Hilton Helsinki Strand {FIN}
Oct 18, 2011, 3:09 pm
#92
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Exec Platinum/MM, DL Gold/MM, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,976
Had a two night reward stay earlier this month. Overall I was quite satisfied. We went straight to the hotel after arriving HEL at 8:00 am, had no trouble getting our room early, and were able to visit the lounge at that time for a nice breakfast. We got a room on the exec floor just down the hall from the lounge, with bottled water, welcome chocolates, and a nice view of the river. We had breakfast in the restaurant after our first night, and in the lounge the next day. The restaurant had a much wider selection of items, especially hot items, but I found the lounge had everything I had eaten in the restaurant and had a much calmer atmosphere.
I never found the lounge messy. It has a single computer and printer for guest use, but it was very slow and the only browser was an ancient version of IE. As noted in other reviews, the evening lounge offerings were slim compared to the usual standard at non-US Hiltons, but still decent. One hot item (chicken one night, meatballs the next). When I went to get a glass of red wine about 20 minutes before closing, the bottle was empty and the hostess said there was no more. I thought that was a bit cheap.
I was concerned that the location might be a bit remote, but Helsinki has such a compact center that everything was within easy walking distance, even to the Linda or Viking line ferries. Silja requires a taxi. The Hakaniemi market is steps away, and has a metro station.
You're in Finland, so the sauna facilities are substantial, and there is a small fitness center. Lap swimmers have a number of options in Helsinki. This one was very close to the Itäkeskus metro stop.
Good overview. I would add that you can pay the driver in cash at the airport and he can make change. Also, the name of the upcoming stop shows on a digital display in the bus, so there is little risk of missing the Hilton stop (Hakaniemi). Be advised that the Hilton is not visible from the bus stop. You need to cross the market square toward the water and then you will see it along the street next to the water.
I never found the lounge messy. It has a single computer and printer for guest use, but it was very slow and the only browser was an ancient version of IE. As noted in other reviews, the evening lounge offerings were slim compared to the usual standard at non-US Hiltons, but still decent. One hot item (chicken one night, meatballs the next). When I went to get a glass of red wine about 20 minutes before closing, the bottle was empty and the hostess said there was no more. I thought that was a bit cheap.
I was concerned that the location might be a bit remote, but Helsinki has such a compact center that everything was within easy walking distance, even to the Linda or Viking line ferries. Silja requires a taxi. The Hakaniemi market is steps away, and has a metro station.
You're in Finland, so the sauna facilities are substantial, and there is a small fitness center. Lap swimmers have a number of options in Helsinki. This one was very close to the Itäkeskus metro stop.
Bus 615 is the cheapest way to reach Hilton Helsinki Strand from the airport. A single ticket costs 4 euros and the walking distance from the bus stop to hotel is only 300 metres.
The bus departs from terminal 2 ground level platform 21. You can buy a ticket from the driver (need cash). You can also buy the ticket from an automatic machine at the platform with a credit card.
You have to leave the bus at Hakaniemi bus stop (2402). I you don't know Hakaniemi you can ask the driver to drop you off there. The bus stop is at the opposite side of Hakaniemi market square.
Usually there is enough space for luggage in the bus.
There is a journey planner in the internet to find out bus timetables and routes:
http://www.reittiopas.fi/en/
The bus departs from terminal 2 ground level platform 21. You can buy a ticket from the driver (need cash). You can also buy the ticket from an automatic machine at the platform with a credit card.
You have to leave the bus at Hakaniemi bus stop (2402). I you don't know Hakaniemi you can ask the driver to drop you off there. The bus stop is at the opposite side of Hakaniemi market square.
Usually there is enough space for luggage in the bus.
There is a journey planner in the internet to find out bus timetables and routes:
http://www.reittiopas.fi/en/
Oct 19, 2011, 7:42 am
#93
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Milan
Programs: BA Gold (CCR), Cartafreccia, HH Diamond, Esselunga Fidaty Gold
Posts: 443
Stayed last saturday and I have to confirm all the previous negative reports. Arrived in the afternoon and no upgrade was available, even if executive rooms were available for booking, probably "downgraded" to the worst room (a queen size bed). No diamond gift, no bottle of water (had to pick-up in the lounge even if "no food and beverages allowed outiside of the lounge).
