During my visit to Helsinki I got to stay at the Radisson Blu Plaza, a hotel that knows how to blend tradition with a bit of modern Finnish design. The hotel is located in a beautiful stone structure that dates back to 1907, but once you set foot through the doors, you are transported back to the 21st century through its sleek and innovative design. This is a place where furnishings and light fixtures don’t just serve a function, but where they also act as art.
Here’s a look at the property:
The Room
The rooms at the Radisson Blu were very bright and cheerful. Though the walls and linens were stark white, the pops of colour across the room added a very fun and fresh element to the space – teal curtains, a plum coloured headboard, pillows in shades of hot pink and raspberry – it all worked together.
I have to compliment the Finns on their beds, because everywhere I slept (including the Radisson) had the plushest pillows and duvets that you can sink into; the ‘Magic Dreams’ beds at this hotel certainly lived up to their name.
Add to that the ultra thick curtains to block out the summer sun which was still shining at 10:00pm, and it was the perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep.
The room had lots of little touches that make a hotel room feel more like a retreat – soft bathrobes and slippers, Karl Fazer chocolate bars as a welcome treat (a Finnish favourite!), magazines for some light reading, and a Nespresso machine to brew your own cup of coffee any time of day.
The room also outdid itself in terms of technology; next to the bed there was a small touch screen from which you could control the lighting in the room, select the music that played in the background, and even request turn down service – all with the touch of a button.
The bathroom floors were heated (a nice little touch for Nordic countries), plus if you were getting ready in the bathroom but still wanted to watch the news, all you had to do was turn on the television which would appear in the bathroom mirror.
Breakfast
Breakfast consisted of an extensive buffet served in the hotel’s very own Kitzens Restaurant. The dining hall was quite impressive with its stoic white columns drawing the eye up to a glass ceiling. The restaurant was decorated with fun modern elements throughout, ranging from black mannequins to Moroccan inspired lamps.
Their breakfast buffet included a mix of Western favourites and distinctly Finnish food items – black rye bread with an assortment of cheeses, a variety of muesli and oats which you could pair with fruit yogurts, all topped off with fresh lingenberries for a nice tart flavour.
Wine and appetizers
Since I was staying in one of the hotel’s business rooms, I also had access to their Plaza Lounge where wine and appetizers were served every afternoon from 17:00– 19:00.
The lounge had a modern yet cozy feel with plenty of seating areas for guests to read a book, watch the news on TV, chat, or even play a game of chess. Snacks and canapés were brought out continuously, and there was a selection of wines and local beers to sample – I really like the pear flavoured cider!
Location
The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel could not be in a more convenient location. The hotel is situated within walking distance of the main train station and it also has numerous bus and tram stops all around. From here you can easily reach the main attractions like Helsinki Cathedral, Esplanadi Park, Market Square, Uspenski Cathedral, and more.
One of the benefits of the hotel’s centric location means that there are bars and restaurants all around, with the street of Mikonatu turning into a lively place at night as friends and travellers gather around in the patios for a drink.
Many thanks to Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel for hosting me during my stay in Helsinki.
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
Mikonkatu 23
00100 Helsinki, Finland
+358 (0)20 1234 700
