Hotel Review: Hotel St. George, Helsinki, a Member of Design Hotels™
One of my favorite brands under the Marriott Bonvoy program is a Member of Design Hotels™. Ever since I experienced the brand at the Austin Proper Hotel, I immediately fell in love with its thoughtful and gorgeous interior design. Then, during my stay at the Nobis Hotel in Stockholm, I was mesmerized by the enchanting fusion of Scandinavian interior design and architecture, and that's exactly why I opted to lodge in Hotel St. George, Helsinki, a Member of Design Hotels™ in Helsinki, Finland. Hotel St. George, once home to the Finnish Literature Society, ranks among the best ones I have ever stayed in; every aspect of the hotel blew my mind, from hospitality to amenities. I’m thrilled to share my review of Hotel St. George, Helsinki, a Member of Design Hotels™:
Hotel St. George is located at Yrjönkatu 13 C, 00120 Helsinki, Finland.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
I earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points by using my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on dining and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other purchases. Paired with Marriott’s promotions and AMEX offers, it opens doors to endless points-earning opportunities.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card comes with great benefits that can substantially offset its annual fee.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card does come with a hefty $650 annual fee but offers tons of perks to significantly offset its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
$25 monthly dining credit—$300 total in a year
$100 property credit when booked directly with Marriott and staying a minimum of two nights at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
An 85,000-point Free Night Award
Access to Priority Pass lounges
25 Elite Night Credits for chasing Marriott Bonvoy status
Even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often, this card is still a must-have, in my opinion. It’s a true example of a keeper card that offers benefits that outweigh the annual fee.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
If you are looking for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card with a low annual fee, consider the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first six months from account opening. On top of that, you can earn additional 50,000 bonus points by staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott Bonvoy hotels through January 31, 2024—totaling 125,000 bonus points. I personally value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making the 125,000 points offer worth $1,000. The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card earns 6X points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases every year on dining, grocery stores, and gas stations, and 2X points on all other purchases.
Be aware that 15 elite night credits from the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card can’t be combined with 15 elite night credits from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card’s annual fee is $95, and it offers useful perks to offset the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits that will help you achieve a higher Marriott Bonvoy status
Please note that you can’t combine Elite Night Credits from two Marriott Bonvoy personal credit cards, but you can stack Elite Night Credits from one personal and one Marriott Bonvoy business card. Thus, if you own both AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, you would only earn 25 elite night credits.
If you’d like to apply for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you!
The last Marriott Bonvoy credit card you could use would be the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. Considering that the annual membership costs $125, you get paid to have the card! The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 4X points on dining, U.S. shipping purchases, U.S. wireless telephone services, and at U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn 2X points.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card is the only Marriott business card on the market.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card’s annual fee is $125, and it offers valuable benefits to justify the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits, which can be combined with 15 Elite Night Credits from other personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
As you can see, the card’s benefits are less substantial than the ones from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but it is a great long-term keeper card due to its annual Free Night Award perk. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary if you want to chase a higher Marriott Bonvoy status because it is the only Marriott business card that is on the market and will grant you an additional 15 Elite Night Credits. Lastly, even though it is a business credit card, it is very likely that you could get it approved. Check out my article on how to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
Hotel St. George is located in the heart of Helsinki and overlooks Old Church Park. Located next to popular shopping malls like City Center Mall and Forum, you can conveniently shop for souvenirs and luxury goods. The Central Railway Station is right by the hotel, and attractions like the Helsinki Cathedral, the Ateneum Art Museum, and the National Museum of Finland are within walking distance.
Lobby & Check-In Review
As soon as I entered the hotel, I couldn’t stop smiling because it was such a joy to look around. Since Hotel St. George is part of the Design Hotels portfolio, the hotel was filled with art, from paintings to large installations.
This white dragon installation was created by Weiwei—one of Asia’s most famous artists.
The check-in desk was located on the hotel's second floor, and you could use the stairs or elevators to reach the desk.
Hotel St. George offered elevators for those who are handicapped or have heavy luggage.
The lobby exuded an air of minimalistic sophistication, adorned with captivating artwork that transported me to the ambiance of a quaint gallery.
Art is an integral theme of the hotel, and it was fun to discover hidden pieces in the hotel during my stay.
