There are many things that can make you fall in love with Helsinki. The capital city of Finland is full of immersive nature, incredible cuisine, and a long fascinating history to learn from. Located in the midst of the land of a thousand islands, this vibrant city is also often nicknamed the ‘Daughter of Baltic’. From the amazing forests and waters of the north to the cool saunas and restaurants in the city center, you’ll find it all here. So start planning your vacation, write down your itinerary, and check out some of the best hotels in Helsinki, because this city has lots of fun to offer!
Where to Stay in Helsinki
Its small size makes this city often overlooked by tourists. In fact, there are many things to do in Helsinki. This northern European city is actually full of life and history. In order to fully experience ‘The Daughter of Baltic’, the key is knowing where to stay and choosing only the best hotels in Helsinki Finland.
First time in Helsinki? Living downtown would be a good idea. The area is quite compact and easy to explore on foot. One of the most prominent attractions here is the Helsinki Cathedral. Completed in 1852, this church has long been an unofficial symbol of the city. Traveling with family? We suggest staying in the Kaartin Kaupunki area. Located in the south of the city, this area offers a more relaxing atmosphere. At the time of writing, this neighborhood was only inhabited by around a thousand residents. You’ll find dozens of shops and offices here.
As for you cool kids, Punavuori will be the greatest place to spend some time in Helsinki. This part of the Design District is home to unique and authentic shops, as well as some cool cafes. For nightlife, the restaurants and bars of Kamppi would be a great choice. If you’re looking for a more welcoming vibe for LGBT community, we recommend staying at one of the Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels in Helsinki.
So, have you decided where to spend the night? Not yet? Don’t worry, we’ve curated a list of some of the best hotels in Helsinki. Let’s check it out.
Marski by Scandic
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Calling all shopaholics! We’ve found the perfect accommodation for you! Located in the heart of Helsinki, Marski By Scandic is only 300 meters from Market Square and the Esplanadi shopping district. To make it even better, they also have a free parking garage for guests. Talk about shop ‘til drop!
Known as Finland’s first signature hotel, Marski By Scandic offers a versatile room selection. From rooms without windows, rooms with private saunas, to luxury suites, all are available. The pillow selection is no less sophisticated, all to ensure guests’ comfort while staying here.
Save your travel coffee mugs for a while, because this hotel has a cafe that serves freshly roasted coffee every morning. You can enjoy it while sitting relaxed on their street-level chair. Furthermore, a classic Finnish breakfast menu with an international twist is available at the on-site restaurant. Interested in trying a cocktail that is inspired by Finnish nature? Go straight to the Marski Bar.
Like most of the best hotels in Helsinki, the strategic location is one of Marski’s strengths. In addition to the shopping districts we mentioned earlier, this property is less than a mile from the Swedish Theater and Ateneum Art Museum.
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
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This property stands right next to Kaisanemi Park. It’s one of the popular parks in Helsinki, where you can find the oldest public memorial called the Freemason’s Grave. The Raddison Blu Plaza Helsinki building itself also has a long history. Its been around since 1917, the time Finland won independence.
So, it’s no surprise that every corner of this hotel is very Finnish. All rooms are decorated with Finnish design items. In addition, there’s a flat-screen TV, coffee/tea maker, modern air conditioning, and free WiFi. For a more lively atmosphere, we recommend that you book a room with a city view. If you need anything else, the hotel room service is ready to serve guests 24 hours a day.
Breakfast is available at the Plaza Lounge and Plaza Restaurant throughout the day, as well as coffee, tea, and snacks. For those who prefer gluten-free or vegan menus, both options are available here. Need to let off some steam after traveling for hours? Between 5 pm and 7 pm, you can get some light refreshments on the cocktail buffet, which includes free beverages.
Overall, this is one of the many best hotels in Helsinki Finland which is quite recommended. They have complete facilities and excellent service. Make sure to check this out if you’re planning a trip to Finland.
