Vantaa's Hidden Gem: Forenom Aparthotel Tikkurila - Unbelievable Value!
Vantaa's Hidden Gem: Forenom Aparthotel Tikkurila - Unbelievable Value! - My Honest Hot Take (and a Warning About Those "Free Wi-Fi" Signs!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – the hot Finnish tea, if you will – on the Forenom Aparthotel Tikkurila. Forget those glossy brochure promises; I’m here to give you the REAL deal, warts and all. And trust me, after navigating the glorious chaos of Vantaa, you'll need this review. This isn't your grandma's meticulously crafted travel blog; this is a straight-up, no-holds-barred, this-is-how-it-really-is review, complete with a few unnecessary tangents and probably too many exclamation points.
First Impressions: Getting There & Getting In (and Am I Too Early?)
Right off the bat, Accessibility gets a thumbs up. Getting to Tikkurila from the airport is a breeze – the train and buses are remarkably efficient. Plus, the hotel itself boasts Facilities for disabled guests, so you know they've put some thought into making things user-friendly for everyone. No more agonizing over tiny elevators! (Though, let’s be honest, some of those Finnish trains are basically just tubes of people. But that's a whole other story related to the lack of a 24-hour front desk, and I'm not there yet!!)
The Check-in/out [express] option is a godsend, especially after a long flight. Still, I'm a social butterfly, and I need a human, so I had my run-in with the 24-hour front desk. I arrived a bit early, and my face of "I need coffee and a nap" probably didn’t help. But, you know, they managed. Eventually.
The Room: My Personal Fortress of Solitude (with a Slight Smell of…Fresh Linen?)
Okay, the heart of the matter: the room itself. Let's be honest, this is where it gets interesting. I opted for a non-smoking room (because, ew, cigarette smoke), and it was… well, it was functional. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver, especially after a day of exploring. And you know what was really impressive? The extra long bed! Seriously, for a six-footer like me, that's a win. I could actually stretch!
Now, the Internet access – wireless was indeed Wi-Fi [free], But let’s get to the truth. While the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a big selling point (and plastered everywhere), it's not always as blazing fast as you'd hope. There were moments… moments of buffering. Moments where I swear the dial-up modem I used in the 90s could have downloaded faster. Thank God for the abundance of Internet access – LAN option! However, it's not as simple as it sounded. It took me a full 30 minutes to figure out which port was working for a laptop I had from my business.
The bathroom was… clean. And it had a shower! And towels! (Although, I did have to ask for more). The Safe/security feature in the room was reassuring. But, more importantly, there was Coffee/tea maker! I am all about them!
The little touches, like the blackout curtains and the reading light, showed some care. I could shut out the crazy Finnish sun and get some much needed sleep. The complimentary tea was a nice touch, and I took advantage of the Free bottled water.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the Cleanliness and safety. All the Anti-viral cleaning products and the Professional-grade sanitizing services gave me peace of mind. I observed the Daily disinfection in common areas and felt pretty safe. I mean, you can’t blame a hotel for following protocol.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Finnish Adventure
Okay, the feeding. The on-site Restaurants selection in Tikkurila is limited, so I did not expect any lavish meals. But they are so many options! I made use of the Breakfast service and picked up a wonderful Breakfast [buffet] and grabbed myself a Coffee/tea in restaurant. I can't review the other Dining, drinking, and snacking options since I didn't use them.
What About Feeling Good? (The Relaxation Bits)
Oh, I really wanted to rave about the Spa/sauna. Unfortunately, it wasn't available at the time. Bummer.
I heard there's a Fitness center. Which, let’s be real, I probably wouldn’t have used anyway, but the option is there!
Things to Do & Getting Around: Beyond the Hotel Walls
Things to do are plentiful, and the hotel's location is great. Vantaa is a fascinating city, and nearby Taxi service is surprisingly easy to find (and reasonably priced). The Car park [free of charge] is a bonus! Forget the crazy parking situation you face in other cities.
Services & Conveniences: The Nitty-Gritty
The Dry cleaning and Laundry service are lifesavers for longer stays. The Luggage storage came in handy. Invoice provided. They got my money!
I appreciated the Concierge, even though I didn't need much.
For the Kids:
I didn't have any For the kids, but it's worth noting that they have Family/child friendly facilities! Bonus points for that.
