Airports can be stressful, especially if they return from a vacation. I’m just not a fan of return flights, with all the use of blues after the vacation. Until I found the ultimate airport hotel for design lovers. Trust me – you would like to miss your flight for this Helsinki airport hotel!
A good friend recommended Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport. From pure comfort (it has direct access to tunnels to the airport terminal), I decided to try it out. I expected pretty interiors, but the cosiness, the overall calming and the ambience that hit me as soon as I stepped in, blew me away. I knew that I had made the right choice within the first two seconds after entering the building.
The lounge
Let’s start with the lounge because that was the first thing that made me go ‘wow’. The words that come to mind are spacious and inviting. With a real Scandi atmosphere and an Asian flair, the decor will also like the most demanding guests. Clarion Helsinki Airport, which is part of the strawberry hotels chain, combines comfort, comfort and luxury in a whole new way. The focus of the brand has always been on the creation of a cozy hotel environment, in which you feel at home in your absence. Well, mission fulfilled! The lounge is surprisingly calm and relaxing, with a calming background music. You can read a book about Nordic life or design or simply enjoy the pretty interior. I met a friend here briefly and it felt like we had our own private space. There is also plenty of space for children who can also run around, although the hotel is clearly more directed for adults.
The combination of different textures with the minimalist decor is so typical of Scandinavian interior design. Contrasting materials such as velvet and stone work beautifully together and give the room interest and depth. The deep colors of Burgundy, brown and green make the room cozy and inviting. The room also feels very practical, with socket caves around the large coffee tables so that you can charge your devices. Of course, the Scandi interior scheme is complete with lots of wood and large windows.
Breakfast area
The breakfast area will definitely help you start the day on the right foot. The breakfast buffet was included in our package and was worth it. It was extensive and varied, and the breakfast room never felt too busy. The decor is stylish and inviting and gives me a Japandi mood. The trees in the middle reminded me of one of my favorite restaurants in London, which is a really effective way to bring nature and interest in a commercial environment. Despite its size, thanks to the cosiness, the hotel sometimes feels like a boutique hotel.
Bar & restaurant on the roof
Of course we had to try the brasserie Nòr, which overlooks the runways. I am usually unimpressed by the airport restaurant, but just like at breakfast, Clarion didn’t let me down. It was undoubtedly the best airport’s duty experience I had. I had a delicious local fish dish that was cooked perfectly, and the children of the children were real gourmetburgers. You have some rather decent wines on the wine list, making you feel like you are in a fine restaurant even though you are at an airport. I loved the mood and the bar was also lively. If you live in this hotel, you have to try the restaurant. It’s not cheap, but it is worth looking at the skyline from the terrace on the roof.
Superior double room
Since it was only three of us, we chose a superior double room. Our room was perfectly sufficient, with a double bed and a sofa bed for our youngest child. I asked a room on a high floor with a view of the landingways and received one on the eighth floor. It was great fun to lose weight without hearing noise. The soundproofing was exceptional. The room was pretty simple, but there was quite a lot of storage and the interiors were attractive. It would have been nice to have a couple of slippers and a robe, but that’s not a big deal for a stay. The rituals in the bathroom were also a nice gesture!
Conclusion conclusion
Flight delays can be real pain, and sometimes you only want to start or end your vacation with a high note. A luxurious and stylish airport hotel like The Clarion can save the day! I am usually not happy about airport hotels, but this deserves a special mention. While the standard rooms do not knock them around (you have to book a suite), you will wish you want you to stay longer. I found the best offer on Booking.com, less than a week ago, so it is also worthwhile to have shopping. We had no chance of visiting the spa, but it looked divine. Adding one or two spa treatment may have made this stay even more special, but then we would have to extend our stay by a day or two. Maybe next time!
