Marski by Scandic Finland

Escape to Marski: Scandic's Finnish Paradise Awaits!

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Finnish wonderland that is Escape to Marski: Scandic's Finnish Paradise Awaits! Forget the glossy brochures; this is the real deal, the messy, sometimes frustrating, maybe-a-little-bit-magical experience of a stay at this Helsinki haven. Prepare yourself for a review that's less "sterile analysis" and more "slightly unhinged travelogue."

First Impressions & The Almost Immediate Sigh of Relief (Accessibility, etc.)

Alright, let's get the practical bits out of the way, because let's be honest, you're wondering about getting in the darn door. Accessibility: They say they've got facilities for disabled guests. My experience? It looked good on paper. The elevator was there, which is a damn good start. But navigating around with a cane (I’m not sharing why – it's a personal story, okay?) was… a challenge at times. Some areas felt cramped, and the "easy access" wasn't always easy. But, hey, at least they tried! Wheelchair accessible? I'm leaning towards "partially." Do your homework peeps, especially if you need extensive accommodations.

Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! YAY! Yes, it worked, phew. That's a big one for me, as is the presence of a coffee maker in room, thank god.

Cleanliness & Safety: Pandemic Era Shenanigans!

Okay, let's face it: we're all a little germ-phobic these days. Escape to Marski really seems to be trying. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays: Tick, tick, tick. They even had individually-wrapped food options, which, honestly, felt a little… much. I mean, is a single-serve jam packet really going to save the world? I don’t know. But hey, they're trying, dammit. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up – all reassuring stuff. The physical distancing of at least 1 meter was… well, attempted. Let's just say, the buffet line (more on that later) got a little cozy at times. The room sanitization opt-out option is interesting, but I didn't utilize that.

The Food! Ah, The Food…

Okay, brace yourselves. This is where things get interesting. Breakfast [buffet]: It was… a buffet. Which usually fills me with a sense of dread, because I have trouble controlling my own greed. The buffet in the restaurant was a mixed bag, maybe I should have got the Asian breakfast. Good pastries though. I may have consumed more than one. A la carte in restaurant: I didn’t try it, the lure of the buffet was too strong. Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes, and it was good. In short, breakfast was a highlight of the morning.

The Spa/Sauna/Relaxation: A Finnish Ritual

This is where Marski shines. The Spa/sauna experience is the real draw. The Sauna itself was… authentic. Hotter than I am normally used to. Blissful. The Pool with view? Gorgeous. I spent a good chunk of one afternoon just staring at the Helsinki skyline, feeling utterly relaxed. I did try the body scrub, and it was… intense. In a good way. I felt like a new person. They've got a fitness center. Never even considered it. I was too busy being a hedonist.

Things to Do & Getting Around:

Helsinki itself is, well, Helsinki. Charming. The hotel is pretty centrally located, which is a huge plus. Walking is an option. Taxi service available. Car park [on-site]– I didn't drive.

The Room: My Temporary Fortress (and Flaws)

Okay, the rooms. I had one of those higher-floor ones ( High floor) and the window that opens was a godsend of fresh air. The room’s soundproofing was pretty good – I didn’t hear the partying from the streets. Blackout curtains: also a huge win for sleep, which is important in the long Finnish nights. Now for the bad: The desk situation was, admittedly, cramped. The additional toilet was a lifesaver. I'm not gonna lie, the bathrobes were like a cloud of fluffy goodness after a sauna session. But the mirror seemed to be permanently fogged up - that was annoying.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Things

Ah, the small details. Air conditioning in public area (thank god)- it was a warm week. Daily housekeeping was efficient. Concierge helpful as hell. Elevator? Essential! Cash withdrawal available, which is handy. I'm too reliant on it. Laundry service – yes, and thank god.

For The Kids & More:

I didn’t have any kids with me, but the hotel seems pretty family-friendly. I didn’t see a lot of evidence of the advertised Baby-sitting service, but that might be a pandemic casualty.

The Staff: The Heart of the Hotel

The staff were friendly, helpful… genuinely lovely. They handled everything from directions to restaurant bookings with a smile (even when I asked a stupid question, which was often). They truly made the stay.

