited 10-29-2002).]

The Oslo Scandic Hotel Byporten is right next to the main train station in downtown Oslo, half a block from Karl Johanns gate, the main drag of downtown. I don't know anything about the quality, but it's very convenient to all forms of transportation in Oslo. If you're flying in, the airport express stops right next door.

Here's a link that might be useful:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/004413.html

Gnagnet,
I am definately not a Gold or better (used to be years ago)...so no, the upgrade was not included because of that. It seems the breakfast included is typical of these hotels.
Cheers!
Sparks

Thank you one-and-all for the help and guidance. I'll continue to monitor this thread (and others) for additional collective wisdom!

I was looking at the old thread (see above). Scandics DO in fact have point stretchers at some of the less attractive hotels. In Stockholm, Malmen is point stretcher as well as a bunch of the suburban hotels. (I love it when the HH rep tries to say Kungens Kurva.)

So, if one is a real "pointskate" then one can stay at a hotel in Stockholm for 6,000 points a night, which is really good value.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ozstamps:

For 10,000 points either is a superb deal. See:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/004734.html

</font>

I just returned from a recent trip to Copenhagen and a stay at the Scandic Hotel Copenhagen. Did not receive an upgrade, but the daily breakfast buffet was great.

Also, thanks to Ozstamps and the Longhauler for pointing out a few months ago that this property was part of the HHonors program and this hotel like other Scandic properties only required 10,000 points a night http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I will stay in this property in December during a Pointstretcherperiod for 2 nights.
Hiltonhonors Desk Germany said it will count as Opportunity but I will not get an upgrade (Hilton Gold) since they don't have an executive floor. I checked here but cannot find any reports about this hotel. Since the experiences are mixed when it comes to Scandics, I would like to ask for any comments.

I expect to earn 1000 Points+Status and 100 Miles (not using Virgin). Is it right that I cannot do an online reservation since it is not listed in their catalogue?

Happy about every bit of advise

The good news is Hhonors says the Scandic hotels remain at OPPORTUNITY point levels for 2003 (10K or less on multiple/weekend nights).

The bad news is there is little availability.

Called Hhonors to book stays for the spring reward points trip to Scandanavia. Whew! Not a good experience.

SOLD OUT - Stockholm Scandic Hotel Anglais 5/22-26
~~~Offered the Alvik as an alternative (holding that while we try to find out if it is okay and if there is a better alternative)

SOLD OUT Copenhagen Scandic Hotel Copenhagen 5/29-6/1
~~~ Nothing in Copenhagen avail for points

SOLD OUT Oslo Scandic Hotel Byporten 6/3-5
~~~ Nothing in Oslo avail for points

SOLD OUT Bergen Scandic Hotel Bergen City 6/5-7
~~~ Offered the Airport Hotel Bergen
(holding that while we try to find out if it is okay and if there is a better alternative)

On the return we are looking at a one night London stop over, again an award stay:

