Helsinki may not be the first destination you think of when you head to Northern Europe, but in the summer, it offers pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor living, strolling its markets, stopping at its numerous cafes, energetic walks, or biking around. In the winter, it’s an entry-point to Northern visits for those of you who want to see Santa’s workshop firsthand. While it may not have the spectacular suites you find in other capitals, its hotels offer both classic charm and art-forward landing spots. Helsinki’s top hotels and suites are the subject of this week’s feature.
1. Hotel Kämp
2. Hotel St. George
3. Hotel Lilla Roberts
4. Hotel F6
5. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
1. Hotel Kämp
The Telegraph writes, ” The Kämp offers late-19th-century classical luxury in an authentically historic and central setting. Known to host visiting celebrities, such as the Stones and Springsteen, this is Finland’s top five-star hotel…The hotel successfully maintained original classical style is what distinguishes the hotel. The Kämp is characterized by elegant marble columns, a glittering Mirror Room for weddings and other functions, and a genuine 19th-century ambiance with all 21st-century room fittings and a selection from the Imprimo collection of Finnish contemporary graphic Art in rooms and public areas.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “You’re right in the center of town, and across from Esplanade Park. Guests encounter the sandstone exterior before retiring to super-spacious rooms done in nineteenth-century style using a palette of cream and dark wood. Enjoy dishes such as quiche Lorraine and duck liver mousse at Brasserie Kämp, or opt for pan-Asian accompanied by a sake and tea menu at Yume.”
Mannerheim Suite
The 2,777-sq.ft. Mannerheim Suite is the most luxurious and biggest suite in Finland. It offers a spacious bedroom and living room area with an attached study. The dining room has a separate butler’s pantry. The balcony overEsplanade Park.
More suites at Hotel Kamp.
2. Hotel St. George
The Telegraph says of Hotel St. George, “The hotel is the city’s most stylish and luxurious. Setting the bar at a new level for attention to detail for accommodation. The St. George pulls off a cool combination of informality and sophistication.” It adds, “The hotel is a subtle showcase for Finnish Art and design, most conspicuously in the murals and fabrics by young designer Klaus Haapaniemi, whose work is one aspect of a holistic approach to nurturing a sense of well-being among guests. Before approaching reception, visitors can admire Tianwu, a suspended kite installation by famed Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, while the bird sculpture Learning to Fly by Pekka Jylhä hanging over the airy Winter Garden lounge is another of the 400 items of mainly Finnish abstract and modern Art in the hotel.”
Conde Nast Traveler lauds, “The building is magnificent: a former printing works from the 19th century. It was reborn as a hotel in 2018, thanks to the homegrown Kamp group, which has a collection of smart hotels in the city. The others feel like cool little spots for Helsinki—Lillia Roberts, for example, is poppy and fun, but lacks a certain maturity and outlook. But St George is grown-up and would be competitive among the great hotel cities in the world—it would give Sanders in Copenhagen a run for its money.”
St. George Suite
The 1,011-sq.ft. St. George Suite on the third floor has a separate living room, dining room, and bedroom. The balcony overlooks the Old Church Park and its surrounding art galleries.
More suites at Hotel St. George.
3. Hotel Lilla Roberts
The Telegraph writes, “Lilla Roberts occupies the premises of a former police station and an electrical substation, but you would never guess it from the bright, fresh lobby and equally bright welcome. The hotel is tucked away in a quiet side street and takes pride in its neighborhood credentials…One of a growing batch of pleasantly stylish, modern boutique hotels in Helsinki, Lilla Roberts makes an impression with the shiny monochrome, Art Deco-inspired motifs in the lobby and reception areas, fireplace, and giant black horse figure.”
The Suite
The 565-sq.ft. The Suite overlooks Kasarmitori Square and features a living room with dining table for six. It is one oversize space, including bedroom and living area together.
More suites at Hotel Lila Roberts.
4. Hotel F6
The Telegraph reports, “The hotel sets a new standard for independent boutique hotels in Helsinki and Finland. The reception area, tastefully furnished and spacious, has an instantly breezy feel that puts you at ease on arrival in this converted government ministry building. It’s only a pity that the outdoor terrace area in the hexagonal courtyard, decked out in Moroccan riad style, can’t be enjoyed through the brisk Finnish winter.”
The Deluxe Room
The 450-sq.ft. Deluxe Rooms are the largest accommodations, each offering a sofa and work area.
More rooms at Hotel F6.
5. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
The Telegraph says, “As the Radisson Blu flagship for Finland and the Nordics, the Plaza sets and achieves a high bar for service and comfort. The quiet but central hotel is a cheerful but sophisticated blend of history and modernity.” It adds, the hotel “exudes individual style and atmosphere and is partly housed in the former headquarters of the cooperative society that still owns the listed building. The Art Deco details (including spectacular stained-glass windows to one side of the restaurant area illustrating the history of the cooperative society), wood paneling in the rooms, and Nordic design elements in the lounge and lobby pay due homage to history and local cultural tradition, but this is one of Helsinki’s most comfortably efficient and modern accommodations.”
Plaza Suite
The 861-sq.ft. double-level Plaza Suite is in the historic tower of the hotel and boasts Spanish-style windows. The upper level has a private sauna, where you can enjoy views of the city. You also have Plaza Lounge access.
More suites at Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel.
