Uncover the Secrets of Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli: Finland's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli, Finland's "Hidden Gem." And let me tell you, after spending a glorious (and slightly chaotic) weekend there, I'm ready to spill the tea. Prepare for a review that's more "real-life travel diary" than a sterile brochure.
First Things First: Accessibility & All That Jazz (Because, Hello, It Matters!)
Right off the bat, accessibility is a HUGE win. The hotel makes a real effort. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Double-check. Facilities for disabled guests are clearly a priority, and that warms this weary traveler's soul. I didn't personally need wheelchair accessible accommodations, but seeing the care they put into it made me feel good. They deserve a gold star just for that.
Internet Woes (and Wins!)
Okay, let's get real about the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet access – wireless… They’ve thought of it all. The Wi-Fi in the public areas was decent, but honestly, I was too busy enjoying the Finnish air to spend much time online. Internet services include a business center with Xerox/fax, which is handy if you're stuck in the 21st century and still need to fax something (bless your heart).
Cleanliness & Safety: Because We Need to Talk About the Pandemic
Let's address the elephant in the room: the state of the world. The Scandic gets it. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yep. Professional-grade sanitizing services? You betcha. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Absolutely. And the biggie: staff trained in safety protocol. I saw them cleaning like ninjas. Anti-viral cleaning products, Sterilizing equipment, and the whole nine yards. They've nailed the Hygiene certification and Safe dining setup. I even noticed Individually-wrapped food options. Honestly, it felt safe, which is HUGE these days. And room sanitization opt-out available!
The Inner Sanctum: Rooms & Amenities
Now, the rooms. My room was… nice. It had air conditioning (a lifesaver!), a ridiculously comfy bed, bathrobes (always a score!), a bathtub and a shower, a coffee coffee/tea maker and complimentary tea and free bottled water. I also appreciated the extra long bed because I'm a tall gal. It had blackout curtains (essential for beating jet lag), satellite/cable channels (because sometimes you need mindless TV), and Wi-Fi [free]. It had the basics. Fresh linens every day. The soundproofing did its job, and I wasn’t disturbed. I had a window that opens – crucial for letting in that crisp Finnish air. The Non-smoking rooms, as they should. It was solid, functional, and clean.
Food, Glorious Food! (and Maybe a Little Chaos)
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things get… interesting. The breakfast [buffet] was a revelation. Western breakfast, Asian breakfast… they’ve got it all. Buffet in restaurant meant you could pile your plate high and go back for more. There was even vegetarian and Asian cuisine options. Breakfast takeaway service available. I sampled everything, from the local pastries to the strong Finnish coffee. The salad in restaurant was fresh. The coffee/tea in restaurant was plentiful. There’s a bar, a Poolside bar and Happy hour offers.
Spa & Relaxation: My Personal Highlight
This is where the Scandic truly shines. The Spa is… divine. I’m talking full-on relaxation mode. Let’s get real, what's a vacation without a little pampering? The sauna was essential, of course. Spa/sauna combo? Yes, please! The steamroom was bliss. And the swimming pool? Well, the swimming pool [outdoor] was closed when I was there. The Pool with view was still open, I felt the need to dive in so I did. But it was the Massage.
The Massage That Changed My Life (Okay, Maybe Not, But It Was REALLY Good)
I booked a massage, and honestly, it was one of the best I've ever had. I have a fitness center but I don’t use it. Massage was so good that I almost lost track of time. I was floating on cloud nine. My therapist (whose name I’ve totally forgotten, sorry!) worked magic on my knots. I stumbled out afterward feeling like a new woman. That massage alone is worth the trip.
Things to Do: Beyond the Spa
Okay, so beyond the spa and the amazing food, what else is there? The hotel is super close to the Imatra Rapids (a must-see – very dramatic), local shops, and the nature. There are some things to explore around, but for me, the hotel was more of a sanctuary and I wasn’t interested in anything else.
For the kids, and everyone else's comfort
If you're bringing the little ones, there are some Kids facilities, and Babysitting service. They are Family/child friendly.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Make a Difference
The staff were lovely. 24-hour Front desk, Concierge, Daily housekeeping. They went above and beyond to make you feel welcome. There’s a convenience store (useful for snacks), a gift/souvenir shop. There’s Cash withdrawal. The Doorman, Elevator, and Luggage storage – all the usual suspects, handled with grace. Car park [free of charge] is a lifesaver (parking is hard in some places). Invoice provided and Cashless payment service is great.
The Messy Bits (Because Life Isn't Perfect)
Okay, let's be honest. The hotel isn't perfect. The Internet access – LAN didn’t work for me (but I Internet access – wireless worked perfectly). One minor issue: the elevator was a little slow at peak times. And sometimes, the air conditioning was too cold. The hotel isn't the most stylish place. But for a functional comfortable stop in a very remote area, it absolutely nails it.
The Verdict: Should You Go or Nah?
Absolutely, YES! The Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli is a hidden gem. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, amazing spa, good food, and a touch of Finnish charm, this is your place. It’s not fancy-pants luxury, it's comfortable, clean, and genuinely welcoming. My Score: 4.5 out of 5 Stars!