Hotel St. George Helsinki
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Right next to peaceful Old Church Park, Hotel St George just steps away from what Helsinki has to offer. Occupying a building with a magnificent history, this accommodation exceeds all expectations of luxury. It’s an inspiring hotel with world-class design, extensive art collections, and two fine dining establishments.
Whether you come to Helsinki with a loved one or on a business trip, Hotel St George will always have the right room. All of their 148 rooms and 5 suites come with air conditioning, luxurious beds, minibar and marble bathroom with toiletries. For extra comfort, you may wish to book suites with a furnished balcony or terrace.
When it comes to dining experiences, Hotel St George doesn’t disappoint either. There’s Restaurant Andrea which serves menus from the best healthy local ingredients. For the fresh toast, salad, and coffee, head straight to St George’s Bakery & Bar. Spend your lunch hour solemnly, in their more relaxing atmosphere. Want to enjoy some drinks or meet friends? The glass-covered Wintergarden Bar will be ready to welcome you at any time.
Nearly all the best hotels in Helsinki are conveniently located, and this one is no exception. Most famous attractions, such as Helsinki Cathedral and Kauppatori Market Square, are less than a mile from here. Meanwhile, Helsinki Vantaa Airport is only 30 minutes away by taxi.
Hotel Haven
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Dubbed ‘luxury in the heart of Helsinki’, Hotel Haven is a boutique accommodation by the South Harbor and Market Square. Its also just around the corner from the Esplanadi shopping street. Whether you come for pleasure or business, Haven is a great choice.
All of Haven Hotel’s 137 rooms are spacious, modernly decorated, and come with a number of luxurious amenities. You’ll get a soft bed, spa-style bathroom, a sophisticated multimedia system, cable/satellite TV, and air conditioning. If budget isn’t an issue, you might want to spend the night in their suites, which offer views of the Presidential Palace and Uspenski Cathedral.
As with most of the best hotels in Helsinki, guests get free access to WiFi and a fitness center. Meanwhile, breakfast is available at the hotel’s restaurant in the Sundmands Building, touted as the second oldest stone building in Helsinki. Enjoy your breakfast buffet while enjoying the view of Market Square and Helsinki Harbor from the restaurant windows.
For business travelers, Hotel Haven has a wide selection of conference rooms. You can choose from a room with a capacity of 30 people, to an auditorium with a total of 62 seats. In addition, fax/photocopying and banquet services are also available at additional costs.
Hotel Kamp
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There’s not a single resident of Helsinki who doesn’t know about Hotel Kamp. Since its establishment as Finland’s grand hotel in 1887, this accommodation has become a celebrity among others around the city. If you’re looking for a luxurious, cosmopolitan, and stylish stay, this is the right place.
With 164 spacious rooms and 15 suites, Hotel Kamp has an array of options. Some of the amenities include comfortable beds, Chromecast, and marble bathrooms. Daily services such as housekeeping, trouser press, shoe polish, and iron are also available. However, for dry cleaning and laundry, an additional fee will be charged.
Buffet breakfast and seasonal delicacies are available at Brasserie Kamp, the hotel’s own restaurant that comes with a French influence and classic soothing ambiance. European menus and an extensive list of beverages are available a la carte. If you don’t feel like leaving your room, the hotel provides in-room dining service. Enjoy your breakfast, accompanied by a beautiful view of the park and city.
Among all the best hotels in Helsinki, maybe this is the only one that really takes spa facilities seriously. Their Spa Camp features a traditional Finnish sauna, with a eucalyptus aroma steam bath, a fully equipped gym, and a heated spa lounge. Spending some time here, especially after hours of flight, would be great.
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
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Shop like the day never ends when staying at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel. That’s because this accommodation is right across from the Kamppi Shopping Center. Its the largest shopping mall in Helsinki, boasting more than 20 cafes and restaurants, as well as more than 120 shops! Furthermore, Kamppi also has the largest public transportation hub with three terminals. You can travel locally or all over Finland from here.
