Scandic Joensuu

Very basic, austere and plain. Less than average breakfast. Nothing particularly bad, but it felt very 1960's, without the good bits. Parking was available, but limited to a first-come, first served basis. Good location in the city centre.

The location is very good in the city center, just next to market. Walking distance from railway station is less than 10 minutes. The service at the hotel was quite friendly, but I was so disappointed they did not informed me beforehand about legionella bacterial in the water. They said it is not advisable to have a shower at all and that was a big minus after travelling about 4,5 hours and arriving quite late in the hotel. The room itself was clean and ok basic level, I would say 3 stars. The room was quiet. The breakfast was also basic, nothing suprising there but good.

Parking places very limited, even thought Joensuu is not a big city. There is a parking hall in the hotel, but they have only 5 parking places there and they must be booked in advance. Why only 5 places, cause hall is much bigger? Outside they have 16 places, but they were all full. Then you have to park some 400 meters away, in some market's parking hall. Breakfast ok, but due to lack of personnel, it does not work very well. All tables full of dirty dishes, cause they don't have time to clean them. Orange juice ran out. Then coffee and then even coffee sugar ran out. This poor waitress tried to do her best, but I think she was alone. And last, hotel receptionist was quite rude, when I gave her some complaints. She would need an attitude chance or a new job. For 140 €/ night, you would expect some level of service. (Remember, this is Joensuu, not Manhattan). I spend +150 nights yearly in hotels around the Europe, but this hotel I won't come back. Next two night I'll stay at the competitors place