SOLD OUT Hilton London Paddington 6/12-13
~~~ Offered the Langham (holding that while we try to find out if it is okay and if there is a better alternative)

We'll also need a HILTON chain hotel near Gatwick the night before our return flight.

Ideas? Suggestions? Feedback on the alternatives booked? As always, all help appreciated!

Great news that Scandic hotels remains OPPORTUNITY in 2003 as well.

Can they really be fully booked over 6 months in advance? Could it be that they havent open any award rooms yet but will do later on? Or does Scandic only offer one room per night or what?

Most like the Langham Hilton. It is a classical hotel, used as office by the BBC for many years and recently renovated for Hilton.

As always in London, the location is a questyion of choice. It is central, close to Oxford Circus. Whether this is better or worse for you than Paddington is your decision!

Hilton have a Gatwick property - directly connected to South Terminal and easily reachable from North terminal by inter-terminal transit.

Re Scandics, kempis as usual makes the right suggestion, i.e. availability probably hasn't opened up yet. Maybe keep your existing reservations, which you can cancel if necessary, and keep trying for the ones you want?

Thanks Kempis and Roger for your input. We have not traveled to either Scandanavia or London so any guidance is great.

We are wondering about alternatives in Scandanavia. Over the next months we'll keep trying for the original Scandic hotels. In the meantime, we'd better get some Hilton reservations, just in case Scandic stays unavailable. Any suggestions on Hilton properties in Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen or Bergen?

Thank you!

It might help calling the hotels directly. From what I've heard and experienced they can be more flexible than central reservations. /Mattis

I usually never book anything way ahead of time, but when I was calling to amend a recent reservation I asked if I could book something in May at the CPH Scandic. (The place sucks... will post later.) I was told that they don't have any inventory that far out.... that's the problem.

CPH Hilton is truly awesome. It's expensive pointwise (2nd highest category). You can usually get a deal for around DKK 1000, which is quite cheap for CPH. (This includes 25% VAT.) Another option is Pricelining for the Marriott. $80 in July has been documented. It's supposed be really nice -- my colleague raved about it.

The Scandic is a real 1970s dump, but some people will not like the airport location of the Hilton even though a 13 min train ride brings you downtown.

If you are going for a nice one time vacation in CPH then I would splurge in $ or points and avoid the Scandic(s).

Also see my other posting:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/005896.html

[This message has been edited by gnaget (edited 11-12-2002).]

I am writing this from Scandic Marina Palace Hotel (Turku, Finland). Big building on the shore of (ice-covered) Aura river. Interior (at least in the lobby) is somewhat eighties-like.
Thanks to Hhonors Gold card I got promptly upgraded to bigger room yesterday (amenities included bottle of mineral water, apple, orange, huge double bed and bath instead of shower) and received 14 eur restaurant voucher. Service has been simple but very friendly and Internet is for HHonors members free as well.
Only minus so far: water in bathroom is merely lukewarm.

All in all: definetely more than I expected

14 euro voucher? Isnt it suppose to be "only" something like 5 euro or so?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by The Viking:
ozstamps:
Wow, paying USD 20 for a beer in Oslo!?
Price record for me, definetely (And I do believe I know quite a lot of bars/restaurants/nightlife).

</font>

I hope he means AUD$20 for a beer, which is still outrageous (=USD$11 & change!)

------------------
Play the travel game 3 vacations into the future!

Has anyone stayed at the Scandic Grand Marina in Helsinki?

Has anyone stayed at the Scandic Grand Marina in Helsinki?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kempis:
14 euro voucher? Isnt it suppose to be "only" something like 5 euro or so?</font>

Yes, it was 14 eur voucher. According to Hilton website I expected 50 SEK voucher "or equivalent in local currency", but Finland seems to be (nice) exception. I was rather surprised myself.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by nwsin:
Has anyone stayed at the Scandic Grand Marina in Helsinki?

</font>

I have not, but this hotel has interesting location - at harbour, just off the sea. Can be quite picturesque. Hotel is situated ideally if you are arriving or departing by ship (especially Viking Line to/from Sweden or Finnjet to/from Estonia). City center is ~ 0,5...1 km away

[This message has been edited by fokker50 (edited 01-04-2003).]