Lounge was a total mess and unattended most of the time. Food selection almost nonexistent. Late at evening hundreds of empty bottles of beer not removed over the tables.
Restaurant breakfast very poor, service extremely slow. Staff never smiling, probably not happy to work in a such hotel.
Lounge was a total mess and unattended most of the time. Food selection almost nonexistent. Late at evening hundreds of empty bottles of beer not removed over the tables.
Restaurant breakfast very poor, service extremely slow. Staff never smiling, probably not happy to work in a such hotel.
Oct 20, 2011, 5:21 pm
#94
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 36
Totally agree with the last post - stayed at the hotel in August and was very disappointed - the hotel needs a serious refurbishment as it looks very tired. Heading to Finland in a weeks time and trying the Haven Hotel which was the same price as the Hilton.
Mar 7, 2012, 10:34 am
#95
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: The Baltic Sea
Programs: AY, BT, DY and SK. Scandic, Radisson, Marriott and HHonors. ClubONE
Posts: 5,890
Here again with a reservation of a standard room. Was upgraded to Executive floor as Gold by a very pleasant smiling receptionist. Room, although slightly old-fashioned, is in perfect condition and has new armchairs. Water and chocolates as welcome amenity. The hot item in the lounge is roast beef (excellently prepared). Enjoying my stay. 
Mar 7, 2012, 2:55 pm
#96
Join Date: Jun 2007
Programs: UA, AA, LH, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, Hertz
Posts: 1,759
On my last stay (6 nights) I was upgraded to the executive floor as a HH Gold. I agree that the lounge is nothing to write home about but it was decent and every time I was there it seemed clean. I had breakfasts both in the lounge and in the main floor restaurant and preferred the restaurant for the better selection. The service seemed a bit slower, though.
Mar 7, 2012, 4:22 pm
#97
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFOSJCOAK
Programs: AA-EXP & 1MM+, AS, MR-LTT, HH Gold
Posts: 7,581
Agree with most things said about this property. My recent stay was pleasant. Met with friendly front desk staff. Check in was fast. Got an upgrade facing waterfront.
Staff was extremely helpful. Contrast to many, I like this location. The public bus to/from airport is but 3 minute walk. Some shops across the street. On market day, a lively market is just next to the hotel in that big open area. The walk to downtown is not bad. One could also take the bus there.
Staff was extremely helpful. Contrast to many, I like this location. The public bus to/from airport is but 3 minute walk. Some shops across the street. On market day, a lively market is just next to the hotel in that big open area. The walk to downtown is not bad. One could also take the bus there.
Mar 7, 2012, 4:27 pm
#98
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: It's hot here
Posts: 4,285
I adore Haven. I've stayed at the Hilton Strand and while I found no fault with it and enjoyed earning the points, I love Haven and will stay there from now on unless I specifically need he stay/nights/points from Hilton.
Mar 7, 2012, 7:41 pm
#99
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: JFK/LGA
Programs: AA EXP/5 MM, BA Blue Bayou, HH LT Diamond
Posts: 5,828
The adjacent indoor Hakaniemi market stalls are open 6 days. http://www.hakaniemenkauppahalli.fi/...alli_flyer.pdf
Oct 14, 2012, 3:09 am
#100
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA LT PLT; HH Diamond; AS 75K
Posts: 2,879
One night stay in October. Upgraded to a jr suite as a diamond. It's basically two room, one that has a couch and bigger working area. Not really needed for one person but nice gesture. Decent furnishings and baths. Nice staff at both check-in and the lounge. The lounge is average with evening snacks of decent quality (salmon was very good). Like many lounges, it gets noisy and I wish there would be a no cell phone policy or someone to tell the loud American guest who loudly broadcasts his distaste of Obama, unions, pro-democratic press for more than 30 minutes, to quiet his voice down (I even heard the ba$tard from the toilet). Breakfast in the main restaurant was good.
If you have the time and the weather is decent, take advantage of the free bike use. Helsinki is a great place to ride, especially on the weekend.