The Verdict: Unbelievable Value? Absolutely! (With Caveats)
So, is Forenom Aparthotel Tikkurila a “hidden gem” offering "unbelievable value?" Yes, absolutely. If you are on a business trip, this is a must. At the same time, it's definitely not the Ritz. It’s more of a… comfortable, clean, and convenient base of operations!
My Honest Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars.
Final Thoughts and a Personalized Offer:
Look, if you're looking for a luxurious, over-the-top experience, this isn't it. But if you want a clean, comfortable, well-located hotel that offers amazing value for your money, then book it.
Here's my killer offer:
Book your stay at Forenom Aparthotel Tikkurila using the code "FINNISHADVENTURE" and get a free bottle of water on arrival, plus a guaranteed upgrade (if available at the time of booking). This is my way of saying, "Welcome to Finland, and may your Wi-Fi speeds be ever in your favor!"
Book Now and Embrace the Vantaa Vibe! (Don't say I didn't warn you about the Wi-Fi.)
Unbelievable Ijen Crater Views: Kawah Ijen Inn Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup. This Forenom Aparthotel Vantaa Tikkurila itinerary? It's not a meticulously crafted brochure. It’s my trip, and you’re coming along for the ride. Expect detours, spontaneous meltdowns fueled by too much caffeine, and the stark, unfiltered truth. Here goes…
FORENOM APARTHOTEL VANTAA TIKKURILA: THE EPIC (MIS)ADVENTURE – A Messy Diary
(PST – Pacific Standard Time, because that's where my brain is, and damn the time zones!)
Day 1: Arrival, Arrival, Arrrgh…
- 10:00 AM PST: Wake up in a panic. Did I pack the right adapter? Did I lock the damn door? Breathe, breathe, breathe. Airplane mode… engaged!
- 1:00 PM PST: Arrive at the airport. The sheer logistics of modern travel… it’s a beautiful, terrifying ballet of human inefficiency. Bag drop is… well, it’s always an ordeal. Finally, through security – I always feel like I'm smuggling something, even though I'm not!
- 7:00 AM (Local Time): Touch down in Helsinki! The air hits you, sharp and clean! It’s… actually pretty invigorating. Finding the train to Tikkurila is thankfully straightforward, unlike the labyrinthine airport I envisioned.
- 8:00 AM: FORENOM APARTHOTEL CHECK-IN! Found the "apartment" - it's a bit beige-on-beige. I mean, functional, but… where’s the soul? Feeling a bit homesick already. The key card… ugh, technology and me have a complicated relationship. It took me three tries to get the damn door open. This is going to be a long week.
- 8:30 AM: THE GREAT COFFEE HUNT. Desperate need of a double espresso to calm the pre-travel jitters and the sheer existential dread of unpacking. Found a grocery store across the street. Result! The coffee is strong, dark, and delicious and I'm suddenly in love with Finland.
- 9:00 AM: Unpacked (mostly). The view from the window?… It overlooks a train track. Okay, I can handle the trains. They're better than the endless traffic noise back home. Actually, I find the the gentle rumble of the trains surprisingly soothing.
Day 2: Tikkurila, A Suburban Revelation
- 7:00 AM: Wake up to the sound of a train. Nope, not soothing this morning. More like a concrete alarm clock.
- 7:30 AM: Failed attempt at making breakfast. The tiny kitchen feels… clinical. Managed to burn the toast. At least the coffee is good.
- 9:00 AM: Exploring Tikkurila. It's… tidy. Very tidy. The architecture is a fascinating mix of utilitarian and modern. Found a local park – a haven of green amidst the concrete. I sat on a bench and watched the Finns. They're quiet. Observant. I immediately felt a little too loud.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local cafe. The food is… different. But in a good way! Had a reindeer stew. Actually devoured it – the weather suddenly feels colder and the stew gives the perfect warmth.
- 2:00 PM: Tried to visit the local library. Got distracted by the giant, bouncy castle in the square. Spent an hour laughing until my stomach hurt. Totally worth it. I love bouncy castles, they're timeless!
- 5:00 PM: Back at the apartment. Feeling a weird mix of jet lag and… boredom? Maybe I need a plan.
Day 3: Helsinki! (AKA: Tourist Mode Activated)
- 8:00 AM: Train to Helsinki! This is what I came for.
- 9:00 AM: Walking around Helsinki. The architecture is STUNNING. The Senate Square, the Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral – it's visual overload in the best way possible.
- 12:00 PM: Wandered into a market square, full of food stalls. Had smoked salmon. Again, delicious. I'm starting to think I could live off smoked salmon and coffee.