There was only one check-in desk, but two guests could be assisted at once. Upon checking in, the front desk representative acknowledged my Titanium Elite status and upgraded me to an atelier with a balcony. However, there was a slight technical hiccup with my room, and the hotel offered a complimentary upgrade to the presidential suite—St. George Stuie.
The team at St. George was very accommodating and ensured my entire stay was flawless.
She explained breakfast hours at Boon Nam, a Thai restaurant on the hotel’s ground floor. Despite my Titanium Elite status, breakfast was not complimentary and instead came at a cost of €32 per person. The receptionist recommended I book a table for the next morning, and she also assisted in securing a timeslot for St. George Care–-the hotel’s premium spa and wellness center. I was thrilled to move to the best room in Hotel St. George, and my unforgettable stay began on the third floor, where St. George Suite was located.
Living Room & Balcony Review
Measuring over 1,000 square feet, the living room was absolutely massive. The floorplan began with a large walk-in closet, big enough to store a week-worth of clothes and belongings.
The walk-in closet was expansive, capable of accommodating a wardrobe that could last for weeks.
The suite revealed itself with a beautiful herringbone-patterned wood floor. At its heart was a long dining table in an emerald blue hue, with eight leather seats.
The living room, akin to a presidential suite, surpassed any other hotel accommodation I had experienced in terms of size and grandeur.
Because I didn’t travel with a large party, the dining table naturally became my workstation, which was phenomenal since I could lay out all of my work items and still had ample space. On the table, a box of artisanal truffles and a handwritten card from the hotel staff greeted me. The chocolate was delicious; a few of them were vegan and were made without animal products.
Some of these artisanal chocolates were vegan, so everyone could enjoy them!
In the corner was a small cabinet, which contained a sparkling water maker by SodaStream. When in Finland, there is no need to buy bottled water since Finnish tap water is one of the cleanest and best-tasting tap water in the world.
The commitment of Hotel St. George to environmental sustainability was evident with a reusable glass water bottle in my suite.
The SodaStream appliance offered a convenient solution for effortlessly adding bubbles to my water whenever I pleased. The entire living space was about 40 ft long, and a more intimate lounge space was situated on the opposite end of the bedroom.
The entertainment area was beautifully decorated with living plants, stylish furniture, and captivating art, creating a beautifully orchestrated space.
A floor-to-the-ceiling paneled wall was equipped with a slide to hide a smart TV in a stylish manner, and microfiber lounge seats were centered around the TV.
You could use an embedded shutter to hide a TV when it’s not in use.
Hotel St. George saw the TV as more than just an entertainment platform. It cleverly utilized this medium to showcase its wide range of amenities, including dining options and wellness experiences. For example, you could look up breakfast or lounge hours, and a cute illustration accompanied every informational page to depict the offering.
The TV functioned as a digital guidebook, providing an interactive introduction to the hotel and its amenities, thereby reducing unnecessary paper waste.
The TV even offered a home workout routine with resistance bands, but I highly recommend going to the hotel gym because it was outstanding.
I found this resistance band in the walk-in closet, and it came with exercise cards you can do with the band.
The microfiber seats were surprisingly ergonomic, and their natural wooden legs and neutral colorway were undoubtedly Scandinavian. The coffee table resembled a bar cart, and there were three paper booklets about the hotel. The story of St. George illustrated the hotel’s rooms and suites. I again fell in love with the gorgeous illustrations of the hotel, and it was meaningful to gain an insight into the hotel’s history and the inspiration behind each room and interior design. The second booklet was about St. George Care, and it detailed the spa and wellness menu and highlighted the hotel’s holistic approach to well-being. The last booklet was all about art at Hotel St. George. It went beyond just listing the names of each artwork and showcased the intended interpretation and presentation of each piece from artists. Moreover, the hotel included excerpts about the artworks, in relation to different Finnish art eras.
My favorite was the art booklet where I could learn about Finnish art history and the St. George Hotel’s collection.
Each booklet was a pleasure to browse, I asked the front desk if I could take them home, and they gladly approved. I admired the living room for its understated elegance, as opposed to an excessive and extravagant display of design elements. For example, you’d instantly assume there would be chandeliers in a presidential suite, but instead, the living room had minimalistic light spheres. At first glance, they seemed ordinary, but I realized the intricate textural details on the exterior of the spheres reflected and dispersed unique patterns onto the surrounding wall.
The ceiling light cast and diffused distinctive patterns onto the surrounding wall, creating a mesmerizing display of visual artistry.
