Holiday Inn Helsinki – Expo, an IHG Hotel

Holiday Inn Helsinki – Expo, an IHG Hotel Overview

I’ll be honest — when I first walked into Hotel Rotonda, I wasn’t expecting much from the exterior. But you know what they say about judging books by their covers, because this four-star gem in Helsinki completely caught me off guard in the best possible way.

The location is actually pretty brilliant if you think about it. You’re right in the heart of things without being stuck in tourist trap central, which I really appreciated. I mean, you can walk to the White Tower in about ten minutes, and the waterfront promenade is practically at your doorstep. What I loved most was how easy it was to slip into the local rhythm — there are these fantastic little tavernas just around the corner that you’d never find if you were staying in some generic chain place.

My room was on the sixth floor, and honestly, the view of the Thermaic Gulf was something else entirely. The space itself felt thoughtfully designed rather than just thrown together — you could tell someone actually cared about the details. The bathroom was surprisingly spacious (always a win in European hotels, let’s be real), and the bed was firm enough that I didn’t wake up feeling like I’d been wrestling with a marshmallow all night.

Here’s something I didn’t expect — the soundproofing was actually decent. Thessaloniki can get pretty lively, especially on weekend nights, but I slept well despite being right in the center of everything. The air conditioning worked properly too, which might sound basic but trust me, during those sweltering July days, it’s absolutely essential.

The staff deserves a mention because they genuinely seemed to know their city. When I asked about getting to the archaeological museum, the front desk guy didn’t just point me toward a taxi — he explained which bus to take and mentioned that Tuesdays were less crowded. Little things like that make a difference when you’re trying to navigate a new place.

Breakfast was solid without being extraordinary. The hotel restaurant serves a pretty typical European spread, but they had some local touches that I appreciated — proper Greek yogurt, local honey, and this flaky cheese pastry that I probably ate too much of. The coffee was strong enough to actually wake me up, which is more than I can say for a lot of places I’ve stayed.

What really worked for me was the whole atmosphere of the place. It’s not trying to be something it isn’t — no pretentious marble lobbies or over-the-top chandeliers. Instead, it feels like a well-run hotel that knows its strengths. The common areas are comfortable without being stuffy, and there’s this relaxed vibe that made me want to actually hang out in the lobby with a book rather than just rush through it.

Parking is available if you’re driving, though honestly, I’d recommend just walking or using public transport once you’re in the city center. The streets can get pretty congested, and half the charm of Thessaloniki is just wandering around and stumbling onto things. Plus, most of the good stuff is within walking distance anyway.

I spent some time chatting with other guests, and it seemed like the hotel attracts a nice mix of people — business travelers, couples on city breaks, and a few families. Not rowdy, but not stuffy either. There was this easy-going international crowd that made the whole experience feel more authentic somehow.

The neighborhood itself is worth mentioning because it’s got character. You’re close enough to the main shopping streets if that’s your thing, but you’re also near some of the more interesting parts of the old city. I found myself taking different routes back to the hotel each day just to explore the side streets — there are these hidden little squares and old Byzantine churches tucked away that you’d miss if you were staying somewhere more touristy.

Look, Hotel Rotonda isn’t going to change your life or anything, but it’s exactly what a good city hotel should be — comfortable, well-located, and run by people who actually care about doing their job well. After staying in my fair share of disappointing places over the years, that’s honestly refreshing. If you’re planning to explore Thessaloniki properly rather than just tick boxes on a tourist checklist, this place will serve you well.

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