I visited the Almost@Home lounge while transiting through Helsinki (HEL) just to grab a few pictures, but ended up liking it more than the crowded Finnair lounge. This is a great lounge option in Helsinki for Priority Pass members.
The entrance is hidden a bit. You’ll find it near Gate 32, but on first glance it may look simply like a Finnair transfer counter. Follow the signage to a small side door on the right.
I loved the natural light and design of the lounge.
Furthermore, I loved the comfortable couches,chairs and library area.
True to its name, it really felt like I was at home.
But what I loved most what was the kitchen set-up. The food buffet was set up in a literal kitchen. There was an oven, stove, refrigerator, and center island. Silverware was inside a drawer. I loved the design.
Now the food selection itself is not as good as the Finnair Lounge. There were no hot items that I saw other than soup. Since I was there in the middle of the afternoon, however, so maybe I just visited the lounge during the wrong time.
A selection of wine was also available and beer was on tap. I did not notice any hard liquor. Of course, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea were available too.
Showers and restroom are available, which I did not photograph. No sauna in this lounge.
CONCLUSION
This is an excellent Priority Pass Lounge in Helsinki (HEL). Even if you have access to the nearby Finnair Lounge, consider this alternate if the Finnair Lounge is too crowded.
It looks like an Ikea.
I like it!
That’s the best PP lounge I have ever used, by far.
You can only gain access if you are traveling non-Schengen, otherwise you can only access the not nearly as nice Aspire lounge.
It’s a gorgeous lounge, but I imagine all those thoughtful design details would be destroyed in a U.S. airport after a few hours of opening.
It is better than I was, real Finnish design.
There is warm meal service on proper meal times, it is not very fancy but good and tasty. It is very comfortable place to stay and I think the only problem is that it in the non-shengen area.
I think you can get hard liquor, but you have to order/pay for it.
I like this lounge. It’s quite small, but only once or twice when I have visited the lounge it felt crowded.
Spot on with your review. Twas cool…