Laivahostel S/S Bore

When it says "hostel" right on the label, it's reasonable to expect a spartan environment. The S/S Bore is exactly what it says; a private room really is a narrow cabin in a retired Baltic steamship. That said, there *is* a private bathroom and shower (extremely small but it's your own.) The biggest issue was the stagnant air in the room. My stateroom was in a lower deck and really hot. Upper decks were cooler. It was unseasonably warm in Turku during my stay, and the room never dropped below 80F / 27C. The porthole (not a window, a real porthole) could not be opened, and the solid door did not allow any air to enter the room when closed. Even though the air extractor in the ceiling and bathroom were both running, there was no place for cool air to enter. It was stifling. Other things to know: bedding is provided, but you make your own bed upon arrival. There's no traditional room cleaning. Overall the room was clean but the carpet was better without close inspection. There was only one electrical outlet in the room and one in the tiny bathroom, so hopefully you only need to plug in one device. Breakfast is included and serviceable in the scandanavian/make-a-sandwich kind of way. Would I stay there again? Well, I needed to be close to the Turku castle for a music festival so the location was ideal, and the price was right even when all the traditional hotels were ridiculously overpriced, so well, yes, maybe I would. But I'd really want a fan in the summer.

Unique staying is something that can give an extra flavour to a vacation trip and lowering standards may sometimes be part of the experience. However, considering the creative, hip options in Europe. This one is just shabby with run down rooms, poor air quality and personnel that doesn’t understand service industry. Since there are better and cheaper options I wouldn’t even suggest this to the budget traveller

Built in Sweden during 1960 the S/S Bore has undergone several upgrades and refurbishments during it's checkered history, but currently moored on the River Aura close to the castle it now serves as a hostel, cafe and restaurant for those willing to make the trip whilst seeking something different. Our visit was simply to satisfy our curiosity and we were delighted to have experienced the comfort and service on board. It was not at all crowded and perfect for a quiet and peaceful afternoon sojourn. One can forgive the limited food and drinks menu in the cafe but what food there was made up for the limited selection with its quality and taste. This will not be the last time I visit S/S Bore and I suggest others seek to enjoy the facilities..

After the funeral of my aunt in Turku, and the party following that, we needed a reasonably priced place to stay for one night. S/S Bore was one of three my cousin recommended; and for a good reason. Maybe several. And personal as well; as a kid I made one or two Turku-Stockholm trips on this very same ferry, playing "TV-tennis" and spending what little pocket money I had on chocolate and sweets. So now, after 40+ years, it was kind of enchanting to visit there again. Our cabin was tidy, no problem with the temperature, free morning sauna (if maybe not the best sauna experience of them all), and a good breakfast (if maybe, bla blaa). Anyways, it's well worth the price, and I would gladly go again. Tip: it was Sunday, AM something as we left. If you happen to be thirsty, you better take a taxi to the centre, or else be prepared for some walking...

Morning sauna and breakfast ok.

Really poor ventilation making the experience absolutely horrible during a hot summer. Being able to sleep is a bare minimum when booking accommodation. Cool concept but probably best for boat enthusiasts and single travellers. Not for families

We took an 11-hour ferry ride from Stockholm & walked from the terminal to the Bore. The signage to actually get to the boat was a bit confusing, and I was therefore eager to get checked in and secure our things. We passed up the opportunity to have a proper meal at the attractive restaurant in the parking lot near the Bore, not realizing that all the restaurants in Turku stop serving food at 10pm. We eventually found a Korean bar that served us hot dogs and fish skewers. Our room on the Bore was an interior cabin, quite tiny and airless, and it seems like there would be no way to take a shower without getting every inch of the bathroom wet. We didn’t try! Breakfast was ok.

Great location, suitable for a solo client, friendly staff.