In my opinion, they were more impressive than typical chandeliers. The living room showcased the clean but warm theme of Scandinavian design. The fiddle-leaf fig and rubber plant breathed life into the space, and the wall art and wooden chessboard made me feel cozy and at home.
I appreciated the presence of living plants in the suite, as they infused the suite with vibrancy and life.
Another sweet amenity of the St. George Suite is that it comes with a private balcony. While the neighboring rooms had balconies connecting them, I had the privilege of having the only balcony on my suite's side, ensuring utmost privacy from other guests.
There was only one balcony on this particular side of the hotel, ensuring exclusive privacy without any neighboring balconies in sight.
The balcony was accessible from both the living room and bedroom, and it measured over 100 square feet. It overlooked the Old Church Park and picturesque streets full of art galleries.
The Old Church Park, also referred to as "The Plague Park" (Ruttopuisto), earned its name as it became the final resting place for victims of the devastating 1710 plague.
Due to the weather, I didn’t use the balcony as much as I’d liked to, but I adored the gorgeous views of Helsinki every time I stepped outside.
Kitchenette Review
The living room seamlessly flowed into a kitchenette, and there was another entry point for the suite. Furthermore, the kitchenette featured an extra doorway that led to the adjacent Atelier room, allowing for potential expansion and connection of rooms.
The addition of a kitchenette offered an additional access point to the suite.
The kitchenette presented a sleek gray acrylic countertop, while the cabinets were stocked with an array of wine glasses, plates, and cutlery, allowing for the option of a cozy dinner at the suite when necessary.
Guests can indulge in the convenience of in-room dining with a range of essential utensils and tableware sets at their disposal.
The only downside was that it didn’t have a microwave to heat up food. As anticipated, there was no burner stove, but instead, a compact drawer fridge was provided for storing food and beverages. The drawer mini-fridge featured an impressive array of beverages, including champagne, rosé, white wine, beer, soda, and juice.
Every single drink and snack in the suite was part of the room rate, including wine and champagne.
On the countertop, there were more snacks like artisanal chocolate, nuts, chips, and a demi bottle of red wine from Côtes du Rhône.
The coffee chocolate by Goodio was 100% vegan and gluten-free chocolate that tasted excellent.
One of the perks of staying at the St. George Suite was that the minibar was included in the room rate. I couldn’t finish all of it, so I ended up taking some home. However, I did enjoy some beer while taking a bath at night, and the ginger-lemon shot and the mango matcha drink kickstarted my day in the morning. If coffee is your go-to beverage in the morning, look no further, because the kitchenette had a Nespresso coffee machine with about 30 Nespresso pods.
I was happy to see a jar full of Nespresso pods, but the kitchenette only had two reusable mugs.
I was astounded by the abundance of espresso pods in the hotel room, readily available without needing to request additional ones from the front desk throughout my stay. If you prefer to have drip coffee, the hotel has you covered. There were coffee “dippers” from Freshdrip, which brewed a perfect cup of pour-over coffee using 100% arabica coffee from Colombia.
Freshdrip's pour-over coffee offered a convenient and delightful way to savor the richness of top-quality, freshly brewed coffee.
The pour-over was delicious, and the flavor was out of the world compared to typical instant coffee. Of course, various teabags by Althaus were at your disposal, and if there was one component I wish the hotel had done differently would be to have extra cups. The kitchenette had only two mugs, so I quickly ran out of clean glassware. Given that the St. George Suite can fetch a staggering nightly rate of up to 3,000 USD, it's safe to assume that providing a complimentary minibar was a trivial expense for the hotel. Nevertheless, it was really memorable that I had access to the entire minibar, and the experience spotlighted the hotel’s unparalleled approach to hospitality.
Bedroom Review
On the opposite end of the kitchenette was the bedroom, which was separated from the living room by solid double doors.
The double door guarantees utmost privacy when the connected room is occupied by your party.
The bedroom was an intimate space with a minimalistic Scandinavian interior design, featuring the same herringbone patterned wood flooring with tall ceilings. Upon entering the room, on each side of the wall was a large closet that would provide additional storage space for clothes.
The walk-in closet already provided more than enough space for clothes, but why not have more closet space?
The king-sized bed was equipped with a mattress from DUX, which is one of the best premium mattress producers in the world. I first encountered DUX at Nobis Hotel Stockholm, and fell in love with its heavenly comfort.
