Retkeilyhotelli Laajari

Retkeilyhotelli Laajari, a very nice hostel, is located on the site of a winter ski resort, which lies relatively dormant in summer except for a few activities on site. The building is a fair distance from town (about four kilometers), but it's an easy trip on the 25/25K bus that stops at the city center, costs a couple of euros, and takes you straight to the hostel. You pass through a Scan Burger when walking through the main entrance before getting to the reception. Numerous food items are available for purchase.

The building is spotless and looks newly-built. The dorms are smaller rooms with four beds, some closet space, and a sink. There is a TV room with tables and chairs, a kitchen, and a lounge area available (including a pay phone that seems to work with Finland's "blocked access numbers" used by some international phone cards). The bathrooms are a good size and clean, although the showers are shared (there is a curtain for the shower area, but not in between individual showers).

Downstairs there is a large laundry room with washers, dryers, sinks, and a drying room. There is also a sauna available. The atmosphere seems to be a bit on the quiet side, but there is plenty of space to hang out. Linen and towels are provided, as is a free breakfast in the morning. There are no lockers or checked-baggage services, things must be left in the room. Credit cards are accepted. Finnhostel Laajari is a Key Hostel (www.keyhostels.com), so non-HI members can still get the discount if they have picked up a card from another Key Hostel.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review