UPDATED FEB 2020. “Escape the ordinary”. I smiled as I read this while Googling ‘where to stay in Helsinki’. It’s funny how some places choose you instead of you choosing them and this was one of those times. My spider senses told me that this would be a perfect place to stay for someone with a blog motto of “extraordinary travel experiences for ordinary people.” As per usual, those spider senses were 100% right. Here is a hotel where you can stay in…wait for it…prison! Well, a former prison but, either way, inmate, let’s check you into your cell away from home at Hotel Katajanokka.
Where To Stay In Helsinki – Escape The Ordinary At Hotel Katajanokka
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
The basics
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Hotel: Hotel Katajanokka
Highlights: Staying in an old prison, convenient locations, delicious food
Hotel Katajanokka is my choice of where to stay in Helsinki
Where to stay in Helsinki? Why not a prison!
Want to know something cool about Hotel Katajanokka? It operated as the Helsinki county prison up until as recent as 2002 and the oldest part of the building dates all the way back to 1837.
You can literally stay in an old prison!
These walls encompass a rich, interesting history. So much so that some parts of the building are protected by the National Board of Antiquities.
Though it is a hotel now, it isn’t the type of situation where the original site is demolished and a brand new hotel erected in its place. Instead, the site has been converted into a hotel in a way that embraces the history of the building.
To me, it’s wonderful to see that history has been kept alive to be shared with guests.
What to expect at Hotel Katajanokka
As you walk through the hotel you will see photos, information, and artifacts on the walls which serve as a reminder of the building’s past.
If you want to learn more, the hotel also offers a house tour where you can learn tales of the building, prisoners, and escapes and there are also a number of fun activities for groups including escape style team adventures.
Here is the full list of activities they offer.
Why Hotel Katajanokka is one of the best places to stay in Helsinki
Let’s step into your cell.
Fortunately, it is anything but rugged and you don’t have to worry about getting shivved by a creepy cellmate. Instead, a cozy haven awaits you.
I stayed in a Superior King room which was a spacious, comfortable oasis and they offer many different room types to suit different preferences – there’s even a Junior Suite which has its own sauna! It doesn’t get much more outside of the ordinary than having your own sauna in your room.
The brick walls are a meter thick making the rooms quiet and peaceful, even though you are staying in the city.
Inside the bathroom, there was a large bathtub and a range of luxurious bath products, even bath salts, and bubble bath. Having a quiet place to soak and defrost the bones after being out all day walking around the pretty city was a real treat.
There was also a safe, free wi-fi, mini-bar, couch, TV and even books to read, and the hotel also has a sauna and 24-hour gym. You really won’t want for anything here.
The location
If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know I am a sucker for a good location. I always think it is better to pay more for a good location than deal with taxis (sometimes that can end up more expensive anyway) or being far from the main sights.
Hotel Katajanokka was another place I have stayed with an excellent location.
It’s only a couple of minutes walk to the scenic waterfront area, 25 minutes walk to the Central Railway Station, and 11 minutes walk to the Market Square area with plenty of tram and bus stops nearby as well.
The public transport is excellent, but I downloaded the area onto Google Maps on my phone (here is the how-to guide) and walked everywhere from the hotel because it was such a pretty place to walk around.
Though it is close to everything, it is just outside of the hustle and bustle and unaffected by city noise which is a real bonus for this hotel.
I found it to be a wonderful balance between being close enough to walk everywhere but far enough away that you get peace and quiet in your room.
The food
I hope you brought your appetite because a feast awaits you.
The breakfast buffet has a range of hot and cold food to get you started for the day and quite possibly the fluffiest scrambled eggs in the world! They were seriously like little, breakfast clouds for your mouth and so, so good.
There was also the usual bacon, sausages, mushrooms, pancakes and the like in the hot food section as well as yogurt, berries and other fruits, smoothies, donuts, freshly baked bread, cold cut meats, cheeses, and oatmeal.
I’ve probably forgotten something but I think you get the idea that there’s something for everyone when it comes to breakfast time and it was all delightful.
The dinners were no different as far as the quality of food is concerned. It’s made to order and, again, there are a lot of different options to choose from.
I especially loved the novelty that you get to sit underground, surrounded by old, red brick walls and eat and drink using prison-style plates and cups! How cool is that?
I went to the restaurant each morning for breakfast and had dinner there twice because it was so good!
I got to interact with the staff there quite a bit, and I have to say they were just lovely. One even offered to be my friend in Finland since I was always alone.
To my new friends in the restaurant – thank you for your friendly hosting!
Overall thoughts
I couldn’t imagine a better place to stay for a unique Helsinki getaway.
The central location, cozy rooms, fascinating history, my new friends at the restaurant and, of course, the chance to escape the ordinary while traveling makes it my choice of where to stay in Helsinki.
Other posts to help you plan a trip to Helsinki
Ice Swimming In Helsinki – Where To Go For An Authentic Finnish Sauna
Solo Travel For Introverts – How To Chit Chat If You’re Shy And Awkward
For more information:
To book your stay, check Booking.com for a deal – this is what I use to book accommodation when I travel.
For more information on the hotel, visit the Hotel Katajanokka website.
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So very unique. I’d love to stay at such an unusual place!
Thanks so much, I hope you get to visit!