Hi All: I plan to stay at the Scandic Hotel Palace in Tallinn, the Marski in Helsinki, and the Hotel Continental in Stockholm all in August 2003. Does anyone have information/reviews for these hotels and, since I am using HH rewards (at an unbelieveably low exchange rate--all opportunity level), can anyone comment on the ease/difficulties in using the reward certificates in Scandinavia (any problems with the front desk)?
Thanks.

I've never stayed at the Marski, but they have a nice location in the city center. If you don't mind a longer tram ride, I higly recommend the seaside hotel at the Scandic Kalastajatorppa, at the northern end of the #4 line. It's especially nice around midsummer. The seaside hotel was renovated last year; I have a few pictures posted here (http://photos.yahoo.com/john_newmex).

I'm staying at the Scandic Copenhagen for 4 nights in August -- it is part of my 16 day honeymoon (Dublin, Copenhagen, and Paris).

Thanks to HHONORS -- all of my nights are free. (Dublin Conrad, Paris Hilton, and the Scandic Copenhagen)

As a Diamond VIP, what type of upgrades does Scandic offer. Specifically, what type of upgrade should I look for at this hotel? Any diamond statyed there recently (last few months)?

Thanks in advance.

------------------
Paul556@yahoo.com
UAL Premier, Northwest Silver Elite, Hilton Diamond VIP

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Paul556:
I'm staying at the Scandic Copenhagen for 4 nights in August -- it is part of my 16 day honeymoon (Dublin, Copenhagen, and Paris).

Thanks to HHONORS -- all of my nights are free. (Dublin Conrad, Paris Hilton, and the Scandic Copenhagen)

As a Diamond VIP, what type of upgrades does Scandic offer. Specifically, what type of upgrade should I look for at this hotel? Any diamond statyed there recently (last few months)?

Thanks in advance.

</font>
Both Golds and Diamonds are supposed to get "the best available room" but I doubt you will get a suite even if they have any. You might have better luck at Webers who appear to pre-reserve some sort of suite for Hilton Golds. (See the posts by Ozstamps.)

The CPH Scandic is a dump -- you will be disappointed. The location is pretty good though. If you have the points then try for the CPH Hilton. The airport location is insignificant (13 min train ride at your doorstep) -- it's a truly wonderful hotel.

I stayed at the CPH Scandic twice last year (will do so again in 2 weeks) only because it is so **** cheap pointwise. I was "upgraded" to a room that had a sign like "executive" or "business class" or something like that. The second time I got a room without this sign on the door. The rooms were 100% identical. The only difference was that the standard room had black mold in the bathroom.

The CPH Scandic was originally the Sheraton and was built in the early 70s. It has not ever seen major renovation and is in desperate need for it. I figure that Sheraton gave up on the dump in the mid 90s.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by LH738:
I stayed recently at the Scanic in Frankfurt-Offenbach.

The hotel can be reached with the subway (S-Bahn S1, S8, S9; Stop: Kaiserlei) and a 500m walk.

The hotel is built as a tower. All (AFAIK) rooms have a balcony. My room was new and functional. The breakfast buffet was very good with a good choice of food.

Negative: Check-out took over half an hour until my bill had the correct address.


Surely, there's no comparision to the Hilton in Frankfurt. The Hilton plays in a higher class - regarding comfort, service and price. Those who want to avoid the higher price at the Hilton, will have a good choice with the Scandic.</font>

LH738, can you tell me how much are taxi fares to the tourist spots in the city? Our family of three will be in Frankfurt in August, and is trying to compare the cost of three subway tickets vs taking the taxi. TIA.

------------------
International airlines seat desirability map (http://www.seatexpert.com)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Jet2K:
LH738, can you tell me how much are taxi fares to the tourist spots in the city? Our family of three will be in Frankfurt in August, and is trying to compare the cost of three subway tickets vs taking the taxi. TIA.

</font>
Hmmm, I never took the taxi to Offenbach though I stayed very often in this area. Maybe you should ask the question in the TravelForum - Europe to get better results.

I guess that the taxi fare is around ~30EUR to the center of Frankfurt. It's quite a long way (maybe there's also a family card/group ticket available for public transport). There's not so much to see in Frankfurt. More interesting (= nice) towns "on the other side of Frankfurt" are Wiesbaden and Mainz.

------------------
Pictures from hotel stays (http://www.e-traveller.net/lh738/triprep/hotel.html)
Basic Hotel stays/nights/points calculator (http://www.e-traveller.net/fgp/fgp01calc.php)
Short overview: KLM FD, LH M&M (http://www.e-traveller.net/ffp/kl01.html)


[This message has been edited by LH738 (edited 06-04-2003).]

The Scandic Continental in Stockholm was nice. The rooms were tiny, as was expected, but the whole place seemed to be newly renovated. Breakfast was nice as was the location. It's right across the street from the central station and a block or so from the Arlanda Express train to the airport.

