Turku is the oldest city in Finland and the country’s original capital (Helsinki became the capital in 1812). It is also where you will find The Park Hotel. This quaint, boutique-style hotel is situated in the heart of the city at the end of a quiet street that leads to a small neighborhood park (hence the name?). If you are planning a trip to Turku, this is the place to stay.

It is not a hipster hotel with mod styling and guests working extra hard to look cool while sipping the latest “it” drink. The Park Hotel is a warm and inviting place where locals come to celebrate special events and/or sip a drink while catching up with the owners. The decor is old school and the warmth of the place is evident when you walk in. If she is not napping, Jaakko (the pet parrot, and yes — that is a male name for a female bird) will greet you with a whistle, perfect!

                                          (me and Spaceman in front of hotel as it’s snowing)

Each room is uniquely decorated. Ours even had a heated bathroom floor which was great for the cold Finnish winters. The buffet breakfast each morning was delicious and plentiful. Outside snow was falling and the candle in the lantern on the fountain was flickering, a real winter wonderland.

                                                           (our hotel room)

                                                        (us by lantern…in snow)

Just behind the hotel is a park where kids were sledding during our visit (they look so cute with all their snow gear on), but it would be great for summer strolls as well. Only a couple of blocks the other direction and you are on the main shopping street just steps from the main square (interesting how Spaceman always took me shopping when the stores were conveniently closed for the Christmas holiday). Another perk, The Park Hotel offers free parking for guests with cars which was a big bonus for us.

                                         (park, with sledding hill,  behind hotel)

I am excited to make a stay at The Park Hotel a tradition for our visits to Finland. I want to teach Jaakko how to say my name!

                                             (hotel in winter time…a wonderland!)

Details: The Park Hotel, Turku, Finland, www.parkhotelturku.fi (www.parkhotelturku.fi/en/ if you want detail in english)