Original Sokos Hotel Royal Vaasa — Hotel in Vaasa sub-region

I came back here as it still seems like the best bet in Vaasa. Plus their Royal Suite (now called just a Suite) had be redesigned. But I could not help but feel depressed here. The full street construction and nowhere to park the car and no porter to help with luggage started the visit off badly. The receptionists with ZERO personality or warmth did not help either. Yes, the Suite has been remodeled but in black and gold making for a rather dour living experience. The rock hard couch and view of a strip club in the alley did not help either.. The breakfast buffet is of poor quality and in a dingy dining room in the old part of the hotel. Room cleaning is optional, not automatic. The lobby feels like a Soviet era attempt at luxury… ugh. I may stay at the best hotels in the world but I also know what to expect in Vaasa. That said, this place has gone downhill and is not a nice experience. The location is its best asset. I guest I have to do airbnb or the Vaakuna Sokos (with themed rooms!) next time I am in my family...

Excellent! We stayed there as it was a pet friendly hotel right in the centre of Vaasa. We checked in after 20:00 and we were all warmly greeted. First I was handed a small bag of doggie treats and then while I completed the check-in process with one person another very nice lady took my two children (both under ten) to an small area set aside next to the front desk for them to choose a small welcome gift. They both chose some bubbles. That sort of thing really makes me feel appreciated as a customer. The room was everything we needed it be and then some. Plenty of control over the air conditioning and the bathroom was well stocked with towels too. The breakfast buffet was varied and delicious and the entire place was spotless. I would of given it five stars but the shower was very weak. For someone who loves a good "power shower" in the morning this was a bit of a let down. But I would gladly and happily stay...

The hotel buildings (two opposite each other) are fairly old, although renovations have been made. Thus there are still old carpets in the halls, which I did not not like, but this could be personal preference,. The elevator in the older building across the street did not work properly (refused to go down from the top floor). The rooms are pretty standard hotel rooms. The bathroom is nothing to be amazed of, but it does the job. In the weekend, you can hear music quite loud even on the top floor (but this is only if you are staying in the separate building across the street). The sauna and pool are OK, but the hot tub hasn't worked in ages. Service is nice and the staff are helpful. All in all, I think it is a bit too pricy for what you get, but otherwise a nice stay - nothing too bad and nothing...