HOTEL FAVOURITES

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 s...

I love authentic boutique hotels! With fewer rooms and a focus on guest experience, they offer a more intimate and personalized stay. This contrasts with the often impersonal nature of larger chain hotels, providing guests with tailored service and a warm, homely ambiance. Additionally, boutique hotels in Portugal are often located in historically significant buildings, seamlessly blending traditional architecture with modern design elements, giving them a great deal of character and soul. These qualities, along with a convenient location, were the reasons I chose to book Timbre Virtudes for my two nights in Porto. Porto is situated along the Douro River in northern Portugal. Its historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a rich cultural experience, from its wine cellars and Fado music to its growing appreciation for contemporary design and art. Six bridges span the Douro, serving not only as vital transport links but also as dramatic vantage points for pa...

I decided to visit Poland during my autumn holiday, as the flight connection from Turku to Gdańsk with Wizz Air is very affordable. I have visited Poland several times before, so I know that the place to be is the Tricity — a region locals refer to as Trójmiasto. It consists of three cities: Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia, often considered the jewels of the Pomorskie region and Poland’s most popular holiday destination. This region was also recommended by Mondo Magazine, as it offers plenty to see and do. The magazine highlights Gdańsk’s Old Town and Zoo, the long pier and beautiful sandy beach of Sopot, and the sailboats and Science Center of Gdynia as places of particular interest. I wanted to focus on nature walks and spa relaxation, so I chose the luxurious Hotel Quadrille as my base for exploring the region. The entire area is well-connected by public transport and can easily be explored without a car. Hotel Quadrille is an 11-minute walk from the nearest train station, yet it feels se...