Thanks LP738, I will look into the other locations you mentioned.

I'm interested in a review if you have one...


<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kmt:
Hi All: I plan to stay at the Scandic Hotel Palace in Tallinn, the Marski in Helsinki, and the Hotel Continental in Stockholm all in August 2003. Does anyone have information/reviews for these hotels and, since I am using HH rewards (at an unbelieveably low exchange rate--all opportunity level), can anyone comment on the ease/difficulties in using the reward certificates in Scandinavia (any problems with the front desk)?
Thanks.</font>

I just did a 3-day award stay at the Helsinki Grand Marina. They gave me a corner room on the 2nd floor, L-shaped and roomy, with a double bed in the far part and a hide-a-bed couch in the section by the door. You could sleep 4 in this room easily.
It had a view of the waterfront, not that there was anything interesting to see there, and had 3 sets of windows, one on the front and two on the side.
The bathroom was roomy, with a shower on one end, toilet and sink behind a shower door on the other, and a sink in the middle. There was a hose with sprayer coming from the sink next to the toilet, I guess as a substitute for a bidet. Two bathrobes hanging by the door. Room 244. Strangely, there were two closets but no drawers. Must be a Finnish thing.

There were 3 saunas and an exercise room that I didn't try, and a computer with Internet and printer by the back of the lobby, but it cost Є5 to get on it.

I received 3 Є14 certificates, one for each day, good at the bar or restaurant downstairs. You can get a sandwich, beer and cake for that at the bar. They brought up a fruit plate and a bottle of water in the afternoon of the 2nd and 3rd days, but it was only an apple and a banana. An extensive buffet breakfast is included for everyone.

It's a longish walk from the hotel to city center. Maybe 15-20 minutes, depending on your speed. There's a market square, though, only 3 blocks away, and a boulevard with lots of shops just west of it. There's also a tram line one block east of the hotel. It's very quiet in the evening, hardly any foot traffic around the hotel. There are several restaurants near the hotel, but I didn't try any of them.

I checked out some of the other Scandics while I was there. The Continental was NW of city center, a little closer than the Grand Marina, and opposite a park. Good location, if you don't want to be right in the middle of things, and the lobby looked OK. The Finnair airport bus stops near it.

The Simonkenttä is right in the middle of things, and looks nice from the outside and lobby. The bus depot is nearby. If I go to Helsinki again, I'll probably try this one next.

The Marski is a few blocks away, and looked just OK. I was accosted by a prostitute as I left the lobby. She wasn't pushy or anything, but it was a negative.

I meant to get to the Kalastajatorppa, but never got around to it. I hope someone posts a review of it before next summer.

I think I got a great deal for the points (25K cert). I didn't pay much for food while I was there, and it was a pleasant stay. Scandics are a great way to spend your points.

I know this may be anathema to mention it here, but when I traveled to Helsinki, my favorite hotel was the Radisson SAS Royal. It's near the Simonketta, just at the end of the bus depot near the subway stop. At the time I was traveling, Scandic hadn't joined HHonors yet.

I stayed in the Scandic in Roskilde, Denmark (suburb of Copenhagen) a few weeks ago - disappointing place, way out in the middle of no-where, remarkably dirty hotel, entirely forgettable. I don't recommend it.

Is it possible to earn Swiss Travelclub miles for stays at Scandic? Only Hilton Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Conrad Hotels, Doubletree, Embassy Suites and Homewood Suites are listed as partners on a Travelclub webpage.

Scandic Hotels celebrate 40 years this year and begining on the 8th of November they will offer rates from 250SEK/30EUR if you book online at

www.scandic-hotels.se (http://www.scandic-hotels.se)
www.scandic-hotels.dk (http://www.scandic-hotels.dk)
www.scandic-hotels.no (http://www.scandic-hotels.no)
www.scandic-hotels.fi (http://www.scandic-hotels.fi)
www.scandic-hotels.com (http://www.scandic-hotels.com)

Offer valid 20/12-11/1 2004

They claim that it doesnt earn any points or vouchers but I am pretty sure if you can get the check in staff to add your HHonors you will get points.

This is also a nice offer, wonder if that 'no points' rule applies to the stay 3 for 2 nights offer also?

I am pretty sure that you earn points for the 3 for 2 nights. Have you been able to find any prices for Hilton Slussen etc?

I guess this offer has to booked thru Hilton directly and the best rate I have found for Slussen is a weekend rate of 1450SEK. Maybe the 3 for 2 will show up on sunday when this sale begins.

BTW, where on the Hilton website can I enter the promotion code?