- 2:00 PM: The Suomenlinna Fortress. This is the defining moment. It's a sea fortress, on an island. I took the ferry and it was a glorious experience. Every corner promised a breathtaking view. It’s a maze of stone walls and hidden paths. I got completely, wonderfully lost. The wind whipped around me. I felt… alive. This place is magic.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the apartment, exhausted and euphoric. I think I left a piece of my heart on Suomenlinna.
Day 4: Food, Glorious, Glorious Food and other adventures
- 9:00 AM: Went to the local market. So many berries! So much fresh produce! Bought a ridiculous amount of strawberries and devoured them.
- 11:00 AM: Tried (and failed) to make a traditional Finnish dish. The recipe was intimidating. The kitchen was still tiny. The result?… Let’s just say I'm sticking to the cafes for my meals.
- 1:00 PM: Visited Heureka. I am a sucker for science museums. Spent hours just wandering and enjoying the moment.
- 4:00 PM: Discovered a hidden gem – a tiny chocolate shop. Now I have chocolate.
- 7:00 PM: Felt a bit lonely this evening. Skyped family back home. The conversation made me realize how much I miss my dog, and how much I enjoy being selfishly alone.
Day 5: Back to the Apartment, For Better or Worse.
- 9:00 AM: Woke up and realized I need to do some emails as I've abandoned my work ethic. I swear I'm being productive.
- 11:00 AM: Made a cup of coffee and went for a wander around the apartment.
- 1:00 PM: More coffee, more work, the cycle continues.
- 3:00 PM: Realized I was being unproductive and abandoned the work to go for a walk.
- 5:00 PM: Saw the train station. Thought about going somewhere. Decided to stay in.
- 6:00 PM: Ordered pizza.
- 7:00 PM: Watched a film.
- 8:00 PM: Slept.
Day 6: The Sauna Experience! (AKA: Mild Humiliation and Bliss)
- 10:00 AM: Found a local sauna. Considered ditching the whole thing, because… public nudity? Not my comfort zone. But, when in Finland!
- 11:00 AM: The sauna! It’s HOT. Like, really hot. Sweating buckets, trying not to make eye contact. Followed the locals' lead, which is basically: sit, sweat, repeat.
- 12:00 PM: The ice plunge. OMG. Absolute shock. But also… exhilarating. Afterwards: the most relaxed I’ve ever been. Definitely a cultural experience I'll never forget.
- 2:00 PM: Treated myself to a local traditional cake.
- Afternoon: More sauna, more bliss. Found my inner peace.
Day 7: Departure (and maybe… a little melancholy?)
- 7:00 AM: Packing. The inevitable packing. How did I accumulate so much stuff in a week?!
- 8:00 AM: Tried to have one last breakfast. The coffee machine chose this morning to give up the ghost. Dammit.
- 9:00 AM: Last walk around the apartment, taking pictures.
- 10:00 AM: Say goodbye to the place. Checked out! The train to the airport is a breeze.
- 11:00 AM: At the airport. Reflecting on the trip. It wasn't perfect. There were moments of frustration, boredom, and even a little bit of sadness at being away from home. But mostly? It was… wonderful. Finland is a strange, beautiful, and incredibly welcoming place. And I'm already plotting my return.
- 4:00 PM (PST): Back home. Unpacked. The apartment looks a bit beige. Need to go get a dog, or a coffee. Preferably both.
Forenom Aparthotel Tikkurila: Your (Probably) Budget-Friendly Finnish Adventure!
Okay, spill the tea. What's the REAL deal with Forenom Tikkurila? Is it *actually* a hidden gem, or just… a room?
Alright, alright, let's be honest, shall we? "Hidden gem" might be pushing it a *tiny* bit. It's more like a well-polished stone found in a slightly unglamorous quarry. Think budget-friendly, clean… and *slightly* clinical. But hear me out! I ended up there because, and this is embarrassing, I booked a conference in Vantaa and then realized… Finland is EXPENSIVE. And Forenom popped up. And the price… well, let's just say my bank account breathed a sigh of relief. So yeah, it’s about value. HUGE value. You’re not getting the Four Seasons, but you ARE getting a perfectly functional, surprisingly comfortable apartment… in Finland! That's already a win, right?
The apartments - what are they *really* like? Are we talking prison cell chic? Or… is there *some* life in there?