Much like the living room, the ceiling light in the bedroom illuminated captivating patterns on the surrounding walls.
Without a doubt, I had a good night’s sleep during my stay, and the sheets were exceptionally soft. Rather than excessive decor, the room featured an elegant spherical ceiling light casting intricate patterns on the wall. Additional soft ambient lighting beautifully illuminated the edges along the walls, creating a soothing atmosphere. On each bedside was a floating nightstand with master light switches and charging ports for electronics.
The floating nightstand came equipped with integrated charging ports, allowing guests to conveniently charge electronic devices while they sleep.
Similar to the living room, the bedroom had another TV housed in a paneled wall with a shutter functionality.
The bedroom boasted an additional smart TV, expanding the viewing experience into the comfort of the sleeping quarters.
The bedroom provided direct access to the balcony, offering a refreshing breeze to greet you each morning. The cozy ambiance of the room enveloped me in a comforting embrace, inducing a state of tranquility and relaxation. With minimalistic furnishings, the space allowed me to fully immerse myself in a restorative night's sleep, undisturbed by unnecessary distractions.
Bathroom Review
The presidential suite boasted two bathrooms, each with its own unique charm. The half bath, conveniently located near the primary entrance, featured a pristine white floating single sink vanity and gorgeous dark gray Mexican marble on its walls and flooring.
The half bathroom utilized gorgeous dark gray Mexican marble, adding an elegant touch to its overall aesthetic.
The frameless mirror was pretty big with ambient lighting in the back and was sandwiched between tall light bars. The floating toilet came with a bidet, and even though it was a half bath, it had multiple light controls and a significant amount of ambient lighting to accentuate naturally exquisite materials.
Every toilet in the St. George suite was equipped with a bidet.
If you were impressed by the half bath, hold your breath for the master bathroom because it was my favorite part of the suite. The master bathroom, seamlessly connected to the bedroom, was absolutely spectacular. It was finished with dark gray Mexican marble and featured a spacious double sink vanity and an expansive mirror.
The double-sink vanity in the master bathroom followed the same design language of the half bathroom.
Soft, ambient lighting illuminated the area, casting a gentle glow that provided additional brightness to the bathroom and enhanced the surrounding atmosphere in a perfectly balanced manner. The toiletries were by L:A Bruket, and they were mildly scented with natural moisturizing ingredients. The toiletries were in sizable bottles to reduce unnecessary plastic waste. One of my favorite things about the vanity was that it had a basket full of fresh hand towels, and it was such a simple pleasure to be able to dry my hands with a fresh towel each time.
Every day, fresh hand towels were provided, adding a touch of luxury to each handwashing experience.
Under the vanity was a toiletry basket that contained various goodies, including bath salts, bath bubbles, and reusable dental and shaving kits. I tried both bath salts and bath bubbles, and each product was a convenient and nourishing way to pamper myself at night.
The bath salts were mildly fragrant, providing a relaxing bathing experience to guests.
The master bathroom had a soaking tub and a walk-in shower. The shower was equipped with both a revitalizing rainfall showerhead and a convenient handheld option. L:A Bruket products were again in communal bottles, and I enjoyed that they didn’t strip moisture away from my skin. The hotel designed the bathroom with a glass barrier separating the water closet from the shower.
While the water closet may have sacrificed privacy with its clear glass walls, the seamless aesthetics were undeniably stunning.
The water closet had its own single-sink vanity and was configured the same way as the half bath. The toilet bowl was equipped with a bidet, and at night, the bowl would glow so the lighting could lead you to the toilet without turning on the lights.
Providing a spacious single-sink vanity within the water closet allowed guests to maintain their hygiene with ease.
What I really appreciated was the fact that the water closet had its own dedicated single-sink vanity so you could wash your hands before and after you were done with your business. The soaking tub was long and deep enough to submerge your entire body. As with other Finnish hotels, the water could get really hot or cold, so be cautious whenever you fill up the tub.
The standalone tub comfortably accommodated two adults, and I highly suggest elevating your bathing experience with aromatic bath salts and foam.
If you were impressed by the amenities, layout, and interiors of the master bathroom, wait to be surprised because the bathroom had a private Finnish sauna.
The highlight of the master bathroom was a private Finnish sauna—exclusive to the St. George suite.
