We chose to break our return journey from Juva via Savonlinna at Lapeenranta. We weren’t sure what to expect but liked the look of this hotel, which is part of a former military barracks on the edge of the city. The outside of the hotel has an institutional look to it but the interior has been tastefully decorated and the rooms are very pleasant. Each room is named after a person who was stationed at the barracks and there’s a little bio about them on the desk. Room was a good size with individually controlled air conditioning and, wonder of wonders, a window that opened. Bed was large and linen was pristine. The bathroom is modern but I was surprised that there was shower curtain rather than shower screen, given the pricing of the hotel. Excellent blackout curtains that are needed in summer where there is daylight almost 24hrs a day.

The building is solid. Very solid. This means that it’s well soundproofed from outside noise and in the halls. The second floor has a ‘relaxation area’ which is like a common room where there’s a fridge for you to leave cold items, kettle, ice machine, coffee maker tables chairs, a wide screen TV etc. They also have a separate play room for kids. On the third floor is a recreation area with small pool table, air hockey etc. Everything is in perfect condition. Breakfast is in the breakfast room on the ground floor. People have complained that the breakfast is ‘not that great’ but coming from a country where breakfast is *never* included, a breakfast of cereal & bread, cheese & ham, yoghurt & pastries, coffee and juice is a real treat.

The hotel is within easy walking distance of the centre of town and if you want a leg stretch, the fort area is within walking distance. Parking is free but it is more than a bit tricky to get to the hotel, particularly with the current road works being done. Siri (Apple) led us to the address but the road is blocked by permanent bollards. Google Maps was better, getting us inside the barracks area but not to the hotel. We left the car, walked across the barracks to ask for instructions and then returned to get the car. The hotel may benefit from putting a map with clear instructions on their website to get to the hotel and park.