Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport very late, about 11:30 p.m., and with no luggage to collect, began looking for signs for the Hilton. I knew the hotel was within walking distance and just needed to get my bearings to find my way. The property is located only about 60 yards from the international arrivals hall via a covered walkway. Once I made it to the hotel, I checked in and headed to my room in seconds.

Guest Quarters: I had secured a standard guestroom with a king-sized bed. There was ample working space with a built-in desk and minibar; I particularly liked the desk chair, where I could lean back and work on my laptop. The bathroom was large, with an oversized sink and a bathtub/shower combination. A small chair and table against the window offered a view of the airport. Soundproofing was very effective at the property, as I heard only minimal aircraft noises in the morning.

Services/Amenities: I stayed in this hotel before when I attended an event for Finnair’s new branding launch. I find the property very functional, and they offer a nice evening bar scene (Bar Gui) and a fine breakfast (Restaurant Gui) as part of your stay, specializing in fine food with a Finnish touch. They should offer free wireless, but it is available without cost in the lobby. I went down to the bar to check my email but found the free wireless was not compatible with a Mac operating system, so the front desk offered a free pass to the pay system, which worked well. That’s a little trick to get your wireless gratis! The bar staff kept up with the mad evening rush and were most attentive.

The room included the standard Hilton bath amenities by Peter Thomas Roth which included body wash, soap, conditioner and shampoo that seemed to be of high quality.

The Experience: Not every stay is an airport stay, but when you land late in the evening and have a meeting within a few feet of the property first thing the following morning, it makes a great deal of sense. Everything works well at the Hilton Helsinki Airport; and although it is not the Ritz, it makes for a very pleasant experience.

GT Checklist

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• State-of-the-art fitness center

Hilton Helsinki Airport

Lentajankuja 1
Vantaa 01530, Finland
tel 358 9 73220
hilton.com