The sauna was equipped with a brass bucket and a ladle, allowing you to generate steam at your preferred pace. Moreover, its ample size comfortably accommodated approximately six individuals. When using and sharing a public sauna in Helsinki, you are usually required to wear a swimsuit. However, since the sauna in the suite was completely private, you could go fully naked and experience the genuine Finnish sauna culture at your leisure.
The private Finnish sauna was what truly set the St. George Suite apart, and I was able to experience genuine Finnish sauna culture at my own leisure.
In my opinion, the sauna was the part that made the St. George Suite worth its room rate. I used the sauna every time I came back to my room and filled the bathtub with icy cold water to mimic the authentic Finnish sauna culture. If you are new to saunas, be careful not to touch the stone basket because they are piping hot. I don’t think I had ever spoken so highly about a bathroom, but the master bathroom in the St. George Suite was worth the praise. It had all imaginable luxurious features, including a soaking tub, rainfall-style shower, private water closet complete with a sink, and private Finnish sauna all within the suite. It was truly an unforgettable experience. If budget is not a concern, I highly recommend reserving the St. George Suite for its private sauna because you will never want to leave.
Gym Review—Playground Gym
The gym, or Playground Gym as Hotel St. George likes to call it, is located on the ground floor and is open 24/7.
It was difficult to find plastic water bottles at Hotel St. George due to its attention to environmental sustainability.
The gym was tightly packed with gym equipment but managed to include essential machines and other gear to elevate your workout experience to the next level. The gym had a limited selection of cardio machines available, but the highlight was the weightlifting area.
The cardio equipment was outdated, and there was a limited selection to begin with.
Though there was only one adjustable bench, dumbbells went up to 30kg, equivalent to 66 lbs, and the rest of the fitness center catered to more weightlifting and CrossFit activities.
The dumbbells had an expansive weight range of up to 30kg, which is equivalent to approximately 66 lbs.
There were two Olympic bars present, lacking safety pins. Moreover, there was even artificial grass designated for sled push exercises. Plenty of gym balls and kettlebells were available to create more challenging scenarios for workout routines.
Since there are no safety pins, exercise caution when lifting by prioritizing proper form and technique.
Since you might not have a spotter while lifting, it's important to exercise caution and avoid ego-lifting, particularly when working with Olympic bars. Although the gym's interior had a more industrial aesthetic than I had anticipated, I found solace in the vibrant atmosphere that catered to weightlifters and CrossFit enthusiasts alike.
Spa Review—St. George Care Spa
St. George Care Spa was also on the ground floor, and you could either use the elevators from the hotel or stairs on the Lönnrotinkatu street level. I checked in with the spa receptionist to begin my relaxing time at St. George Care Spa. Because the spa was unisex, everyone was required to wear proper swimsuits. The locker rooms were divided based on gender. The male locker room was clean, accentuated by the gentle scent emanating from a diffuser.
As I entered the locker room, I was greeted by gentle and soothing fragrances emanating from a diffuser.
There were two shower booths, featuring toiletries by L:A Bruket. The hotel provided complimentary lockers to secure my belongings conveniently. Additionally, there was an open space designated for hair drying and grooming purposes.
Getting ready after a swim was a breeze thanks to the well-equipped vanities, although it would have been even better if there were multiple hair dryers available.
One thing I particularly appreciated was the availability of spa slippers. Unlike regular in-room slippers, which tend to be flimsy and absorb water quickly, the spa slippers were designed with a non-slip feature, making them perfect for wet surfaces. Moreover, the synthetic rubber material used in the spa slippers proved to be highly water-resistant, adding to their effectiveness.
Instead of your regular room slippers, wear these non-slip slippers for use in the spa.
After changing your clothes, you could either enjoy sumptuous spa offerings such as body and facial treatments or enter the pool and sauna area. In the common space, a well-stocked hydration station provided guests with a variety of regular and flavored water options to ensure optimal hydration.
Finnish tap water is one of the best in the world; Make sure to stay hydrated, especially after a sauna session.
Before heading into the pool, I sipped on a refreshing glass of Finnish tap water, but one could alternatively indulge in a glass of champagne or opt for nutritious choices, such as sea buckthorn juice. St. George Care Spa featured Finnish and Turkish saunas as well as an indoor, infinity pool. Before entering the sauna, I took a swim in the pool; it was trimmed with gently sloping edges, creating a tranquil ambiance.
