Turku is considered one of the best summer cities in Finland — or at least that’s what many Finns say. So, I decided to find out for myself during my summer holiday. And yes, there’s a certain charm to this old city, with the Aura River running through it. The old town is full of charming cafés and design boutiques. Some of the most iconic sights include the Market Square, Turku Castle (which dates back to the 13th century), the medieval Turku Cathedral, and the Luostarinmäki Museum Quarter.
Scandic Hamburger Börs
I chose the iconic Scandic Hamburger Börs for my summer visit. This historic hotel has been hosting guests since 1894 and is located right in the heart of Turku, by the Market Square. After a new extension was added to the original structure, the hotel now features two distinctly different façades. The Art Nouveau wing, a protected part of the building, houses the conference rooms, while the guest rooms are located in the new extension. Every space has been stylishly decorated from top to bottom, making my stay extremely comfortable. The underground parking and prime location make this hotel the perfect base for exploring the city.
The reception area is a grand, open space with a long table in the center. On the left-hand side is the original hotel, featuring multiple seating arrangements for lounging. On the right-hand side, an inviting bar leads to the hotel’s restaurant, Más. I was truly impressed by the high-quality finishes and colorful furnishings throughout the hotel. My favourite place was the winter garden, with its small fountain and a selection of books available for guests to read.
My Superior Room
The combined complex has 272 rooms, including standard and superior rooms, as well as junior suites featuring iconic arched windows. Some rooms overlook the Market Square, while others face the courtyard. My Superior room was spacious and serene, and it felt luxurious thanks to the high-quality finishes and city views. The king-size bed was exceptionally comfortable, and the bathroom offered a generous selection of toiletries along with plush bathrobes. There was also an electric kettle for preparing tea or hot chocolate. The room had everything I needed for rest and relaxation.
The Amenities in Scandic Hamburger Börs
The restaurant Más offers a Spanish-style tapas menu alongside a more traditional à la carte selection. I really enjoyed the restaurant’s laid-back atmosphere, and the chicken dish I ordered was absolutely delicious.
Breakfast at the hotel was truly impressive — the buffet spread was enormous, and absolutely nothing was missing. There was a wide variety of fresh bread, vegetables, fruit, cold cuts, cheese, and warm dishes that highlighted local ingredients. I was especially pleased to see that dietary needs and allergies were exceptionally well considered.
I loved creating my own yogurt mix, enjoyed their flavorful omelets, and found the smoothies and vitamin shots both delicious and energizing. But the real highlight for me was the dessert table with amazing cakes, cinnamon rolls, pancakes, and the standout: apple crumble with vanilla sauce. To top it all off, they even offered sparkling wine. This is how breakfast should be done!
The rooftop bar, Börs Katto, is located on the 9th floor, offering a relaxed setting with views over the city. There’s also a terrace on the first floor, but the rooftop is where both hotel guests and locals tend to gather in the evenings to enjoy wine and cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere. The hotel’s sauna, also situated on the 9th floor, is open in the evenings with separate hours for men and women.
In Conclusion
Scandic Hamburger Börs provides a wonderful base for visiting Turku, with everything from the restaurants to the customer service being truly top-notch. The hotel also features an underground gym, where I managed to get in a morning workout. Unfortunately, the sauna is only open for a few hours in the evening, so I wasn’t able to fit it into my schedule. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would be happy to return here in the future.
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