Hotel Review
Location
Tampere is located in southern Finland, 160 km (100 miles) north of the capital Helsinki. Lapland Hotels Tampere is just a few minutes walk from the railway station and the city centre attractions. I flew from Helsinki and arrived into Tampere Pirkkala airport which is 17km (10.6 miles) from the city centre then travelled to the hotel by taxi, taking 20 minutes (€35). At the end of my stay I returned to the airport by Bus 1A as the bus stop was just around the corner from the hotel. This journey took 35 minutes and cost only €6 so I would probably use this service in each direction on a future visit to the city. The hotel has secure parking for guests arriving by car.
Arrival and Check-in
The open plan entrance lobby is full of Nordic charm and even though it was -10 outdoors, it felt warm and cosy once I stepped inside with reindeer rugs and antlers adorning the walls. The lobby has large windows and with all the snow outside, it really did feel as if I had been transported to Lapland.
Each of the receptionists was wearing Lapland national dress and they seemed genuinely pleased to welcome guests to the hotel enquiring if I had stayed previously. Check-in was very quick and as it was my first visit I was given a map of Tampere and further details about the hotel services including its restaurant and sauna.
The Room
The hotel has 141 rooms and on opening my door on the first floor I was delighted to find that I had been upgraded to an elegantly appointed suite which was incredibly spacious. The light and airy room occupied a corner of the building with large windows to two sides.
Continuing the Lappish theme throughout the hotel, my suite had been designed taking into account the influences of nature with muted tones and a pair of reindeer horns above the large bed. The bed was extremely comfortable with crisp, cotton bed linen and a large television mounted conveniently for viewing from the bed.
The lounge area featured a deep padded sofa, armchairs and a large coffee table on which I found a dish filled with a selection of complimentary Lapland delicacies. So that I could keep up with the news, there was a second 53″ television in this part of the room and on a table by the wall I found a kettle and high end coffee maker complete with a selection of teas and coffee pods to suit all tastes.
Hanging in one of the wardrobes were fluffy white bathrobes, matching slippers and an amenity kit containing all sorts of useful bits and pieces to cover all eventualities.
Moving into the bathroom, there were twin wash basins, two WC’s and shower cubicles and best of all, my own private sauna. I had already picked up a leaflet from the reception desk indicating the times for use of the hotel sauna not expecting to have sole use of one.
Despite the sub-zero temperatures outdoors, my room was lovely and warm so I didn’t need to fiddle with the controls as it was just right for me. When using the shower though, I did put on the underfloor heating for a short time so that it felt nice and warm in bare feet. The first time I tried to use the sauna I was unable to locate the control panel but within a couple of minutes of phoning reception a friendly member of staff appeared and indicated that it was hidden behind the door inside the sauna, one place I’d failed to look. In addition to lots of USB ports, I particularly liked the master switches beside the bed and door, from which I could turn on and off all the lights and electronic devices at once.
The Food
Breakfast is served in the Dabbal restaurant with its feature floor to ceiling tree. The restaurant has large windows and a glass roof mostly covered in snow and ice on my visit but I’m certain letting lots of sunshine in during the summer months.
There is a self service buffet with hot drinks served by the waiting staff. The buffet is extensive with numerous Finnish delicacies such as smoked reindeer, Tampere’s own black sausage and salmon. A chef is on hand at the egg station where a fluffy omelette was prepared for me with a varied selection of ingredients which I enjoyed with slices of dark rye bread. I’m a big fan of smoothies and the hotel’s strawberry, honey and oat concoction was delicious and I enjoyed sipping a glass of this each morning.
Lunch and dinner are also served in the restaurant with snacks available in the lobby bar where I enjoyed a glass of wine on my final evening.
The Facilities
Lobby Bar – a cosy bar at the front of the hotel with subdued lighting that oozes Nordic charm.
Sauna – a traditional Finnish sauna is available for all guests between 5.00 – 9.00 p.m. each evening with separate times for men and women.
Gym – although the hotel does not have its own gym, arrangements have been made with a local gym which guests are able to use at discounted rates. Hotel Shop – there is a small souvenir shop next to the reception desk with a selection of Finnish souvenirs, drinks and snacks.
Nearby Attractions
Tampere is nestled between two lakes and nature is close at hand. Close to the hotel is the enchanting Moomin Museum and a little further away the Vapriikki Museum, Cathedral and old market hall. For more ideas of things to see and do in Tampere you might like to take a look at my post Delightful Tampere.
Overall
From the moment I arrived at the hotel I felt relaxed and welcome. All the staff were fluent in English and service was exemplary. The outdoor temperature averaged -15 during my stay but all parts of the hotel were kept warm and with triple glazing there were no draughts coming from the windows and doors. Breakfast is included in all room rates and the fresh and wholesome selection was the perfect start to my day.
The hotel ticked all the boxes for me with its contemporary decor, stylish rooms, good food and being within walking distance of all of the city’s main attractions. Lapland Hotels has nine hotels in Finnish Lapland as well as city hotels in Helsinki, Oulu and Tampere.
I was a guest of Lapland Hotels Tampere and as always, all views and opinions are my own.
If you have enjoyed reading this post you may also be interested in the following:
The Moomin Museum & enjoying Tampere’s nature
The Cotton Mills of Tampere and Manchester
vividventures 
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