As for facilities, the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel offers rooms with designer furniture and decor. They all come with a 40-inch flat-screen TV, luxurious bed, coffee/tea maker, and marble bathroom. As with most of the best hotels in Helsinki Finland, guests will also get free access to WiFi, sauna, and fitness center.
Bistro Johan is a place where you can get breakfast here. In this in-house restaurant, guests can order a variety of continental dishes. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are also served here. For a more relaxed atmosphere, go straight to the bar. Order your favorite cocktails and some snacks while chatting with the locals about the best destinations around.
Dubbed one of the happiest cities in the world, Helsinki has many great attractions. Some can be found around the hotel, such as the Amos Rex Museum, Mannerheim Statue, and the Parliament of Finland building. All of them were less than a mile away.
Holiday Inn Helsinki City Centre
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If flexibility is the first thing you consider when choosing a place to stay, look no further than the Holiday Inn Helsinki City Center. It’s conveniently located right next to Helsinki Central Station, the main station for commuter rail and long-distance trains departing from the Finnish capital. Voted as the most beautiful train station by the BBC in 2013, you can travel across the country from here.
When it comes to amenities, the Holiday Inn Helsinki City Center has spacious rooms with a simple yet effective Scandinavian style décor. They all come with wooden floors, a minibar, tea/coffee maker, WiFi, and a flat-screen TV. Leisure facilities such as sauna and gym are also available here.
Buffet breakfast, as well as Asian, continental, and American menus are available at the on-site restaurant. To just relax while enjoying a cup of hot coffee or meeting some friends, you can go straight to the Open Lobby. Doing some work here isn’t a bad idea either, since they also provide comfortable chairs and a stable Internet connection.
As we mentioned earlier, like most of the best hotels in Helsinki, the Holiday Inn is conveniently located. Apart from the central station, there’s also the Helsinki Cathedral and the shopping street Bulevarden nearby. Both can be visited on foot in less than 10 minutes.
Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
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This urban hotel is on a boulevard and closes to some of Helsinki’s most interesting attractions. A seven-minute walk will take you to the Kamppi Shopping Center. Meanwhile, in less than a mile you can visit the Helsinki Music Center. If you want to explore more, the Helsinki Bus Terminal is less than half a mile away from the hotel.
The rooms here come with standard facilities such as a desk, flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. Some units feature a private sauna or terrace. We suggest you book the latter for a great view of the city since it will be a great way to open up the day.
Breakfast is available each morning at Kulta, the on-site restaurant serving Lappish-style dishes. Other alternatives such as gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian dishes are also available. For special occasions, you can even order wine or champagne! Both are available upon request.
Like other best hotels in Helsinki, Lapland Hotels Bulevardi offers easy access to a number of tourist destinations. One that we recommend the most is the Helsinki Cathedral. This neoclassical church is featured heavily in the music video for ‘Sandstorm’ by Darude. Make sure to stop by if you’re here.
Hilton Helsinki Strand
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Staying productive on vacation can be tough unless you find the right hotel like the Hilton Helsinki Strand. Each room here comes with a work desk, perfect for your temporary work station. You’ll also find large windows that overlook the Balkan Sea, which should create an inspiring atmosphere for brilliant ideas.
Other amenities include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and WiFi. Just like other best hotels in Helsinki Finland, they also have daily housekeeping, shoe polish, iron, dry cleaning, and laundry services. Everything is free, except for the last three. Furthermore, breakfast is available at the on-site restaurant BRO, while on the top floor you’ll find an executive lounge with waterfront views.
Some of the city’s best attractions are around here. Helsinki Cathedral and the Aleksanterinkatu shopping street are only less than a mile away. But if you don’t want to bother looking at Google Maps over and over, we recommend signing up for the Helsinki Highlight – Shore Excursion from Helsinki. This half-day boat tour will take you to some of the most beautiful spots in town, including the famous Esplanade Park.
