The Hilton Helsinki Strand used to be part of the Scandic Intercontinental hotel chains, until becoming a Hilton Hotel. I recently stayed for four nights as I was attending a conference in Helsinki and its location was very convenient for the Bank of Finland - it was a pleasant 5-10 minute walk along Unionkatu to the Bank.

The hotel is located very centrally - being only a few metres walk from Hakaniemi Square, where there is an underground station as well as buses to Vantaa airport. A walk into the city centre (e.g. to the main station) is no more than 15 minutes walk and there are also taxis available around the clock.

The breakfast was a self-service buffet - with a variety of breakfasts - from the continental, through to a cooked breakfast. There was a constantly replenished supply of food and tea and coffee was brought to your table. For me, work doesn't seem nearly so hard when you have enjoyed smoked salmon for breakfast with a pot of good strong coffee. Breakfast is served from 6:00am local time until 10:00am - later on Sundays and is included in the price. At weekends there are also brunch options and the foyer bar and restaurants often have a special promotion on - although I tend never to drink in the hotel bar, unless I absolutely have to.

My room was spacious - I had a twin room for my single rate, with a desk and sitting area and an en-suite bathroom with bath, shower, bidet and WC and basin. Shampoo and all the usual disposable guff is supplied for those of us who can never be bothered to pack a sponge bag - and/or don't want to risk exploding shampoo bottles! The shower was very invigorating - that and the comfort level of the bed is all that really matters to me. The bed was very comfortable indeed and coupled with the whisky and cloudberry aperitifs and licorice vodka digestifs from our conference I slept very well.

Entry to rooms is via a keycard - which does seem to be very sensitive, keeping mine in the same pocket as my mobile phone seemed to demagnetise it very frequently. The reception were very helpful - especially in helping me navigate my way to obscure tapas bars and/or finding a very small shop in a side street somewhere. Similarly you can also use them to post letters and postcards - the selection at reception is a bit on the pricey side though.

There were also fitness centre and sauna facilities - I didn't try these out but have no doubt that they were up to scratch.