The Grumbles & The Imperfections

Okay, let's get real. This isn't a flawlessly polished five-star experience. There were a few minor hiccups. The slow drain in the shower, the slightly confusing layout. Look, it's not perfect. But that’s what I like about it!

The Verdict: Should You Escape to Marski?

Yes. Absolutely, yes. Despite the minor niggles, the good hugely outweighs the bad. The location is fantastic, the spa is sublime, and the staff genuinely care. If you're looking for a stylish, comfortable base to explore Helsinki, with a good dose of Finnish charm, book it. Go get yourself a sauna, a pastry, and a dose of Finnish serenity.

Here's my (slightly aggressive) Offer to Make You Book!

STOP RIGHT NOW and BOOK YOUR ESCAPE TO MARSKI!

Here's why (because I'm bossy):

Forget sterile hotels! This is a truly Finnish experience. Seriously!
The sauna? It's a religious experience. Period.
Location, location, location! Explore Helsinki and then come back to a comfortable base.
You'll feel pampered. You'll feel relaxed. You'll want to extend your trip.
They're trying! They're actually trying to make your stay amazing.

Don't wait. Book now. Go! Go, go, go! You deserve it! (and I want to go back).

SEVEN FUKUN HOTEL Taiwan: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!

Book Now

Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned-by-a-robot itinerary. This is me, about to crash and burn (or, you know, hopefully not) in Marski by Scandic, Finland. Strap in for the beautiful chaos.

Day 1: Arrival and Anxious Anticipation (or, “Where’s my damn luggage?”)

14:00 - Arrival at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport: Okay, first hurdle: customs. I’m convinced I look suspicious, even though I’m carrying nothing more incriminating than a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer and a serious craving for Finnish licorice. Passport stamped! Victory.
15:00 - Journey to Marski by Scandic: The train ride into the city is… well, brown. Lots of brown. Buildings, trees, the occasional slightly grumpy-looking local. The train is clean though, and that's a win in my book.
16:00 - Check-in at Marski: I think I managed to find the hotel… Google Maps is my co-pilot. The lobby is stylish, which immediately makes me feel underdressed. The front desk person is impossibly calm and speaks perfect English. Is everyone in Finland secretly a spy? My room is blessedly ready. (And my luggage? Still MIA. Seriously, airline, what's the deal?)
17:00 - Exploring the Hotel (and Panic Eating): Okay, room is nice, modern. Air conditioning feels like a lifesaver. I dump my backpack (which, thankfully, is here) and decide to brave the hotel. The gym looks intimidating. The bar, however, looks promising. Before I turn into a hangry monster, I find a cafe and grab a pastry. (No Finnish licorice yet, I’m pacing myself.)
19:00 - Dinner at the Hotel’s Restaurant (and Existential Dread): I force myself to come. The food is… elegant. Beautifully presented. Delicious. But I'm eating alone, and the silence is deafening. What am I doing here? Am I even cut out for this solo travel thing? I order another glass of wine. Maybe the luggage will magically reappear.
21:00 - Nightcap and Room Service (because why not?): Okay, so the luggage is still missing. I'm starting to suspect Foul Play, maybe in cahoots with the airline. I order room service just to drown my sadness in fries and finally give up. I spend the evening watching bad reality TV on satellite, scrolling through Instagram, and feeling generally sorry for myself. Finland, day one. I'm already a mess.

Day 2: Suomenlinna and a Brush with Culture (and Cold, Glorious Freedom)

