Having arrived in Helsinki at night without hotel booking, we made our way from the train station to the city centre as quickly as possible. Equipped with just a city map and a list of hotels that we picked from tourist brochures, we tried to find something within walking distance. The busy thoroughfare west of the station is Helsinki's main artery. Named Mannerheimintie, it extends across the centre passing close to hotels and numerous places of interest. After walking a short distance on Mannerheimintie, we came across Kalevankatu, a side street where Hotel Finn was supposed to be located.

After a couple of minutes walking along Kalevankatu, we succeeded in finding the hotel's name displayed on a plaque near the entrance to a huge block. We used the hall porter to ask for a room. Tired and desperate to find suitable accommodation, we readily accepted to take the elevator to the sixth floor where the reception area was located.

We were soon welcomed by an English-speaking receptionist who was kind enough to offer us coffee before accompanying us to our room. Having only the minimum of amenities, our room was small and crammed with simple furniture. The window overlooked an inner courtyard that was noisy and untidy. The redeeming factor was the super clean bathroom. All accessories were in tiptop condition; body soap, shampoo, skin lotion and daily clean towels were all available.

Hotel Finn is a budget hotel consisting of 7 singles, 15 doubles and 5 family rooms spread on 2 floors. It caters mostly for those who need budget accommodation in the city centre. To keep prices low, no breakfast is served here. Although there's a small lounge with tables next to the reception area, the hotel does not have a formal restaurant. However, this should not stop you from taking a room here since numerous eateries line the streets of the area. The nearby Forum shopping centre for example houses a vast choice of snack bars, fast-food outlets and restaurants.

Although Hotel Finn provides only basic accommodation, its location makes it ideal for those who want to spend a short holiday just a short distance away from Helsinki's main attractions. Senate square, Uspensky Cathedral, Pohjoisesplanadi, the market square and the south harbour are just a stone's throw away.