We review Scandic Grand Central Helsinki, a splash of designer hospitality within an original Eliel Saarinen

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki has beautifully restored the work of legendary Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen. His art nouveau building dates all the way back to 1909 and was formerly the respected head office of the national rail network. In 2021, it breathed new life as a hotel, outfitted by Interior Design Architect Jaakko Puro, for a modern aesthetic where clean corners and honey-dipped colours dance. Arriving in Helsinki, there was only one place for us. Here’s what team Scandic had to offer.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki Review

A grand entrance

The hotel has 491 rooms; 373 in the original building and 118 in its later extension. This isn’t the typical Scandi design you’d assume when checking into a Finnish getaway. Instead, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. It’s tall, museum-tall, and carries with it a host of original rail HQ features. And it’s trendy in a way only a Hoxton can comprehend.

Mesh the two components together, with of course, that famous Nordic minimalist style, and you have a special Scandic stay. A grand column-lined entrance leads guests to an inviting lobby area, with cabin-style lounge seating, a water-based fireplace, and a shop resides for waiting comfort. Wide corridors then lead guests up to their sleeping quarters.

The Classic Room

The Classic Room is the size you’d expect from a city stay. It’s compact, yes, but the height gives guests good room to breathe. Ours was a high-floor option in the original building that faced the main square, an interesting spot to watch rush-hour commuters in action. Thick walls keep the sound out, so all you get is a visual noise when sitting by the arched window sill.

The Classic Room comes with a large king bed, aptly decored with a faux fur throw. This, along with the wooden floors and clean navy walls, reminded us of where we were in the world, and that’s despite being in the heart of the city where Finland’s natural charms can easily be clouded. There was no kettle or tea bags already in the room, these are placed from the Superior level up. However, if guests ring down, they are provided free of charge. 

Tech was good. The smart TV was compatible with both our device types, and there were both USB and European sockets dotted around the room. A tiled bathroom with a glass-encased shower accentuated the space, helped no doubt by the room’s impressive height. The products inside are from FACE Stockholm. Other nice room touches included a mini bar, iron and board, desk and chair, window viewing area, and safety box. The hotel’s also big on eco, steering clear of single-use plastics and with a robust recycling system in place. We liked that the bathroom bin used brown paper bags.

Warm service from the lobby to the sauna

It may be chilly in Finland, but in Helsinki, the service is always warm. Every encounter was met with a genuine smile and a desire to help. That extended beyond the hotel to the service people of the city and passers-by whom we asked for directions.

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki also has a gym, a yoga room, and Finnish saunas if wellness is your prerogative. You’ll need to bring your own slippers unless you’re fine with barefoot. At our time of visit, there were no other guests. A beautiful black chamber with a window to a garden, this was one of the sexiest little saunas we’d ever seen. It’s open every day from 4-10 pm.

Food and cocktails

The star dining destination is Brasserie Grand, which we came to sample one evening. We had the Grand Brasserie set menu, comprising roasted veg and goats cheese salad; steak au poivre, and a caramel chocolate mouse to finish. The menu, in line with the climate of the city, is seasonal. 

The restaurant has a few separate nooks, one of which is Bar G, best known for its signature mini martini. In the centre of the building, there’s a heated glass terrace (always a plus in the Nordics) laid out in a pretty Parisian style. Here, guests can enjoy sights from the idyllic courtyard.

Breakfast is held in the main restaurant too, featuring a variety of hot and cold buffet options. On weekdays it finishes at 9:30 am so we had to be up earlier than usual, but thankfully you’ll find on weekends it’s served until 11 am. The best thing is the array of plant-based options, such as chickpea pancakes and falafels. Many Finns select these not for dietary restrictions but out of choice.

Things to do in the area

When ready to venture out, guests are in close proximity to some of Helsinki’s top draws. The Ateneum Art Gallery, the National Theatre, Kaisaniemi Park, and Töölönlahti outdoor recreation area are just some of the points of interest near the hotel. Local and long-distance trains, metro, and trams stop right by the property for trips within and outside the capital, plus Finland’s scenic countryside. 

We wanted to access silence in the city, without the long-haul jaunt, so booked a floating experience in a survival suit via GetYourGuide. Here, a neoprene suit keeps bodies warm and dry on cold water. Expert local guides teach you about survival, hypothermia, and happily answer any questions guests have about Finland. The session is educational, fun, and deeply meditative at the same time (we may have fallen asleep during the float). It was our highlight of the city trip and one of the coolest things we’d done all year.

Find out more about Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

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