The tranquil atmosphere of the infinity pool provided an idyllic escape.
In addition, only individuals 16 years or older are allowed in both the gym and spa, so you won’t see youngsters running around anywhere. The pool water was slightly heated, and the pool depth was 1.2 meters (about 4 ft). Because the water was shallow, the pool had an underwater bench along the side of the pool so that guests could take a break in the water. The pool was devoid of sunbeds and instead only had a few chairs towards the rear.
The serene ambiance of the spa was perfectly complemented by the minimalist design of the pool.
With its carefully chosen color scheme, ambient lighting, and thoughtfully arranged layout, the pool epitomized the concept of "less is more." The minimalist aesthetics created an exquisite ambiance that invited one to disconnect from the noise and truly savor the present moment. After swimming, I tried the Turkish steam bath and Finnish sauna. Unlike my experience at the Telegraaf Hotel in Estonia, the steam room at Hotel St. George got pretty hot. I loved the woody aroma in the Finnish sauna, and the heat effectively detoxified my body.
The Finnish sauna at the spa was a great way to detoxify my body and relax my muscles after a swim.
After about 15 minutes, I decided it was time to give my body a cooldown. I went straight into the ice dip, which was filled with icy cold water sourced from the mineral-rich depths of Finland. Designed for one person only, the dip was deep enough to fully submerge even the tallest of adults, so exercise caution when using the dip.
It is quite uncommon to find a genuine icy dip at hotels, so take advantage of it following a steamy sauna session.
You can rotate between the sauna and ice bath as many times as you want, and when you are ready to leave, you can wash off using one of the two showers before returning to your room. As the name indicates, St. George Care Spa took guests' well-being seriously, and it was a relaxing sanctuary for mind and body. Unlike other Finnish or Estonian hotels, I really appreciated that Hotel St. George incorporated the ice dip to emulate the authentic Finnish sauna culture. St. George Care Spa was such a peaceful haven to disconnect and relax your mind, and you should never miss this state-of-the-art facility when lodging at Hotel St. George.
Bar Review—Wintergarden Restaurant & Bar
The Wintergarden Restaurant & Bar (Wintergarden) was a stunning lounge on the same level as the reception. Most notably, it featured a massive six-meter-long bird sculpture by Pekka Jylhä—a Finnish sculptor known for using artificial and organic materials. The sculpture, Learning to Fly, was made of brass, and its positioning under the skylight ceiling was exquisite.
Wintergarden was more than just a mere dining venue; it was a vibrant and creative gathering place for people to come together and connect.
Wintergarden offered a multitude of seating options, providing guests with both relaxation and intimate spaces for small social gatherings.
I wholeheartedly suggest indulging in Wintergarden's delectable signature cocktails.
Its elegant nooks added an additional touch of sophistication to the overall ambiance. The nooks used to be part of The Helsinki Finnish Club from 1929 to 1959, and the hotel exhibited photographs to depict the past. When I visited Wintergarden during the evening, it was apparent that the cozy nooks were quite popular among small groups of guests.
Wintergarden had three nooks—intimate and elegant rooms for small social gatherings.
I grabbed one of the tables in the center of the lounge and ordered a class or Riesling, using a complimentary beverage coupon I received during check-in. The voucher solely applied to drinks available on the complimentary beverage menu, which was limited to standard alcoholic beverages.
The complimentary drink menu at Wintergarden offered a decent array of beverages.
Because of the minor inconvenience I experienced with my original room, the front desk actually gave me another drink voucher, so I had a glass of Piemonte from Northern Italy.
I exchanged my complimentary drink voucher with a glass of Riesling.
Both glasses were tasty, but the highlight of Wintergarden was its signature cocktails. The signature cocktail menu colorfully illustrated the drinks, and it was a nice touch that the bar provided descriptive tasting notes for a few selections.
Even if you're unfamiliar with the ingredients, brief tasting notes can provide a glimpse into the cocktails.
I was only going to order one signature cocktail, and it had to be The Blackbird. It was inspired by the bird sculpture Learning to Fly by Pekka Jylhä.
The Blackbird cocktail was not only delightfully delicious but also memorable in its whimsical presentation.
Its base liquor was vodka, and the drink was a refined and tasteful representation of wild berries in Finland. In addition, the glassware was such a joy to look at. As a mixology enthusiast, I enjoyed my time at Wintergarden, savoring creative cocktails.
