FlyerTalk Forums - Hotel U14, Autograph Collection - Helsinki, Finland [Master Thread]

I have had the pleasure of staying at this hotel three times this year, most recently last night. It is actually one of my favourite hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, and I’ve tried a few in my time.

I’ve never experienced one of their suites, as they only have two - the mini suite, which is the one shown here in a previous review, and another larger suite. I have experienced a Luxe room and had a Corner King room twice. The Corner King room is the highest choice available in the suite night award pool, which I actually think is fair enough, considering the small size of the hotel and the very limited suite availability.

Stealing a review style from another poster…

Pros:
- The staff are warm and friendly, especially the front desk. Valentina has checked me in twice, late at night and she always gives me a smile and a very comprehensive and informed explanation of my elite benefits. She recommended I take the 9 euro credit this time and spend it on the pancakes - this is some of the best advice I’ve had this year.
- I really like the style of the rooms. They are quirky and very professionally designed and constructed. Everything feels reassuringly robust. The doors are substantial and you will likely hear nothing from the corridor.
- The beds and bedding are wonderful. They give you two separate duvets, which actually is genius (we don’t do this in the UK). I always sleep well here and I am not a good sleeper, especially when away from home.
- The air con is decent. Not absolutely top tier, but modern and efficient.
- The toiletries are very nice and smell good.
- The hotel does its best to upgrade me. I haven’t ever managed one of the two suites, as they always sell them (good for them). The corner king is a beautiful room and more than enough for a couple or solo traveller.
- The drinks are very good here. Soft drinks at breakfast include proper smoothies and blueberry juice. You can also get slushy style cocktails, which are delicious.
- The breakfast buffet is high quality and has a broad selection, including some local treats. The a La carte options are also excellent, especially the pancakes (these are available on the weekend and you will pay a little extra for them - it is well worth it. The pancakes are 10 euros).
- Breakfast is served until 2pm on the weekend, which they call “slow breakfast”. As a night owl, I adore this.
- Never any issues with elite benefits. Late checkout will be honoured without question.
- I like the location. It’s a short and pleasant walk to the station, if you want to get the train to the airport. There’s lots of restaurants and bars within walking distance. You are right by the sea front.
- They always leave me a cute note thanking me for staying, with a little glass full of chocolates. This time it thanked me for coming back and was signed by the GM. It’s the little things.
- Rates seem pretty decent. I booked Marriott Bonvoy escapes this time and it was 175 euros for a Saturday night. I have no idea what normal Helsinki pricing is, but this is good enough for me.
- The hotel has a small and pleasant sauna - this is quite intimate, so you might feel a little uncomfortable if you aren’t body confident or from a sauna culture. I personally felt it was fine, and I’m a Brit.
- The hotel has a small gym that is equipped with modern kit. You won’t find anything to train legs properly here, if you are a serious weightlifter like me, but that’s par for the course in boutique hotels IME. You can certainly smash a cardio session, and do some light upper body stuff if you’re a trained male.
- The style of the entire hotel is just gorgeous and unique. It’s homely but also has zest. If you google how much the doughty hippos cost, you will realise no expense was spared.
- It still has that new hotel feel, in a positive sense, as it is not worn at all and the build and finish quality is top tier.
- Did I mention blueberry juice at breakfast?

Cons - gonna have to be very picky here cos I’m overall exceedingly happy:
- the showers are nice but I would like slightly more water pressure. I suspect most people would be more than content. It’s definitely at least average.
- slow breakfast at the weekend is massively popular with the locals. You will genuinely be amazed how many Finns pack in. I was asked to sit at the bar today for breakfast, as a solo traveller. This was actually a good idea, as it was quieter and quite pleasant. Some people might not enjoy the busy breakfast atmosphere, although I don’t mind it. It’s certainly a glowing endorsement of the food and beverage situation here. The staff manage it well.
- If you want a real suite, you probably aren’t getting one unless you pay for it. I think even the more basic rooms are a great size, though.

Overall:
I always feel very welcome at this hotel and it has everything I want from a boutique hotel, whilst allowing me the perks of my status like late checkout and upgrades. I have paid more to visit this hotel when other Bonvoy options were cheaper, as I frankly just really enjoy staying here.