I'd give this a 7.5/10 for all Hiltons and better than most U.S. Hiltons.
Certainly worth the 97 euros I paid.
If you have the time and the weather is decent, take advantage of the free bike use. Helsinki is a great place to ride, especially on the weekend.
I'd give this a 7.5/10 for all Hiltons and better than most U.S. Hiltons.
Certainly worth the 97 euros I paid.
Oct 14, 2012, 10:12 am
#101
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: HHD
Posts: 215
Stayed at this Hilton as a Gold at the beginning of this year.
Was upgraded to EF with harbour view.
Nothing fancy but clean, friendly and prompt service. On a Sunday our safe failed to open, but they brought in a repair man after the normal procedure did not work. Hot items they served as an evening snack were tasty.
I would certainly stay here again.
Was upgraded to EF with harbour view.
Nothing fancy but clean, friendly and prompt service. On a Sunday our safe failed to open, but they brought in a repair man after the normal procedure did not work. Hot items they served as an evening snack were tasty.
I would certainly stay here again.
Jan 11, 2013, 3:58 am
#102
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 4,287
Hi,
Was wondering what is the lounge offering like in the evenings during cocktail time? Wine, hot snacks?
Any recent experience on being upgraded to Exe Floor with the new wordings for non-plus rooms booked as HH Gold?
Cheers!
Was wondering what is the lounge offering like in the evenings during cocktail time? Wine, hot snacks?
Any recent experience on being upgraded to Exe Floor with the new wordings for non-plus rooms booked as HH Gold?
Cheers!
Jan 11, 2013, 8:22 am
#103
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: The Baltic Sea
Programs: AY, BT, DY and SK. Scandic, Radisson, Marriott and HHonors. ClubONE
Posts: 5,890
As Gold I was still upgraded to exec floor on my last stay in December.
There is a full bar in the lounge during cocktail time. The food offerings have gone downhill, but there has still been one hot item.
There is a full bar in the lounge during cocktail time. The food offerings have gone downhill, but there has still been one hot item.
Jan 11, 2013, 12:27 pm
#104
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: USA
Programs: AA EXP, UA GLD, Bonvoy Titan, HH Dia, WoH Exp
Posts: 2,673
I also like this hotel. Upgraded to Exec Floor with water view as a HH Gold. There are good transportation options with the tram, bus, subway or taxi. EL was decent and staff were professional.
Feb 17, 2013, 3:14 am
#105
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 17,915
Hi,
I spend three nights here last weekend.
The hotel was booked as part of a British Airways flight and hotel package ( flight and hotel was cheaper than the flight alone)
I was allocated room 407 ( 2 single beds)with a view of the office buildings and climbing frames.
The room and bathroom was fine and the tv was ok
Breakfast in the restaurant was quite good.
The sauna and pool are good ( but open in the morning until 10am then closed until 5pm when it reopens). The Living well express gym is open 24 hours ( it is small though)
The location is central ( I walked through the snow to Senate square in about 10-15mins)
Weather in Helsinki last weekend was mild ( only at 0 degrees celcius) with sleet on saturday and light snow on sunday.
I got a late check out until 1pm.
The city bus 615 ( now €4.50) took about 30mins to get back to the airport.
Overall a pleasant stay and I loved Helsinki and the islands in the snow.
Regards
TBS
I spend three nights here last weekend.
The hotel was booked as part of a British Airways flight and hotel package ( flight and hotel was cheaper than the flight alone)
I was allocated room 407 ( 2 single beds)with a view of the office buildings and climbing frames.
The room and bathroom was fine and the tv was ok
Breakfast in the restaurant was quite good.
The sauna and pool are good ( but open in the morning until 10am then closed until 5pm when it reopens). The Living well express gym is open 24 hours ( it is small though)
The location is central ( I walked through the snow to Senate square in about 10-15mins)
Weather in Helsinki last weekend was mild ( only at 0 degrees celcius)
with sleet on saturday and light snow on sunday.I got a late check out until 1pm.
The city bus 615 ( now €4.50) took about 30mins to get back to the airport.
Overall a pleasant stay and I loved Helsinki and the islands in the snow.
Regards
TBS
