Ah, yes. The Continental, which used to be the InterContinental. It was the first Helsinki hotel I stayed at many years ago. I arrived during a catering strike on a winter's day. Virtually all restaurants in Helsinki were closed. Rather than abandon their guests, management at the (I)C served a creditable though limited menu to their guests. It is of such things that memories are made and linger.

My favourite Scandic is/was the Kalastajatorppa, not only because I can spell it. (It means fisherman's hut.) It is away from the centre, accessible by a 20 minute or so tram ride, beside the sea which freezes over in winter. Memories again.

It is now a Hilton, like the Strand, so is available with added points and miles.