Sokos Presidentti Hotel

We were doubtful after reading some previous reports but were very pleased with our own experience. Renovation of the rooms is due to end in May 2007. We were lucky enough to have an already renovated room overlooking the front of the hotel.
The hotel is definitely large and, on first impressions, looks a little way out of the city. However just behind it is a shopping and eating arcade and a little further up the street, going seemingly out of town, in the first turning to the left, are pubs, Pizza Hut, and yet another McDonalds.
Under the shopping arcade behind the hotel is the bus station for out of Helsinki travel ie longer distance buses. We visited Porvoo for just 5.20 Euro each way, a lot less than the boat trip which operates from the harbour in summer. The local bus service, airport bus service (5.20 Euro each way, but with a 30% discount if you hold a valid Helsinki card), and the railway station are a short walk back towards what is considered town. A tram stop is just across the road from the hotel. The Parliament building is also just across the road and a little to the right.
The breakfast was superb with egg and bacon, Panini fruit juices (not the watered down variety) and a whole selection of breads, rolls, hams, juices, fruits, cheeses, cereals etc. Taking time over this meal meant we were not hungry again until the evening despite the walking we made ourselves do.
Our room was comfortable and large enough, with mini-bar, hair-drier, iron and ironing board. Although booked as a double we were given two singles, and the room also contained a sofa on which to sit and watch TV. However only CNN was available in English despite a full range of channels in other foreign languages.
There is also a sauna and pool but we never had time to see these as we were busy sightseeing. The hotel has its own pub and Spanish style restaurant, Sevilla. We tried neither as we found reasonably priced restaurants outside in which to eat. There is a left luggage room for those with later departures.
A sightseeing tour is well worthwhile because the sights are well dotted around although not far out of town. The Helsinki card is worthwhile for one day if, like us, you took the included sightseeing tour (pick up at the hotel), a trip out to Suomenlinna by boat, entrance to the fortress, and a couple of tram rides. Beyond that, it is only worthwhile for extra days if you are a fiend of museums, and those there are a plenty.
Overall, a comfortable, superb value for money hotel, well sited in a capital city. Yes, we would happily use it again.