Hotel Lilla Roberts
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The hustle and bustle of the city center can be quite overwhelming sometimes. That’s why staying in the suburbs won’t be a bad idea. When in Helsinki, you may want to check out the Hotel Lilla Roberts. This art-deco accommodation features a quiet courtyard and views of the city. It will become your perfect sanctuary, a short escape from the crowded atmosphere.
The rooms here are stylishly decorated. They all feature a Bluetooth compatible sound system, guaranteeing an immersive media experience just like home. Other standard amenities such as a minibar, air conditioning, and free WiFi are also available. Whatever your needs, Hotel Lilla Roberts will be ready to provide. Just call local staff or take advantage of their reliable room service. Now that’s what you call a superior hotel!
Before starting to explore the surroundings, make sure to fill your stomach at Krog Roba. The on-site restaurant serves Continental and American dishes, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Plus, make sure you drop by their local bar. There’s an award-winning barman with his signature drinks. Try a few shots before you leave the hotel.
As with most of the best hotels in Helsinki Finland, you’ll have no trouble finding interesting places around here. The famous Helsinki Cathedral is only 850m away, while Observatory Park is 5 minutes away. For those who like shopping, Kamppi Shopping Center can be reached in less than a mile.
Crowne Plaza Helsinki
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Arts and performing enthusiasts will be delighted to spend an evening at the Crowne Plaza Helsinki. That’s because this hotel is right across from the Finnish National Opera. The building, which was completed in 1993, features two auditoriums and shows four to six premieres per year. It’s a must if you’re on vacation in Finland.
When it comes to amenities, the Crowne Plaza Helsinki has rooms with flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea makers, minibars, and free WiFi access. Stay productive during the holidays, as a dedicated work area is also available. Not much different from most of the best hotels in Helsinki, guests also have access to leisure facilities such as an indoor pool and a health club.
Enjoy a fine breakfast with Mediterranean dishes at the elegant Macu Restaurant. For something fresher and lighter, you can try some drinks and snacks at the Bar Code near the lobby. The Forever Health Club & Astara Day Spa is also worth checking out, especially for those who are tired after a long flight. Try their massage and sauna service to rejuvenate your body and mind.
Recommended Bars/Restaurants in Helsinki:
- Demo – This Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its young chefs and modern Finnish cuisine. One of our recommendations, as well as the most innovative, is the king crab with nettle pesto and vendace roe. If you like enjoying your food in a contemporary ambiance, this is the place to be.
- Gron – If local and fresh ingredients are your thing, this bistro will suit you. They have some of the best menus around, from regular to vegan. One of the favorites is scallop meat with red currant juice, herbs, and vegetables. Just writing it down makes us drool!
- Restaurant Olo – Here comes another Michelin star restaurant in Helsinki. Occupying an old 19th-century building, this dining venue offers a unique molecular gastronomy culinary experience. Make sure to book a few weeks in advance if you want Finnish quail with forest mushrooms or Icelandic salmon with wasabi here.
Recommended Activities in Helsinki:
- Helsinki: Highlights and Hidden Gem Walking Tour – Just like other cities in Northern Europe, Helsinki has many interesting historical stories. You can find answers to all of the most curious questions on this tour. For one full hour, you’ll be invited to see some unique statues, cool cafes, and charming courtyards.
- Helsinki: Red Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-Off Bus – When it comes to exploring Helsinki, nothing is better than the Hop-on Hop-off bus. As the name implies, you can go up or down at will with a ticket valid for 24 hours. See the city’s top attractions and landmarks, without worrying about routes and transportation costs. Even better, they have multilingual commentary on board.
- 90-minute Helsinki Boat Sightseeing on Beautiful Canal Route – Since Finland has lots of stunning waters, exploring Helsinki by boat is a great idea. In this 90-minute tour, you’ll be invited to cruise along the beautiful canals around the city. See some famous landmarks, such as the Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress and the Helsinki Zoo.