Dinner Review—Boon Nam
On the ground floor of Hotel St. George, there was a renowned Thai restaurant known as Boon Nam. As I perused the Michelin Guide, I was curious to see how the complex flavors of Thai cuisine would be interpreted in the Finnish context.
Boon Nam is a popular and fun Thai restaurant nestled on the lower level of Hotel St. George.
My dinner reservation was relatively late, at 9:30 PM on a Saturday night, but the restaurant was still very full of people.
Despite the late hour of 9:30 PM, the restaurant was bustling with patrons enjoying aromatic Thai food.
Boone Nam centered around family-style dinners, fostering an atmosphere where guests are encouraged to share multiple dishes. Yet, dining alone posed a predicament—I didn't want to over-order and let food go to waste by selecting more than one entree. The waitress kindly suggested the option of half portions for the entrees, with the corresponding adjustment made to the bill. As a foodie, that was such great news, and I started with BBQ Mhu Bhing.
I would advise against ordering appetizers in half portions as they tend to be too small in size.
Sadly, the half-portioned dish only had one skewer. While the Iberico pork was juicy, it did not quite live up to the mouthwatering barbeques of my hometown—Austin, Texas. For my entrees, I ordered Tom Yam Prawns and Curry Beef Short Rib.
The sweet and spicy chili sauce in the prawn dish showcased a complex symphony of flavors.
The prawns were fantastic; the dish had slight heat from chilis, and a wave of umami from fish sauce excellently paired with tom yam butter. The ribs were decent, although a few of them were slightly dry. The sauce was creamy and rich, but I preferred the sauce in the prawn dish much more. The restaurant served me a small side of papaya salad and a bowl of rice, and the papaya salad was a superb palate cleanser with tangy vinegary notes.
For an upscale experience of Thai cuisine in the heart of Helsinki, check out Boon Nam.
Because Thai food is generally salty, Boon Nam was no exception. All the dishes I tried leaned towards the saltier side, but I was more than satisfied with the restaurant serving genuine Thai food. I’d advise booking a table in advance, and I hope you enjoy delicious Thai food at Boon Nam and stimulate your taste buds.
Breakfast Review—Boon Nam
Despite having Titanium Elite status, breakfast was not complimentary. The breakfast at Hotel St. George cost €32 per person, and the hotel served it at Boon Nam—the same Thai restaurant where I had dinner.
In the morning, Boon Nam had a completely distinct ambiance, far removed from the usual energetic vibes.
I reserved a table when I checked in, and the restaurant guaranteed me an hour of table time. I was seated immediately when I arrived at the restaurant at 7 AM the following day. I began my morning with a cup of frothy cappuccino accompanied by a glass of apple juice.
Try a shot of ginger juice with sea buckthorn juice! Sea buckthorn is a type of cactus plant with tart, sour, and slightly sweet characteristics—an excellent substitute for lemon in cocktails.
To my surprise, the attentive waitress went above and beyond, presenting me with an entire carafe of apple juice. As I relished the beverages, she also served a delectable basket of freshly baked sourdough bread with homemade butter. The sourdough was to die for; since it was baked at St. George Bakery & Bar, you can visit the bakery and buy some even if you are not staying at Hotel St. George. The hot food items consisted of typical fares like scrambled eggs, sausage, and pancakes but also featured unconventional items like pork belly, quiche, eggs in hell, and roasted root vegetables.
If you desire an alternative egg dish from the buffet, the kitchen also offers other tasty options such as eggs benedict or omelet.
The most notable dish was the pork belly; it was crispy on top, and the meat had intriguing notes of five spice. Boon Nam’s South Asian roots successfully executed the deep umami flavor profile of pork belly. I paired the pork belly with pancakes, and the sweet-savory combination worked well, in my opinion. As expected, the breakfast sausage in Scandinavia was flavorful with slightly smoky notes.
Every dish was exceptional, but the pork belly and sourdough were my absolute favorites.
I was more than satisfied with the quality and quantity of food, so I didn’t bother exploring additional menu items. Even though I was getting full, I had to explore the meat and cheese section because I needed an excuse to eat more sourdough. All cuts were neatly presented and showcased smoked turkey, traditional smoked Finnish pork, and smoked salmon.
True to its Nordic roots, the smoked salmon delivered exceptional flavors.
