Holiday Inn Helsinki West - Ruoholahti, an IHG Hotel

A former staff who's a friend recommended it, so we came to check it out. Ended up staying in one of their sister hotels in the city center because there really isn't much to offer near this hotel. It's more suitable for those on business in the area than it is for tourists. We did, however, have for a couple of drinks at the bar. Waitress attending to us was friendly. Place is nicely decked out, too. Very cozy.

Generally not a bad hotel, its location is not great though as it is most likely intended for close proximity of local office buildings. It is quite far to city centre (about 25-30min swift walk). Staff was really like complete opposites - during check in, the lady told me I am there early so they are not ready with check in yet (it can happen) but it can always be arranged by the hotel somehow that you dont feel bad about it (especially having kids and family with you). So for instance, good hotels let you sit in bar or in lobby offering something to make your waiting more convenient. Here I was witness of the situation that some other guy (already a guest) came right after me and lady at reception immediately turned to him told him " you are a guest already, so tell me what you need as this guy (me) is here too early so he has lot of time. Thank you, very visible how you treat the future guests (6 persons willing to stay 4 nights). On the other hand, there were 2 other girls (sisters) which were amazing. One of them was Oona, I forgot her sister's name unfortunately, but these were amazing and made our days!

I had a standard room with 2 beds. The beds were comfortably firm. There are powersockets by the bed. The view was not great on the freeway side. The bathroom is easy to use if not a bit dark. The Tv in the room is small and outdated with no casting or screensharing possibility unlike my previous Holiday inn visit.
Sauna on the first floor is very nice with lauteet on the sides and hot löyly.
Breakfast was OK, but I've had much better ones.

A decent hotel at a reasonable location. Very close to central roads. One more star if you are very car centric.
Beds are great, so is the bed linen. The TV and entertainment system is sub standard in this day and age. A very limited selection of channels and no build in casting possibility.
Great breakfast, also that one worth 4 stars.