Writing this right now from Hilton Helsinki Strand. My experience inevitably will be limited as I will stay only one night here. I agree with most of things already written there. Location of this hotel is slightly off-center of the town however it's still within walking distance (even for me :-)

Check-in process was very quick. I was upgraded to the Executive Floor 7 as HHonors Gold, with lounge access and free WiFi. Two complimentary bottles of water were in the room. No more further perks however Personalized letter signed by General Manager contained information not only about the hotel itself but also tips what you might wish to do (City tour, Exhibition etc.), 6-day weather forecast etc. Very nice and informative.

As some people have mentioned already, Executive Lounge looked quite deserted in daytime except few gentlemen using some tables almost like an office space (laptops, lot of business papers etc.). Must be kind of a custom here No lounge wardens (or dragonesses) were seen there. Even coffee cups were no more available, but coffee machine still worked and was capable to make reasonably good espresso Otherwise there were very few things to use - some cookies, non-alcoholic beverages, water.

On my next visit to the lounge about 5pm things were improved a lot. Some snacks, salads, bread etc. Hot item happened to be very tasty baked salmon, big pieces Quite a wide choice of beverages too, starting with Australian white and red wines, three different Martinis, port, several liqueurs, several whiskeys, vodka, Courvoisier cognac (unfortunately only VS, not VSOP, but well...)

Lounge dragoness now was there working all the time, and it really made big difference. Now the lounge was clean, neat and attractive place to stay in. By the way, had some small talk with dragoness, she is a student and (hopefully) will graduate as a hotel manager. Now this probably is THE way to get good knowledge about real life in the hotel and impressions about loyal guests in the Lounge

My room there is approximately like as I was expecting (pictures from Internet etc.). There were few small glitches like light bulb not working (burned out) in a desktop lamp but these were corrected immediately in few minutes after my phone call. Internet connection works OK.

I have yet to see and try breakfast tomorrow But generally Hilton Helsinki Strand is a good place to stay if you need to stay in the town itself. Otherwise I might prefer Hilton Vantaa near the airport.