The capital of Finland, Helsinki, offers a comprehensive selection of ‘where to stay’ options, and the following list includes hotels at every level of luxury and value.
In general, prepare for higher-than-usual prices throughout Finland, and note, when choosing where to stay in Helsinki, the city’s most important sights are located in the area surrounding Senate Square. As a result, the following selection of ‘where to stay’ options gives preference to centrally located accommodations, as well as to hotels that offer free WiFi.
5-Star Hotels in Helsinki
Hotel Haven
Located on Market Square, this centrally located hotel is Finland’s first Small Luxury Hotels of the World member, and it provides some of the most comfortable rooms in Helsinki.
The 77 rooms feature luxurious, timeless décor and come in three types: Comfort, Style, and Lux. Every room comes with air conditioning, Egyptian-cotton bed linens, bathrobes, a king-sized bed, a Bang & Olufsen entertainment system, complimentary WiFi, and a spa-style bathroom with Elemis products. Amenities include a fitness center and special offers through a partnership with the nearby SiluettiSpa.
The hotel lacks traditional on-site dining, but it is close to many of Helsinki’s best-rated restaurants and offers breakfast daily. Additionally, Bar Haven is a cozy place to relax with a drink, it has comfy seating and a fireplace that roars in the winter.
Hotel Kamp
This hotel vies with Hotel Haven as Helsinki’s most luxurious, but, unlike Hotel Haven, Hotel Kamp has an on-site restaurant and spa. The hotel has a 125-year history and combines Old World furnishings with modern comforts. It is located in the heart of Helsinki — just steps from the harbor — and the rooms feature marble bathrooms, Relyon beds, bathrobes, and WiFi, often spotty, for a charge.
There’s a fantastic on-site restaurant, Brasserie Kämp & Bar, which serves a mix of classic and modern dishes and has a beautiful outdoor terrace in the summer. Additionally, the hotel has both an on-site gym and spa.
4-Star Hotels in Helsinki
Fabian Hotel
Centrally located, this hotel comes at a high value and has a roomy layout. The 58 spacious rooms have complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, and comfortable beds. Some rooms are outfitted with kitchenettes for those interested in self-catering.
There’s no gym or spa, but the staff goes out of its way to help you find everything you need in Helsinki. Breakfast is available daily. The hotel is already quiet, but for an even more tranquil stay, request a room on the airy courtyard.
GLO Hotel Art
A modern lifestyle hotel, this hotel is near to all of Helsinki’s main sights, and, though it’s not a cheap option, it excels at providing personalized service. To help each guest get the most out of their stay, the hotel provides a number of individualized services, from help renting a yacht to obtaining tickets to sporting events.
Moreover, the 131 rooms and 13 suites come in a variety of styles to fit your taste. You can also take advantage of a list of complimentary accessories, such as travel fitness, relaxation, and entertainment products, from digital camcorders to hand weights. All of the hotel’s 144 rooms feature parquet floors, Unikulma beds, complimentary WiFi, coffee and tea-making facilities, and air conditioning. Amenities include an on-site restaurant and gym, plus access to nearby Kämp Spa.
The building that houses this hotel was once a prison, but, rather than cultivate a Spartan ambiance, this history imbues the hotel with intrigue, not to mention larger-than-normal-sized rooms. The prison theme plays throughout the hotel, but otherwise, the hotel provides the type of clean and practical accommodations one expects from a premier-line hotel.
The hotel is located in Linnanpuisto Park, a quiet part of Helsinki, and guests can enjoy both peace and quiet and a pleasant part of the city. The 106 rooms come with air conditioning and free, in-room internet. Amenities include a 24-hour gym, a cocktail lounge, sauna, and the Linnankellari Restaurant. The room price includes a solid buffet breakfast. Market Square is a 10-minute tram ride or a 15-minute walk.
3-Star Hotels in Helsinki
Hotel Helka
This basic hotel is located in the center of Helsinki and will appeal to those looking for a comfortable stay and great location for a low price.
The rooms feature Finnish furniture, ceiling artworks depicting Finnish nature, air conditioning, and free WiFi. Suites and apartments are also available.
Amenities include Helka’s Bar, which serves well-thought seasonal cocktails, and a complimentary rooftop sauna complex, which comes with great views of the city. A breakfast buffet is also offered daily.
Hotel Haaga Central Park
For a basic hotel located pretty far outside of the city, this one earns top marks, but it will mostly interest those traveling through Finland by car. It takes about a 15 minutes to drive or take a cab to the center of Helsinki, or alternatively, you can take a local bus from near the hotel.
The 120 rooms are modern and come with free WiFi, air conditioning, and coffee and tea-making facilities, and hotel amenities include the largest hotel swimming pool in Helsinki and a sauna. The staff is particularly efficient and professional.
Budget Accommodations in Helsinki
Omena Hotel Helsinki Yrjonkatu
Even Finland’s budget hotels can be on the expensive side, but this hotel offers some of the most competitive rates around as well as a great location smack dab in central Helsinki. You won’t be greeted by anyone at reception, but you’ll have received directions for getting into your room as well as your room code via email or their app.
All rooms include a large bed, two full-size foldout beds, a mini-kitchenette with microwave, free WiFi, and functional, if somewhat cheap, furniture. The main drawback from this hotel is that heating and air conditioning are centralized, and, at times, it can be too hot or cold depending on your personal preferences.
Hotel Finn
This is one of the cheapest hotels in Helsinki, so don’t expect too much, but it does provide all of the basics in central Helsinki — and with style!
The rooms are small but modern and feature local artworks, and all come with private bathrooms and free, albeit spotty, WiFi. Amenities and services include a swap library, friendly receptionists who can help you plan your stay, and bike rentals. The hotel offers a sturdy buffet breakfast in an adjacent restaurant as well as discounted gym access. Note that street and inside noise can be quite loud, and light sleepers may wish to look elsewhere. Additionally, reception is not 24 hour.
Written by Staff for EuropeUpClose.com