Has anyone been able to book a room for 250sek/30eur?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fokker50:
Has anyone been able to book a room for 250sek/30eur?</font>

Can´t be booked yet, this campaign starts tomorrow (nov 9).

Have anyone been able to book anything yet? I tried KSD 6-7/1 but the best price is 690SEK(not sure if this is this special price or of its something else).

I also tried Stockholm 27-28/12 but couldnt find anything.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kempis:
Have anyone been able to book anything yet? I tried KSD 6-7/1 but the best price is 690SEK(not sure if this is this special price or of its something else).

I also tried Stockholm 27-28/12 but couldnt find anything.</font>

Same problem here, can´t find any hotel offering this 250SEK rate http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif Not even a hint about it on the Scandic homepage!

Kempis, can you tell from where did you received original info about this promotion?
Thanks!

This promotion came in a e-newsletter from HHonors a few days ago. Seems like all Swedish members got it, and prehaps all members in the Nordic contries?

It´s in Swedish but if you wan´t a copy just e-mail me.

It seems that they did not send that offer to HHonors members in Estonia.
However I have been able to make few bookings today. One must use promocode SH40.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fokker50:
One must use promocode SH40.</font>

SH40, might be 'Scandic Hotels 40', logical http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Did you book thru the phone? Is it per person or per room?

.

[This message has been edited by fokker50 (edited 11-10-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fokker50:
I booked on the internet. Prices are per room and cancellation is possible by 6pm on arr date[/B]</font>

Ugh, no matter what propertie I choose from, it only turns out with a "Det finns tyvärr inga lediga rum på den kampanjkod du valt" (No valid room for that campaign code). http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

I manage to find room in KSD for 250SEK. Breakfast is INCLUDED! Scandic hotel run in early 2004 for Hhonors status anyone?

Now it works... Scandic Ariadne Stockholm brings out the Queen Superior Room for 250SEK including breakfast http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

If I could be sure to get the points I would book a room here in Kalmar at Stadshotellet http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I have booked two stays in Stockholm at Continental and one night at Scandic Copenhagen. My Hhonors number and KL number is in the booking and I am expecting points for my stays. Will report in early January if I get my points.

I found this on the scandic website, now til January 11th, some hotels have some great rates, I got the brussels scandic for 30 euro a night with full buffet the 1st of January til the 6th. I could believe the rate. Now I can't find a cheap way to get there from Monpellier. If any Europe experts know, please reply, I am 19 and my girl friend who will be with me is 21. Other Scandics have this rate, pulled it up for Stockholm as well.

Enjoy

Timo

Check out the SAS winter specials (http://www.scandinavian.net). They have one city/day on offer and on the 24th it's expected that all the offers will be available. You must book the day of the offer because the fares are only available for 24 hours. From EWR the fare is $279. A list of the various offers can be found here (http://www.wagnert.com/SAS/).


[This message has been edited by xyzzy (edited Dec 16, 2003).]

Maybe check out RyanAir (http://www.ryanair.com) as well. Montpellier to London-Stansted, London-Stansted to Brussels S. Charleroi (CRL) then back, same way. Availability might be tough, but it's worth a shot...

--Grog--

Any one got any experience of the Scandic Sydhavn Copenhagen?

How far (and easy) is it to get to the city and the airport?

In June 2004, my husband & wil bein Linkoping for 24 hours - no car - which is the best hotel for an award stay, and to enable us to explore the town easily

Has anyone used this promotion? The cities are listed here (http://www.scandic-hotels.com/marketing/602_EuropeAndBeyond.jsp?neid=11174533). The Helsinki one has an extraordinarly low starting rate, €62.00, but the T&C page is blank. This, along with the "someone will be contacting you within 48 hours" email, makes me a little nervous.

Just came across this on www.scandic-hotels.com (http://www.scandic-hotels.com/SiteHomePage)

Seems pretty good for scandanavia.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
Happy Easter from EUR 27,50 per person
Celebrate Easter at any of our 140 hotels across. Whether you are travelling alone, with your loved one or with the whole family - just book online and you will get our superb price.
</font>

Also posted at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/010089.html

Apologies for the dup. My search went bad.

