Break Sokos Hotel Bomba

To provide you context, we were at Break Sokos Hotel Bomba on a spa holiday for three nights. Earlier we have seen several spas in Finland and abroad (esp. Austria and Hungary) for a comparison point. During our visit, the conditions were freezing (below -30 C). At the time of writing, the hotel is busy expanding and they will open a new building with lake view and a restaurant in Summer 2024 so my review is likely outdated by then.

## Spa - 4/5

Shortly, the spa section itself is perhaps the best one for relaxing I have seen in Finland so far. It might not be the best pick for someone completely fitness oriented but if you are looking to chill out in a jacuzzi outside or do contrasting treatments using hot/cold pools not to mention water massages, this is the spot. The spa includes three different saunas (Finnish, Karelian, Osman) and we enjoyed particularly the Karelian one.

Sadly, there were several factors detracting from the spa experience: confusing pricing, difficult bracelet renewal, occasionally rude service, and potential safety issues.

Often when you book a room in a spa hotel, it is possible to have the spa included but not so in this case. Instead you have to buy either one time entrance ticket (a bit cheaper) or a day ticket. We ended up buying one time entrance ticket and two day tickets. The tickets were delivered as bracelets you use to enter the spa.

To complicate things, the day tickets expired 15:00 and on our last full day at the spa we had to renew. The reception was completely overloaded when we went to renew 15:27 and it took us more than half an hour for a bracelet exchange. We weren't only people frustrated by the waiting.

We found the price level within the spa a little steep and to make things worse, service was occasionally rude. During our last day, we wanted to take a final dip at the outdoor jacuzzis. As I came close to the door leading to the area, I noticed there were people stuck outside as the door didn't work from outside anymore. To make things worse, it was cold (sub -30 C). Fortunately I was able to open the door. I reported the incident to the pool guard and she responded nonchalantly that the door can freeze during the Winter and they might have to close down the area. Also the path leading to the jacuzzis was occasionally icy (my partner fell but didn't break any bones) and could use a warning at least. The incidents left me wondering if they monitor key areas of the spa correctly.

Despite the problems I pointed out, the spa is a great fit for someone looking to relax. Occasionally the spa felt slightly crowded and I can imagine it might be even more so after the new wing is completed but we'll see how they manage. The spa was easily the best part of the stay and we might come back in the Summer just for it.

## Gym - 3/5

I checked the gym briefly. It had been built within the obligatory bomb shelter at the basement and seemed comprehensive. I just with they had put it to a level with a view to the lake.

## Conclusion

It was worth visiting the spa. It will be interesting to see how renovation improves things as the location has potential for sure.