NOW, FOR MY AMAZING OFFER!
Tired of the ordinary? Crave a Finnish Escape? (With Extra Massage Benefits?)
Uncover the Secrets of Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli: Finland's Hidden Gem!
Book your stay and receive:
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability – because let's be real, travel is all about the surprises!).
- A 15% discount on all spa treatments (yes, that means you can get ANOTHER massage!).
- Free cocktail at the bar (because you deserve it!).
- Early check-in/late check-out (because who wants to rush?).
- A voucher for your first meal (because starting the day hungry is just barbaric.).
This offer is only available for a limited time and the promotion code is: FINNISHSECRET. So go and book it now!
Don't just dream about a Finnish getaway. Experience it. Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli awaits!
Winnipeg Airport's BEST Hotel? (Holiday Inn SHOCKER!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to experience my planned (ha!) trip to Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli in Finland. Consider this less a polished itinerary and more… a drunken toddler's map to adventure. Let's get this hot mess started!
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (aka, Figuring Out How to Get There)
- 8:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Stare at the ceiling. Contemplate the meaning of life, the universe, and why I thought booking a trip to Finland in the dead of winter was a good idea. Probably fueled by sheer boredom and a desperate need for a holiday to get away from reality.
- 8:30 AM: Scramble for coffee. Realize I'm out. Cue existential dread intensifying. Think about cancelling the entire trip, moving to a remote island, and becoming a hermit.
- 9:00 AM: Remember I paid a non-refundable deposit. Sigh dramatically. Start packing. Throw in a thermal onesie I haven't seen since the last polar vortex, hoping it still fits.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Travel. I'm planning to do this by flying, then maybe a train, and then a bus. Or maybe not. I'm still working on the details. The website has vague instructions, something about "connecting flights." Pray to the travel gods (whoever they are – Poseidon? Aeroflot?) that I don't end up stranded in some Icelandic airport eating a lukewarm hotdog.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Arrive (hopefully!) at Imatran Valtionhotelli. Immediately assess the "vibe." Is it historical? Is it haunted? Do they have good Wi-Fi? (Priorities, people!) Check in, collapse on the bed for a good five minutes.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Wandering around the hotel, gawk at the architecture. It's a castle, right? Expecting turrets, maybe a dragon. Actually, I'm hoping for a dragon. Maybe I'll request a dragon-view room.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: A visit to the Saimaa Lake and the Imatrankoski Rapids. I'm picturing a serene, snow-covered vista – the sort of thing that makes you go "Ooh, isn't nature wonderful?" In the meantime, I'll probably stumble on the ice and shout "Oh, for the love of…" under my breath. I'm very graceful.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant, and try to sample some Finnish cuisine. I'm aiming for brave. Will probably end up ordering fries.
Day 2: Sauna Shenanigans and Unexpected Cold Plunges
- 8:00 AM: Actually manage to get up early (miracle!). Force down hotel breakfast. Realize they don't have my favorite cereal. Sulk.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Sauna time! I have visions of myself: a zen master, peacefully sweating out my anxieties. The reality will probably involve me awkwardly fanning myself with a towel, getting ridiculously red-faced, and then running out screaming "It's too HOT!"
- 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: The Cold Plunge (the part I'm dreading). There's a lake (or something) nearby, and apparently, it's customary to jump in after the sauna. I'd like to believe it's like a test of character. It will be a test for my sanity.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local cafe. Trying to eat something healthy, but also wondering if the Finns have a deep-fried Mars bar equivalent.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The plan: A day trip to the nearby shops. The potential: Buy some tacky souvenirs. The reality: Probably spend an hour trying to decide on a postcard, then buy a novelty moose mug.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Get lost. Guaranteed. It's a talent. Wander around. Embrace the solitude. Question my life choices.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner and drinks at the hotel. Attempt to make friends with the locals; hoping I'll find a local who knows some good bars at least. I hope I can handle a few beers, that would be fun.
Day 3: Waterfall Wonders & Farewell Feast
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in! The luxury!
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last look at the rapids, perhaps take a few more pictures. Say a tearful farewell to the gorgeous scenery.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Farewell lunch. Probably another burger or a pizza. Comfort food.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Travel. Depending on my mood, I might be sad to leave, or relieved to return to the comforts of my own bed (and a functioning coffee machine).
- 4:00 PM (ish): Return home. Unpack. Start planning my next adventure. Probably somewhere warm. Perhaps in a place with less ice and more sunshine… but who am I kidding? I'll probably be back in Finland next winter, shivering in the snow, wondering why I do this to myself. But hey, at least there's a dragon-view room to look forward to! (Fingers crossed!)
Alright, that’s the plan! Wish me luck (and maybe send heat packs). This could be a disaster, a delightful experience, or both. Whatever it is, it's going to be an adventure, and I'm ready to embrace the chaos! Or at least, I'm pretending to be.
Vienna Messe Hotel: Unbeatable Ibis Budget Deals!