09:00 - Breakfast at Marski: The breakfast buffet is a miracle. Smoked salmon, fresh bread, coffee that actually wakes me up. Maybe Finland isn't so bad after all. (Note: Packets of sugar are apparently not a thing – I had to find some sugar cubes, which, honestly, felt very fancy)
10:00 - Ferry to Suomenlinna Fortress Island: The ferry ride is gorgeous. The sea is a sparkling, mysterious grey. The air is crisp and fresh. I'm finally feeling a sense of freedom! I can't even see my luggage, and I am not missing it!
11:00 - Exploring Suomenlinna: This place is stunning. The fortress is huge! I wander around, gaping at the old cannons and imagining Viking battles (yes, I'm a geek). I attempt to take artsy photographs. (Spoiler alert: I failed). I find a charming little cafe and sip hot chocolate, watching the sea gulls. It's perfection.
13:00 - Lunch on Suomenlinna: I discovered a cute little restaurant, and the food was so delicious, it made my tummy smile. The local food was great
14:00 - Back to Helsinki City Center I walked to the ferry, took a bus, and got into the city center.
16:00 - Explore Helsinki's Design District: This place is heaven for the eyes. I wander around, admiring the minimalist designs and thinking "I wish I could afford all this." Seriously, the Finns have style.
17:00 - Shopping (and Impulsive Buying): I find a little shop selling Finnish ceramics and, against my better judgment and my already full backpack, I buy a vase. It's probably going to break on the way home, but I don't care. It's beautiful, and I need something to remind me of this trip beyond my memory.
18:00 - Dinner at a Traditional Finnish Restaurant: I find one that looks cozy (and not too fancy). I try reindeer stew. It's… interesting. Gamey, but in a good way. I'm starting to actually like Finnish food.
20:00 - Sauna Experience (the grand finale, possibly): It's time. I'm going to immerse myself in the Finnish sauna experience. This is my opportunity to finally embrace the Finnish culture. I had two moments: The first one was that I went in naked (as instructed), with a towel. The second one was me yelling at the cold shower and running as fast as I could (as a newbie). It's hot! It's relaxing! It's… a little awkward initially.
21:00 - Sauna and post-sauna I've never run into a shower and drank water so fast in my life.
22:30 - Back to Marski: Feeling relaxed, sleepy, and utterly content. This trip is worth it for the sauna alone. (Sorry, luggage, wherever you are.)

Day 3: Exploring Helsinki and Preparing for Departure (and bittersweet goodbyes)

09:00 - Breakfast (again, because why not?): Another amazing breakfast. I fuel up for a day of exploring.
10:00 - Visit to the Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church): This is the coolest church ever. Built into solid rock, with amazing acoustics. I stand in awe.
11:00 - Walk along the Helsinki waterfront: The air is invigorating, seagulls are everywhere.
12:00 - Lunch : I got a quick lunch that I enjoyed while I walked.
13:00 - Market Square: I explore the market, buy some souvenirs, and watch the hustle and bustle of daily life.
15:00 - Prepare for Departure: I pack my backpack (full of souvenirs and slightly crushed ceramic vase) and try to resist the urge to extend my stay in Finland.
16:00 - Visit to the Hotel Cafe and Last thoughts: I went to the café and had some pastry. I spent time reminiscing about the trip and the friends I made.
17:00 - Return to the airport: The plane ride was nice.

Post-Trip Thoughts (or, "Finland, I'll be back.")

Finland, you've surprised me. You're beautiful, you're quirky, and you've got me hooked. Even without my damn luggage, it was an amazing trip. I learned how to relax, how to enjoy my own company, and how to appreciate the little things (like perfectly brewed coffee). I’m already dreaming of my next Finnish adventure, ready for more saunas, more licorice (once I find some), and more of that glorious, crisp Nordic air.

And yes, the airline eventually found my luggage. It arrived the day after I left. Go figure.

Denver's Hidden Gem: Comfort Inn Arvada Station - Unbeatable Rates!

Book Now

Okay, Escape to Marski… What is it, really? Sounds kinda… ambitious.

Alright, so picture this: you're in the middle of Helsinki, and suddenly, you're supposed to be... escaping? Marski? Sounds like someone’s been hitting the glögg a bit too hard, right? But hold on, because it *is* what it says on the tin – a chance to ditch the daily grind and, well, *relax*. It's a Scandic hotel, so you know the basics: comfy beds, clean rooms, all that jazz. But the *vibe*? That's what I'm still trying to unpack. Honestly? The first impression was a bit… *meh*. The lobby felt a tad corporate-y, reminding me a little too much of my accounting class from back in college. But then... something shifted. Maybe it was the warm, welcoming smiles of the staff, or the soft glow of the Finnish design… or, okay, fine, maybe it was the first sip of that pre-dinner cocktail. Whatever it was, the Marski magic started to creep in.

Is it actually good for an escape? Like, does it feel different? Beyond just, you know, being in a hotel?

