Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Hameenlinna

I never stayed here before the extensive renovations which were finalized by the end of July 2025. We had a 1-night staycation here with friends, and this property has received the most amazing glow up I’ve seen in a while. This property (as in pictures) used to be depressing and visually almost like November in Finland – cold, grey and just unpleasant. The interior designers definitely delivered here, and I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the team for the success. Warm, earthy tones and materials, also some locally sourced design elements – all carefully curated. Even the corridors leading to the rooms were beautiful to look at. Our Suite (517) had a direct lake view and separate living area from the bedroom. The sauna was small but much appreciated. The in-room tech worked as it should – brand new, although not always the smartest (the bedroom and living room shared lighting controls). Sokos Hotels recently refreshed their Originals hotels’ breakfast concept. Fortunately, the breakfast offered at the Le Blason restaurant was just as extensive and delicious as it was pre-renovations. One thing to mention: we would’ve loved to have in-room breakfast and enjoy what our Suite had to offer but at outrageous 22€ per person (on top of the usual breakfast charge!) we definitely did not use this service. I understand the lack of staff sometimes can’t be help, and this is where € comes in to compensate, but in-room breakfast should be offered to Suite guests everywhere for no extra charge – in my hotel philosophy at least. I am truly happy that my home town now has a hotel that’s most definitely worth visiting, by tourists but even by locals and out of towners. Best of luck to the management.

This hotel is one of the best hotels I have ever visited in Finland and I have visited a lot of hotels. The hotel has just been renovated and it looks absolutely gorgeous. We arrived late on our visit and we had a fantastic surprise from the staff: our room had been upgrated! Our new room was a suite with two open-concept rooms, sauna and balcony. The room was very spacious and the renovation was made very stylish. In the morning we had an excellent breakfast. Tuorepuuro and little "munkki" was my favourite. Fresh fruits and a various selection of warm dishes were offered. The hotel manager himself came to ask if we liked everything and we did. The staff were also very nice and polite. Thank you very much for an unforgettible visit!

The hotel is in a great location near the train station, restaurants and museums. The room was clean and comfortable. The bathroom was also very clean. There was a good selection of breakfast food including some excellent dark roast coffee.

Sokos Vaakuna is located very conveniently less than 5 min walk from the railway station, 5 min walk from Verkatehdas venue, 10-15 min walk from the city center and right by the lake, with a view to Häme castle. Some of the rooms have balconies. The hotel is clean and of sufficient level (3-star level), the breakfast and restaurant are nice and service very good all over the hotel.

restaraunt was closed for dinner both nights we stayed

Ok stay, why no gym or mini fridge in room Hotel is good, very good breakfast. Room was ok. My only disappointments : no mini fridge to cool something and no gym! I think for a small town like this they should make parking free