Love Travelling Blog

The Solo Sokos Seurohuone Turku was voted Boutique Hotel of the Year 2025 in Finland so there was no better time to arrange a stay to experience the hotel for ourselves. This historic hotel holds quite a remarkable story as it can trace its roots back to 1928.

Location:

Solo Sokos Seurohuone is located in the centre of Finland’s oldest city Turku which is located in the south west of the country. We arrived by train from Helsinki from where there are frequent rail services between the two cities taking just two hours.

Arrival and check-in:

The hotel is around a 15 minute walk or a short taxi ride from the station. With its beautiful interior design, stepping into the hotel felt like being transported back to the elegance of the 1920’s with its Art-Deco styling. On entering the lobby there was a cosy atmosphere and we were attended to speedily by the friendly receptionist on duty who even offered us complimentary Fazer chocolates. It was only 10.45 a.m. but our room was ready for us which was a pleasant surprise so we were able to drop off our luggage and freshen up before exploring the city.

The room:

We had been booked into one of the hotel’s ‘Up-Rooms’ which we found to be very comfortable. The walls were decorated in neutral colours enlivened by a large mirror over the bed with groups of pictures adorning the walls. Rather than the usual fabric runner on the foot of the bed, this had been replaced with large, Nordic inspired cushions which worked well.

Beneath the window was a cosy velour sofa and to one side, a well stocked hospitality tray with teas, coffee and Fazer hot chocolate sachets. I would have preferred a kettle for preparing tea but we were able to manage with the Nespresso machine. The room also came equipped with a mini bar and an alcoholic drinks tray (extra charge). Moving into the bathroom, this boasted a spacious shower cubicle with a powerful rainfall head, my favourite Rituals toiletries, thick fluffy towels and bathrobes.

Dining:

Breakfast is served on the first floor of the hotel where a delicious array of Finnish delicacies were laid out. Whilst staying in Finland I like to start the day as the Finns do with a bowl of porridge topped with fresh berries. This was nice and thick just as I like it. I was then tempted with the Karelian pies topped with egg butter followed by slices of dark rye bread with lashings of lingonberry jam. Coffee pots were brought to the table and our day started in the best way possible.

Dinner is served in Ravintola Gunnar which looked very inviting as we glanced inside. However, due to other commitments we didn’t have an opportunity to experience dining in the hotel on this occasion. The restaurant also boasts an outdoor terrace which would be perfect for pre-dinner drinks on a warm, summer’s evening.

The Facilities:

Cocktail Bar

Located close to the entrance foyer is the stylish cocktail bar furnished with deep, comfy sofas and large windows from where you can watch the world go by. In addition to the bar, we found several other cosy seating areas to sit and relax after a day’s sightseeing. Shelves of books (some also in English) and a pile of board games were a useful feature especially during long, winter evenings.

Gym and Sauna

The well equipped gym features photographs of vintage exercise equipment on its walls, evoking memories of the 1920’s. Whilst we didn’t have an opportunity to use the sauna, I’m certain it would be a relaxing experience as with Finland being its spiritual home, their sauna suites are always first class.

Complimentary bicycle hire

For guests who enjoy cycling, then hiring one of the hotel’s bicycles to get around would be a good option. Also, by the front entrance I noticed a container full of umbrellas which would be handy on a rainy day. Thankfully though, we enjoyed warm and sunny weather throughout our visit.

Out and About:

The hotel is just a short walk from the riverside and the city’s main attractions. Why not follow my suggestions of how to spend your time in Turku.

Turku Market Hall

After arriving into Turku and dropping your bags off at your hotel I then suggest heading to the historic Market Hall which has been serving locals since 1896. I always enjoy popping into Finnish market halls with the one here in Turku being one of my favourites. Stepping through the doors it’s a truly authentic experience as it is where locals regularly purchase their fruit, vegetables, fish and meat. Each of the traditional wooden stalls at one end of the market hall is packed to the brim with fresh produce whilst at the other side there are inviting cafes and restaurants, one even located in an old train carriage.

Turku Cathedral

Moving on, visit Turku Cathedral which is the main Lutheran church and national shrine of Finland. This large, brick Gothic structure is one of the city’s main landmarks. It was constructed in the latter half of the 13th century and consecrated in 1300 in honour of the Virgin Mary and the country’s first bishop, St Henry, who helped convert the Finns to Christianity. Entrance free. Turku Cathedral

Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum

Don’t miss the Luostarinmäki museum quarter where you can explore the only intact wooden housing area in Turku that survived the Great Fire of 1827. The buildings are more than 200 years old and are totally authentic as they remain in their original city centre locations. The houses and gardens of Luostarinmäki now form an open-air museum relating the story of everyday life and the homes of people during the 18th and 19th centuries. Standard adult admission €12 (£10.46). Turku open-air museum

Turku Maritime Museum

To learn about Finland’s maritime history head to Forum Marinum. This museum is located by the river and in addition to learning about the history of marine navigation and the Finnish navy one can also have the opportunity of stepping on board the three-masted frigate Suomen Joutsen (1902) and the gunboat Karjala (1968). Standard entry €16 (£13.95). Maritime Museum

Turku Castle

Turku Castle is one of the most important sights in Turku as it has guarded the mouth of the Aura River since the late 13th century. As the castle is only a 10 minute walk from the Maritime Museum it’s a good idea to visit both on the same day. In addition to a self-guided castle tour there’s also an excellent museum to explore. Standard admission €18 (£15.69). Turku Castle

Overall:

The Solo Sokos Seurohuone hotel more than lived up to my high expectations and definitely deserved its accolade of Finnish Boutique Hotel of the Year 2025. Due to the age of the building the two lifts are very small, so at busy times it may be necessary to wait a few minutes or use the stairs but other than that everything about the hotel was perfect.

Details: Solo Sokos Seurohuone Hotel, Humalistonkatu 2, 20100 Turku, Finland.

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We were guests of Visit Turku and as always all views and opinions are entirely my own.