Okay, this is where things get interesting. Look, escaping is subjective – for some, it's a week in the Maldives, for others, it’s binging Netflix in sweatpants. For me? It’s about *disconnecting*. And Marski… it *tried*. The rooms are designed with a minimalist, calming aesthetic. Think lots of wood, muted colors, and enough natural light to make even the grumpiest Finn feel a little less… glum. I did enjoy being cocooned in my room, finally catching up on some reading. However, and this is a big "however," it's still in the heart of the city. You can hear the traffic, the occasional siren, the laughter of revelers spilling out of a bar. It's not silence, it’s urban hum. I wouldn't say it's a complete, total sensory disconnect, but rather a really comfy basecamp for urban exploration.

What are the rooms like? Are the beds as legendary as they say? Because I NEED a good sleep.

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks: the beds. Oh, the beds. And YES, they *are* as legendary as Scandic seems to suggest. Pure, unadulterated *bliss*. I'm not kidding, I think I actually groaned with pleasure the first time I collapsed onto it. I'm a notoriously horrible sleeper (thanks, anxiety!), so a good bed is *everything*. Crisp, clean sheets, fluffy pillows… I could have stayed there all day, every day. The rooms themselves are pretty spacious and well-designed: functional, comfortable, and stylish in a Scandinavian way. It made me feel like I was finally adulting.

So, are there any downsides to the rooms? Anything that drove you nuts?

Okay, *honest* time. There were a few minor niggles. The bathroom was *tiny*, like, seriously, I barely had room to swing a Finnish cat (and those are big, fluffy cats, I presume). And the shower? Good water pressure, thankfully, but the drain… took *forever* to drain sometimes. Water sloshing around your ankles... not exactly conducive to relaxation. Also, the aircon wasn't quite as powerful as I'd like it, and on a couple of warmer days, it got a little stuffy. But, honestly, these are nitpicks. The sleep quality alone almost made up for any minor inconveniences. Almost.

The food… is it as delicious as it looks in the pictures? Because I'm a sucker for pretty plating.

Okay, the pictures. They’re lying. Just kidding! Mostly. The food is good, don't get me wrong, *really* good. The breakfast buffet was a solid 8/10 - fresh bread, delicious berries, and a decent selection of hot food. The presentation was lovely.. But *those* Instagram shots are pure fantasy. The reality? A bit more… casual. There's a restaurant called "Bar & Restaurant Marski," which, honestly, served some of the best reindeer stew I've ever had. Rich, flavorful, and perfect for a chilly evening. BUT the service on my first night was a bit… slow. My waiter seemed to be having a rough day, and I had to wave him down multiple times to order another drink. That being said, by the end of my trip I'm sure he was an excellent waiter!

Any other drink options? Because I'm a cocktail person. And I heard… sauna?

YES! Cocktails! That's where Marski *really* shines. the bar staff are skilled and the cocktails are creative, well-made, and STRONG. They have a decent cocktail list, and are happy to try something creative - I even got one made off-menu! You could tell they really cared about what they were doing. As for the sauna… oh, the sauna. Okay, I'm not going to lie, I'm a bit of a sauna virgin. I'd always thought it was a bit… intense. But it was *amazing*. The hotel has a small, but perfectly formed, sauna. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring the city. Pure, unadulterated, Finnish bliss. The only catch? It's not always open, and you might need to book in advance. So, plan ahead, folks. Seriously, do it.

Location, location, location! Is it actually a good spot to explore Helsinki? or are you stuck in a tourist trap?

The location is *excellent*. Seriously, you're pretty much in the heart of everything. Walking distance to pretty much all the main sights – the shops, the parks, the museums, the harbor. You've got easy access to public transport too, if your feet get tired (and mine did!). I could easily pop back to the hotel for a quick nap, change of clothes, or more importantly: a cocktail. And it's in a really vibrant, lively area. It's a perfect base for exploration. The only minor downside is a little noise at night, but it's an urban hotel, and that's to be expected.

Is it easy to get around? Like, is it accessible for people with disabilities?

I didn't personally experience this firsthand, but I did see that the hotel is dedicated to providing accessible accommodations. They have accessible rooms and facilities, and the staff seemed incredibly helpful and accommodating. If you have specific needs, I'd definitely recommend contacting the hotel directly to confirm they meet your requirements, but everything *looked* great.

Hotel Blog Guru

Escape to Marski: Scandic's Finnish Paradise Awaits!