Okay, okay, the decor… lacks a *certain* je ne sais quoi. Think minimalist IKEA meets… well, more IKEA. Everything is functional, clean, and a bit… beige. My first thought upon entering? "Well, this is… efficient." But the apartment? Totally manageable. I had a little studio, a decent-sized bed (hugely important, people!), a kitchenette with everything you need (coffee maker! HUGE!), and a surprisingly spacious bathroom. The shower pressure was *fantastic*. And having your own *space*? After a long day of Finnish-ing (is that a verb now?), it was a godsend. I managed to actually bake a disastrous batch of cookies in the kitchenette, which is a testament to its functionality, if not my baking skills. So, not prison cell chic. More… functional Scandinavian bliss. Just… bring your own personality to the décor, okay?
Tell me about the location. Is Tikkurila actually… a place you want to be?
Tikkurila is actually… surprisingly good. It's a major transport hub, which is *amazing* for getting around. The train station is right there! Seriously, like, a five-minute walk. This means you can zip into Helsinki in no time. Plus, there's a shopping center (Dixi!) practically next door, so you can grab groceries, souvenirs – the works. I spent a good chunk of my time there, desperately searching for cloudberries (still haven't found them, by the way). Tikkurila itself isn't exactly a bustling metropolis, and it doesn't have that "wow" factor, BUT it’s practical. And safe. And that, my friends, is often what matters most when you're traveling, right? Plus the ease of access to the airport helped me get to a sauna for a mid-trip recharge. Seriously, the location? Solid gold.
The Wi-Fi. Crucial. Is it… usable? Did you spend your entire stay buffering?
Okay, this is important. The WiFi was… acceptable. Let’s just say it wasn’t blazing-fast fiber optic. I wouldn't recommend trying to stream 4K documentaries on it, unless you have the patience of a saint. But for checking emails, browsing the web, and video calls? Fine. I managed to irritate my colleagues with my incessant conference calls without TOO much buffering. So, yeah, usable. Don't expect miracles, but it gets the job done. Plan accordingly. Download your binge-watching material beforehand. And maybe bring a good book. Just in case you get disconnected during a vital email exchange.
What about the staff / service? Were they helpful? Or did you feel like you were talking to a robot?
The staff… were… present. They weren’t overly chatty, which is perfectly fine by me (I am not a morning person). Check-in and check-out were smooth and efficient. I did have to call once because I couldn't figure out how to work the washing machine (embarrassing, I know). Someone came up promptly and, in a few perfectly-spoken English words, fixed the problem. They weren't over-the-top friendly, but they were competent and helpful. And honestly, that's what you want, right? No time-wasting small talk, just get the job done and move on with your trip. Perfectly adequate. No complaints. And no robotic encounters. Good humans.
Okay, let's get to the good stuff. What was the best *thing* about staying at Forenom Tikkurila? And the WORST?
Alright, the BEST thing? The *price*. Seriously. I kept waiting for a hidden surcharge to pop up, but it never happened. The value for money was just incredible. Having your own little apartment, in Finland, for the price of a cramped hotel room? Unbeatable. The worst? I swear there was a faint, persistent smell of…something. Not unpleasant, not offensive, but vaguely… *industrial*. It could have been cleaning products, it could have been something more sinister… I genuinely never figured it out. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but it was a constant reminder of the slightly less-glamorous aspect of budget travel. And, the lack of cloudberries in Dixi Shopping Centre. Seriously! That’s what I wanted, I needed them!
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Absolutely. Absolutely I would. If I were going back to Vantaa or needed a base for exploring the area, Forenom Tikkurila would be top of my list. I’m not afraid of a bit of "clinical" when it means saving money. It’s clean, it’s convenient, and, let's face it, you’re not going to spend *all* of your time in your accommodation. I’d recommend it, with the caveat that it’s not a luxury experience. It’s a practical, affordable, and perfectly decent base for exploring Finland. And a great story for parties, trust me. Just… bring your own cloudberries. You'll need them.
Anything else we should know? Any quirky observations or hidden gems *near* the hotel?
Okay, this is a good one. The little cafe *inside* the shopping centre (Dixi!) was surprisingly good. I swear I went there almost every day! The coffee was decent. There was a little bakery, and some of the pastries were DELICIOUS. (Seriously, the cinnamon buns… *chef's kiss*). And the walk to the train station… okay, it's not a hidden gem, but it's SO convenient. I spent a wholePremium Stay Search