So, my family is talking about a trip to Europe this year. As the Euro is so expensive (about $1.35 as of today), I though perhaps the way to go, would be to stay at Scandic properties (1 or many).

Scandic's are 10K points per night, so, 5 rooms for 6 nights, would only be 300K points.

We don't have a specific spot in mind, for those who have stayed at Scandic properties, what ones have you dis/liked?

As for time, we are probably talking about March/April. Ill worry about award availability later.

Probably not interested in Lithuania, Estonia, or Germany fwiw.

I've stayed at 3 Scandics in Downtown Oslo, Norway -- The Byporten, the KNA and the Edderkoppen. I liked the KNA best. It's near the castle, the ferry docks and Akker Brygge, a shopping and strolling area. The Byporten is the most convenient, as it's right next to the main train station and Karl Johannsgate, which is the main shopping street that runs between the train station and the castle. The room I got was small, though. I got larger rooms as Gold at both the KNA and Edderkoppen.

In Stockholm I stayed at the Hasselbacken, an older hotel on the Royal Djurgården island. There's an aquatic museum, an open-air museum with a zoo, a Tivoli (amusement park) and other museums on the island, but it's a 10-minute trolley or bus ride to the city center (or longish walk). The room I got there wasn't especially large (always a consideration in Europe), but two adults and a child managed to fit in it. All in all, I liked the hotel. Both the Continental (across from the main train station) and the Sergel Plaza (about 5-6 blocks east) are more convenient, but I haven't stayed in either.

In Helsinki I stayed at the Grand Marina, located southeast of the city center by the ferry docks. It's about a 10-15 minute walk to the city center, and there's a tram that goes by a block or so east of the hotel. There's an open-air market about 3 blocks away, and the start of nice shopping boulevard beyond that, but at night it's quiet around the hotel. I got a very nice and large corner room there, and really enjoyed staying there, but if you like being in the center of things, the Marski and Simonkenttä are better situated.

If you plan on going to museums a lot, I recommend the Stockholm Card/Helsinki Card for at least a couple of days. You get free public transportation and free entrance to many museums and attractions, and reductions on many tours and restaurants. Oslo has a card called Oslo Pass, but I've never purchased it.

Here are some useful links:

http://www.visitoslo.com/indexe/

http://www.stockholmtown.com/templates/Startpage___2023__EN.aspx

http://www.hel.fi/english/index.html

Bkniaz,

I know you said you probably weren't considering Estonia, but if you change your mind, both of the Scandic's in Tallinn (the capital) were good. The Scandic Palace was the better of the two, but they were both very nice. Breakfast was a very good at both hotels. The restaurant at the Palace was incredible, very succulent food at amazingly low prices. I highly recommend eating lunch or dinner there. Tallinn was a fabulous city to see as well, many many interesting things to see and do. Very inexpensive too. Just a thought.

I have enjoyed the Scandic 's in Brussels and Malmo Sweeden.

I love Belgium!

The Brussels Scandic is right downtown brussels and about a 3 minute walk from the train station (midi I think) ok room but the free breakfest was real nice. Also walking distance to most of the sights in Brussels.

We stayed at the Malmo location because nothing in Copenhagen was open. A 10 min walk from the train, a real nice 20+ modern story building with a new room, and a awsome breakfest every morning. ^

In Sep/Oct, two weeks at the Scandic in Antwerp, Belgium. Nice property. Rooms were spacious. Full Breakfast Buffet was included in the stay. They had a nice pool in the basement as well as a sauna and steam room. The hotel was not downtown but in a nice part of town. A streetcar was a two block walk away and took you to the train station downtown. Great staff! The first morning I was there, one of the staff lent us her car to jump start our rental. Note: If you fly into Brussels on the red-eye, then drive to Antwerp (only about 45 minutes) while jetlagged, there is one tunnel where you turn your lights on. Make sure you turn them off.

Try the Trappist beer while you're there. My wife toured while I was working. She loved the area. Great downtown with lots of restraunts close to the cathedral.

I stayed at the helsinki airport property for one night and found it great for a layover.We arrived at 8am and left at 8 the next day so it was perfect. no windows though but cosy clean and warm.
Mr tinky stayed at the continental in helsinki and wasnt wrapped but was on a 56euro rate so could not complain. I was on a 10k award.If you email the hotel direct they are most helpful.
they almost want the certs!

I second the comments on Malmo, and have a few things to add:

Malmo is an interesting city in and of itself. It's quite beautiful and has a lot of canals.
