Really mixed feelings about this place. The property was gorgeous, quiet, and really peaceful. Our…read moreroom was comfortable and we really enjoyed that aspect. We arrived by bus but took a taxi to the train station since public transport is limited. The views from our room and walking trails around the lake were breathtaking. Also love that there are many activities you can do on the lake. The walk from the main building was about a 10-15 minute walk, which is tough with luggage on a gravel and dirt path. Definitely recommend a car for this region of Finland. Especially because there is nothing around here. The main building is actually a rehab facility so besides the villa we stayed in, the main area feels like a facility. It was a really weird place. The spa inside the facility is not a spa and the pool is barely heated. There also isn't a hot tub or anything and the sauna is only decent. There are water workout videos and it's not relaxing at all. The staff spoke English and were friendly though. But I felt really out of place in the main building. Now for the food, the cafeteria was closed for dinner early and so the only thing we could eat was the snacks in the cafeteria. There was some food in the refrigerator in the cafe like sandwiches and stuff, according to my friend it wasn't good. At least we were there in the cafe for bingo night. We had breakfast in the cafeteria before we left and it was horrible. Everything is gluten free, lactose free, low sugar, and low sodium. This is fine but it wasn't appetizing and was done horribly. Conclusion: stay here in the villa for the views and activities. Bring a car so you can leave for food. Don't go to the spa, and avoid the cafeteria food and food at the cafe unless it's snacks at all costs.

Visited the hotel for the breakfast buffet…read more What i liked: -lots of local food at the buffet -home made quality -great view from breakfast table of forest and lake -friendly staff -historical authentic finnish building (more than 100yrs) Definitely plan to return again.

These are student dorms that open up during the summer for tourists visiting the opera festival at…read moreOlavinlinna. While it is affordable it does not have hotel like amenities. It is a bit far from town and the walking is about 30 minutes. We made the walk a few times. There are nearby taxis that are quick to arrive when called. If you are without a cell phone that works in Finland beware that there is no wifi here to use with your smartphone. You can go into to town and use the wifi at the cafe but there were only a couple of places that had free wifi at all. The front reception desk is staffed around 8am to 9pm and is willing to call for a taxi for you if you need it. The nearest bus service is a block away and costs about 3,40 euro to get to city center. The advantage of Malakias is that it is cheap and available when all the other hotels are booked solid for the opera festival.

Adorable little cafe inside the Saima Hotel. We only had drinks but the menu looked exquisite. My…read morealcoholic glögi and my boyfriend's winter cold brew were delicious. The decor was cute and cozy. Would recommend for anyone visiting the fortress Olavinlinna.

Oh yes, I admit: 19 € for a one and a half-hour-boat trip is a pretty high amount of money. If you…read moreare travelling on a budget, a one-hour-trip for significantly less money can be easily found. But better think twice because you will not only cut your expenses, but also limit the fun. After all, this is Savonlinna! A place which is home to the famous Olavinlinna (St. Olaf´s Castle) and located in the heart of the Saimaa lake region. Lake Saimaa is Finland´s biggest lake and no stay in Savonlinna will be complete without a boat trip. But you should do it in style and spend those 19 € to get on board of Vip Cruise´s nostalgic and elegant steamers. You can hear the lovely sound of their whistles whenever they depart or arrive and Savonlinna´s marina would lose a tiny bit of charm without them. You can choose between the s/s Paul Wahl (built in 1919) and s/s Punkaharju (built in 1905). Both have their own schedules. Better check them carefully. I recommend the Punkaharju because the sundeck is a lot more spacious and it is the oldest steam boat Vip Cruise has got. You can get beverages and food on board, but the staff will neither get rude nor pushy if you do not want to purchase anything. So look forward to having a wonderful and relaxed time on board while cruising Lake Saimaa´s scenic treasures :o)!