Amongst all, I particularly enjoyed the smoked Finnish ham, as it was moist and had a bolder pork flavor that outshone the traditional American counterpart. Among the cheese varieties offered at the buffet, my preference leaned towards the delightful port salut cheese, with its mildness and creamy flavor. As I explored the salad station, I found an abundant selection of fresh vegetables and a variety of salads —potato salad, lentil salad, and couscous salad—along with some non-traditional breakfast condiments like baba ganoush and hummus for dipping root vegetables.
It was refreshing to encounter unconventional salads like couscous and lentil salads.
The lentil salad with pickled onion had a medley of crunchy textures, and the couscous salad had a spicy kick to it. All items were healthy and organic, and the restaurant kindly provided a name card for each dish, clearly mentioning dietary restrictions and accommodations.
Each dish featured a name card with clearly indicated dietary restrictions and accommodations.
For example, each name card mentioned whether the food is gluten-free, lactose-free, and/or vegan. Even though I don’t have any dietary restrictions, I respect Hotel St. George for making considerate efforts to make breakfast more inclusive. Before indulging in dessert, I prepared a fruit bowl with yogurt, topping it off with a touch of homemade muesli.
The homemade muesli provided a satisfying textural contrast when combined with yogurt.
The muesli was crunchy and had dried forest berries and toasted coconut. While I savored pineapples and honeydew melon, passion fruit was the best.
The passion fruit was my absolute favorite for its tart and sweet tropical notes.
It was incredibly fresh and ripe, and I couldn’t resist going for another one after another. I ended my breakfast by sampling some pastries such as brownies, croissants, and cinnamon cardamom rolls.
The dessert options leaned towards the lighter side, but one item that stole the show was the cinnamon cardamom rolls.
All in all, the breakfast was absolutely fantastic. The crispy skin of the pork belly and freshly baked sourdough were my favorites, but all other dishes were fresh and presented a complex array of flavor profiles that you wouldn’t normally encounter at hotel breakfast bars. Coupled with a pleasant ambiance and friendly staff, the breakfast was well worth more than €32. If you’re looking for an absolute feast of spectacular breakfast food, don’t hesitate to book your morning breakfast table at Hotel St. George.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The breakfast was exceptionally remarkable. I liked unconventional food items like crispy pork belly and couscous salad, as well as classic Finnish dishes. Everything was fresh, and the sourdough was one of the best bread I’ve ever tasted. I would love to have breakfast at Hotel St. George again, just to have another bite of that warm and soft sourdough.
While Helsinki has plenty of attractions and activities, you must spend time at St. George Care Spa and the gym. The hotel offers a full package, and you can detoxify and rejuvenate your body and mind in its Finnish and Turkish saunas. After sweating off, cool your body down in the ice dip to experience the authentic Finnish sauna culture. You will never want to leave this wellness sanctuary.
The service from the staff was unparalleled. From the upgrades to another complimentary drink coupon, the staff never complained and always assisted me with a smile.
The St. George Suite was the finest suite I’ve experienced. The minimalistic Scandinavian design elements in the suite, paired with beautiful art in every corner, the St. George Suite wasn’t shy at indicating why it was the hotel’s best room. The complimentary minibar and spacious private balcony were incredible amenities, but the private Finnish sauna in the master bathroom was my absolute favorite.
Negatives
Though I initially encountered a faulty bathroom hood, my concern was immediately resolved as I was upgraded to another room. There was nothing negative to report about my lodging experience at Hotel St. George.
Summary
I wish I could’ve stayed longer at Hotel St. George, Helsinki, a Member of Design Hotels™. I was upgraded to the presidential suite, and the lodging experience at the St. George Suite was unrivaled. The master bathroom had a private Finnish sauna, and the living room featured artfully designed natural furniture as well as a roomy private balcony. The entire minibar was complimentary, and free drink vouchers at Wintergarden Restaurant & Bar allowed me to enjoy delicious wine and cocktails at night. Both dinner and breakfast experiences at Boon Nam were remarkable, and if you cannot afford the time to dine for either occasion, I strongly recommend grabbing sourdough from St. George Bakery & Bar. During your stay, I suggest you maximize your time at St. George Care Spa, immersed in the authentic Finnish sauna culture by reinvigorating your body and mind with saunas and the ice dip. My time at Hotel St. George was utterly extraordinary, and Hotel St. George should be the top choice for anyone visiting Helsinki, Finland.