The Scandic is as centrally located as you can get, on the main city square! The building is old, so the rooms can be a bit quirky, but hey, its Europe. It is about 5 minutes walking to get to the train station where you are left off from Copenhagen. 10,000 points? Can't be beat!


I have enjoyed the Scandic 's in Brussels and Malmo Sweeden.

I love Belgium!

The Brussels Scandic is right downtown brussels and about a 3 minute walk from the train station (midi I think) ok room but the free breakfest was real nice. Also walking distance to most of the sights in Brussels.

We stayed at the Malmo location because nothing in Copenhagen was open. A 10 min walk from the train, a real nice 20+ modern story building with a new room, and a awsome breakfest every morning. ^

Copenhagen Sydhavn - it's not in town but there's a train station nearby. Main asset is the staff who are extremely helpful in that Danish self-confident way

Aalesund - specify a harbour view. Beatiful area, great town

Unfortunately some Scandic properties should be burned to the ground for the insurance. Stay away from:

Aarhus - Plaza
Kristiansand

By the way - in Scandinavia, try the Ibis hotel in Gothenburg (http://www.ibishotel.com/ibis/fichehotel/gb/ibi/2896/fiche_hotel.shtml). On a boat in the harbour. Great value

I ditto the kudos for the Scandic Brussels. My room was comfortable. The staff was pleasant and unobtrusive, and the location is fabulous. As a Gold member I was given a plate of fresh fruit and Perrier within hours of my arrival, and given a "Superior" room which meant it had in-room coffee and tea.

I was quite pleased, especially at 10k points per night.

I know that most people that stay in the Frankfurt area stay at the Frankfurt Hilton but, I had a very good stay at the Scandic. The room was a little dated but had a very nice view of the Main river. There was a bowl of fruit and some sparkling water waiting inside. As others have reported, many airline crews stay there. They have their own lounge so you dont see them in the restraunt for breakfast. The breakfast was a large buffet with the typical European fair plus American items such as bacon, sausage, fried eggs and such. It was very good and overall, for the price of 10,000 points, it cant be beat. I would definately stay there again. Even the location wasn't bad. It is close to the autobahn and there are signs clearly posted on the street to find it.

I have enjoyed the Scandic 's in Brussels and Malmo Sweeden.
We stayed at the Malmo location because nothing in Copenhagen was open. A 10 min walk from the train, a real nice 20+ modern story building with a new room, and a awsome breakfest every morning. ^
The former Scandic located at “Triangeln 2” is now a Hilton hotel, as far as I know this is the only 20 story hotel building in Malmoe (I guess this is the hotel you mean). Service and rooms are about the same, but of course prices have gone up due to the name change. No executive lounge available.

Brussels certainly gets my vote - lots to do within short walking distance, easy to get to via train, whether from Zaventem airport or Paris or London via high-speed rail. The hotel is a little worn, but friendly, and as with real estare, it's all about location, location, location...

Brussels gets my vote as well! Very happy with that property. I walked to the Grand Place in five minutes. (I was cold and I walk quickly anyway - most would probably take 8-10 minutes.) Good and substantial breakfast buffet - I especially liked the bacon.

I've been in the Scandic Simonkentä in Helsinki over New Year's eve.
Very nice people at the reception, very nice rooms. Everything is looking really modern and new although it is around 10 years old. Breakfast was a great buffet with everything you might need! :cool:

All major Helsinki sights are within wallking distance.
2min to Stockmann's department store, 5-10 mins to the cathedral ^ and the harbour...

I definitely will stay there again when I'm in Helsinki the next time. ^

Christian.
http://ww.ham-spot.de.vu/

I have noticed that it is possible to improve the double-dipping feature of HHonors when staying at Scandic properties. Make sure that your HHonors profile states that you would like FF-points in some airline program (i.e United). When checking in or out, make the hotel enter your EuroBonus FF-number. This way, you will get:


300 Eurobonus-points (SAS)
100 MilagePlus-points (UA)
1000 + status bonus (Hilton)

Just got this promo in my junk-box:

"Book your summer holiday at Scandic in Sweden, Norway, Finland or a Baltic country before 17 April and enjoy prices from SEK/NOK 450, EUR 50 per room per night. This great summer offer can only be booked on the Internet at www.scandic-hotels.com.

The summer price applies to the period from 17 June to 21 August 2005.

Children up to the age of 13 may stay in an adult’s room at no extra charge, and extra beds can be provided subject to availability and space.

The reservation cannot be cancelled or changed. This offer relates only to a limited number of rooms and may not be combined with any other offers. When booking, enter the promotion code PR30BE.

