Scandic Grand Marina

The sprawling four-star Scandic Grand Marina sits regally near the harbor in Katajanokka, the area just east of the city center. The location is perfect for guests arriving by boat, as the terminals for the Viking Line and other ferries are just steps away.

With 462 rooms (and six conference rooms!), the Scandic Grand Marina is decidedly larger (and more business-minded) than the hotels we typically recommend. But, with reasonable rates available to those who book at the right time, the Scandic offers plenty of amenities and four-star service.

Rooms are simple yet spacious and fresh. Beds with red blankets sit atop shiny wood floors, and flat-screen TVs round out the scene. Superior rooms, which cost about €45 more than their standard counterparts, have sofas or chairs and coffee and tea makers. The blue and white tiled bathrooms, while not exactly modern, are clean and stocked with a toiletries and a hairdryer.

Guestrooms benefit from free Wi-Fi, and bicycle rentals are free (excluding a deposit, natch). The enormous lobby has a cute little library cart—just like the one from your high school days—stocked with books, and a free Internet station. In case you want to shell out, a bar, restaurant, and small shop are on hand as well.