This hostel is about a twenty minute walk west of the train station, but is quite easy to find with the help of the map. Although it looks like a big tenement block from the outside it is quite comfortable on the inside. The building is used as student accommodation during the winter months so it is quite well kept but not to the modern standards of some other hostels.
The reception is right at the front door and there is usually a couple of staff on hand who speak quite a few languages to help speed up check in. Just in front of the reception is a common room with cable TV and internet point. There are three computers with a fast internet connection, and time can be bought from the reception from one euro. There is also a kitchen in this area if you are in need of an alternative to eating out.
Our twin room with unsuite was on the second floor but there is a lift to take you to the higher floors if you have a lot of baggage. The room was quite spacious with two single beds at either end of the room, a desk, and some shelving on the walls. Also included in the room was a small kitchenette, equipped with a sink, a hob, and a fridge. The bathroom was to the same standard as the room and all in all it was very clean when we arrived. There was never a problem with hot water at any point of the day either.
Academia was quite a cheap alternative to some of the other hostels in Helsinki. It is a bit out of the way for most of the sights of the city though, and is even a good forty-five minute walk to the Olympic stadium. There was not much of an atmosphere to this hostel, which is partly due to the fact that there is no bar and the only real place to meet people is in front of the TV in the common area. We would recommend if you are only staying a short period of time in Helsinki to look for somewhere a bit closer to all the main attractions, but if you don't mind a little walk every morning then Academia is an ideal place to stay.
— Recensione esclusiva Hostelz.com
September 2006
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