Scandic Grand Central Helsinki — Hotel in Helsinki sub-region

The bed was soft and comfortable and the location was convenient.

Unfortunately that’s where the good things end. Our first room’s shower didn’t drain at all, so within a minute the bathroom was entirely flooded.

The replacement room was half the size, although the staff insisted that it was the same. After some back and forth they gave us another room which was the same size as our original.

This time the bathroom STANK of mould. At this point we didn’t want to go back downstairs a third time, so we closed the door and ignored it.

There was no kettle in the room. When we phoned front desk they said “you didn’t book a premium room” - I can’t remember the last time I stayed in any hotel room that didn’t have a kettle in it, premium or otherwise.

The air conditioning did almost nothing and due to the proximity to the train station it wasn’t possible to open the window.

The TV had a function for casting, which also didn’t work. When we called the front desk for help they didn’t pick up. We tried four more times, but did not get through.

Overall one small defect (non-draining shower) turned into a calamity of errors. Not once did the staff offer an apology or even acknowledge that the hotel was at fault. The customer service was friendly, but ultimately worse than useless. I don’t blame the staff, I blame the processes they are forced to follow and the training they’ve received.

SCANDIC HOTELS YOU CAN DO...

Addendum The washlet was not broken; it was my mistake in operating it. I apologize for the misunderstanding.

However, regarding your reply to my review, you mentioned that not all rooms have a bathtub. In other hotels, when I asked in advance, I received a clear response, but at this hotel there was no reply at all.

As for the room, the floor was dirty, and I imagine that might be the case in many of the rooms. The mat was also stained. To be honest, on the day of check-out I felt relieved to finally leave. At the next hotel I stayed in, the room was clean, and there were amenities such as a kettle, bathrobe, and other items. It felt like heaven in comparison.

———————- I experienced issues with cleanliness, maintenance, and communication. The listing said “bathtub or shower”; I requested a bathtub in advance but received no reply, and the room had only a shower. On arrival, about ten strands of hair were floating in the toilet bowl, suggesting the toilet hadn’t been cleaned after the previous guest. The bidet didn’t work, and the room had no kettle or amenities beyond shampoo and conditioner. Towels are replaced only on request; however, while online check-in and breakfast reservations are required, there is no way to request towel changes online, which is inconvenient. I hope the hotel will improve hygiene and centralize...

Staying in this hotel was a dream come true! Our first visit to Helsinki...and we were coming to take in the architecture of Finnish architects Eliel Saarinen and Alvar Aalto. No other place to stay but the Scandic Grand Central Hotel designed by Saarinen and his colleagues in 1909! It is adjacent to the historic Helsinki Central Station, meaning that many historic sites and restaurants are walkable from the hotel. We arrived hours before the 4pm check-in time so we left our luggage in Reception until we officially checked in after 4pm. It was a busy Saturday afternoon so we patiently waited our turn. As you enter the hotel, look around and enjoy the beauty of some of Saarinen's design elements! Each guest receives a brochure that highlights all the Saarinen design and other historical elements for your own self-guided tour of the hotel. Worth taking advantage of! Our room was spacious and clean and comfortable. There is a complimentary breakfast buffet that should not be missed! All types of foods from sweet to savory, from healthy to decadent, from cold to hot, from Finnish dishes to American dishes are available for your meal! It's all self-serve, and plenty of different rooms in which to enjoy your breakfast. If we ever return to Helsinki, we'll be booking...