What's included?

Price at Scandic from SEK 225 / NOK 225 / EUR 25 per night (Price applies per person in a shared double room):

- A large breakfast buffet is always included
- Reservations must be paid by credit card at time of booking
- Max 4 rooms per person and reservation transaction

Enter promotion code PR30BE

Valid from: 17 June 2005 - 21 August 2005

Children under 13 stay in an adult’s room free of charge. Extra beds are subject to availability. Reservations must be paid by credit card at time of booking."

Looks like a great deal to rack up some nights with Hilton...

Greetings - Dirk

I'm am cashing in some Hilton awards points on a trip to Norway this summer. We plan to pass through Trondheim for one or two nights. Does anyone have a favorite Scandic of the three in Trondheim (the Prinsen, the Residence or the Solsiden)? It is hard to tell what they are like from the pictures on the website. We will be there to have fun and see the sites.

Thanks!

Any useful tips about the Scandic Hotels chain in Norway and Sweden leisure trip this summer ? Are there any worth a visit - and, on the other hand, some that should be avoided by all means ?
Thanks.

Any useful tips about the Scandic Hotels chain in Norway and Sweden leisure trip this summer ? Are there any worth a visit - and, on the other hand, some that should be avoided by all means ?
Thanks.

Ever thought about using the search function? There is plenty of information on several Scandic Hotels on this forum. Just try and you will lots of brainfood to digest.

Cheers
T.

Scandic is an OK mid-range chain. Hotels are usually clean and functional with limited service. Service may be similar to what you get in many Best Western hotels and nowhere near Hilton. There some Scnadinavian touchs like never they have bar soap (allegedly for ecological reasons) but often heated bathroom floors. Blankets are always duvets.

As to particular hotels, most are nothing spectacular.

Scandic in Alesund has many rooms with gorgeous views and balconies. As HH Silver and Gold I was always given one but otherwise you may have to ask. I like Scandic more than any other ALesund hotel even more than Radison that is considered the best in the town (and certainly more expensive).

In Trondheim Scandic Hotel Residence is an old grand-style hotel with several restaurants and the most central in the city. The closest to full-service hotel I have seen in Scandic chain.

In Stockholm Scandic Continental may be a good option in terms of money to value but certainly it is nothing spectacular.

In Oslo I would not recommend a Scandic, though again they are functional and clean.

Any useful tips about the Scandic Hotels chain in Norway and Sweden leisure trip this summer ? Are there any worth a visit - and, on the other hand, some that should be avoided by all means ?
Thanks.
This is the last summer you can get them all for just 10000 HHonors points a night. (Because this has been the case for the last few years, many of us stayed nowhere BUT Scandic in cities where it was available, because it was far "cheaper" than any other HHonors redepmtion by far.)

I can only therefore compare to other brands of hotels in OTHER cities.

Someone above compared "service" as comparable to Best Western. Well, I don't know exactly what "service" means, but comparing Scandic Bergen (city center) and Scandic Copenhagen to the Best Western in Bilbao (the one almost across from the Guggenheim) and the Holiday Inn Republique in Paris, I find the Scandic breakfast, even compared to those other European hotels, to die for, especially given that it's free. (The Holiday Inn Republique had a reasonably comparable breakfast, but it cost something like 30 Euro! The Best Western breakfast was still nicer than most US breakfasts, but had WAY less to choose from than Scandic.)

The thing I've gathered from my research (mostly through searching here, as well as just reading here over a couple years) is that the quality of the experience can vary more from one part of a hotel to another part than from one hotel to the next! So it's just as important to search here for hotels that you're interested in and read the details (like whether to request a particular floor or building) than just about one hotel vs another.

In case you haven't yet, you may also want to check www.tripadvisor.com, which is a place where guests can post reviews about hotels anywhere in the world in any brand (or independent).

Has anyone stayed here before? I have a reward stay booked for 5 nights (10k HH points/night!) there for a Festival I will be attending in early June, and wanted to hear other's experiences.

Any good stories about these hotels? Am planning on going to Sweden later this summer.

Any good stories about these hotels? Am planning on going to Sweden later this summer.
Me too!

Just do a search in this forum for 'scandic'. Click on Search, then on 'Advance Search'. There enter your search term and mark 'Hilton HHonors' (in 'Search in Forum(s)')