The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Helsinki

The fact that most of the rooms at Lapland Hotels Bulevardi offer private, in-room saunas should give you an idea of the level of luxury you can expect here. Other than your own private spa, the dreamy rooms also come with deep-soak tubs and large windows with views over Helsinki’s skyline. When you can pull yourself away from the vistas, head to the ground floor Kultá Kitchen and Bar to dine on Finnish delicacies like sautéed reindeer and ice cream topped with cloudberries.

When Hotel F6 opened a mere stroll away from Esplanadi park in 2016, it set a new tone for boutique hotels in the Finnish capital with its sleek and unstuffy interiors. Rooms are highly photogenic, with pine floors, deep-hued velvet accents and polka dot tile bathrooms. While there’s no restaurant, an impressive breakfast is served up each morning including handmade Karelian pies and slow-cooked organic porridge.

Set in a former 1920s printing and publishing house, Hotel St. George makes a slick and highly Instagrammable option for your next boutique hotel stay in Helsinki. This is largely due to its pastel-hued rooms, with lilac curtains and blonde wooden flooring and furniture. When you’re not dining on Turkish-Finnish fodder at Andrea, book in for a holistic treatment at the St. George Spa or take a dip in its pool.

The unassuming redbrick, sea-facing facade of Noli Studios Katajanokka gives little indication of the Scandi-style haven that lies inside. An ideal spot for digital nomads, there’s meeting rooms and co-working spaces to utilise. The minimalist studios all have kitchens, making it perfect for lengthier stays – some are pet-friendly, too. If you’re visiting in the summer, make the most of the glorious Allas Sea Pool located next door.

Hotel Helka may be founded by the YWCA of Finland – it was built in the 1920s as a refuge for women – but everyone is welcomed here thanks to the warm atmosphere. The modern loft-style rooms with dusty pink walls, mustard-hued curtains and vibrant artwork are a real treat – some come with private balconies, too. There are gendered saunas on the top floor and the downstairs bar is another highlight, with some delicious signature Finnish cocktails to whet your appetite.

In the heart of the city, Hotel Fabian is a slick 58-room boutique hotel serving up a friendly atmosphere and stylish design. There are three categories of room – from comfort to lux for longer stays – and all have the same aesthetic, with a clean monochrome finish. If you’re after some peace and quiet, the hotel is designed around a lush, verdant courtyard which is flooded with natural light. It’s also close to the market square and Esplanadi gardens.

Tucked away just around the corner from Esplanadi park, Hotel Finn is a small, family-owned hotel set on the upper floors of an old stone building. The 37 well-appointment rooms are elegant, with large windows facing the pretty street below or the courtyard. Solo travellers will love the single-sized rooms, and there are quadruple rooms as well – perfect for families or groups of friends.

In a city where design is key, Hotel Lilla Roberts races ahead of the pack with its Art Deco style. Guests are greeted by monochrome chequered floors in the lobby along with a crackling fireplace, while rooms offer animal print sofas and elephant-shaped lampstands. It’s worth making a booking at the hotel’s casual Nordic restaurant Krog Roba, if only to marvel at its floor-to-ceiling windows – but you’ll definitely want to sample its Finnish delights, too.

On a peninsula a 20-minute drive from Helsinki’s city centre, Hotel Rantapuisto’s sea views and leafy surrounds cast you away to another world. There’s a large emphasis on nature here, best seen by a stay in the hotel’s Nolla Cabin with its glass wall offering prime views of the Baltic Sea. Sunsets seen from the seaside sauna are unparalleled, and dining at Restaurant Furu is a must – think meals fashioned from local produce and the on-site herb garden.

Located in the highly fashionable design district, Hotel Anna is home to 64 rooms which are smartly furnished with shades of royal red and gold. All include private bathrooms, flat screen TVs, minibars and wifi. The seven storey property dates from 1923, and was originally was built to accommodate travellers of the Evangelical Free Church. It’s now a top spot to put your feet up after a long day of shopping – the sauna on the fifth floor is another perk.

Dressed with marble, mahogany and glistening chandeliers, the ritzy Hotel Kämp is a favourite among celebrities – it counts the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen among its clients. After you’ve settled into one of the plush and elegantly appointed suites, make a beeline for the spa. At this calming oasis, you’ll find a steam room, Turkish hammam and, of course, a Finnish sauna. When parched, the elegant Kämp Bar is perfect for people watching.

Set in a 1903 Art Nouveau castle, GLO Hotel’s granite facade is typical of Nordic, 19th-century National Romantic style and hides a very modern interior. Rooms are luxe – opt for the suite for its four-poster bed, corner sofa and rainfall shower. If you’re feeling peckish, snacks can be found at the archway-lined Art Lounge Bar, and a Scandinavian spread is served for breakfast in the cellar come morning.

Centrally located near the Alexander Theatre, the shipyard, the Sinebrychoff Art Museum, and the Hietalahti Market Hall and flea market, Hotel Indigo is a great spot to base yourself for a break. The interiors are contemporary and fresh, with snazzy feature walls in the bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. There’s an on-site fitness centre to work off some of the delicious Finnish cuisine, and a handy business centre if you’re on a working vacation.

Cloak yourself in luxury at Hotel Haven, which prides itself on being the first member of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio in Finland. There are 137 well-appointed rooms, and all are finished with sumptuous fabrics and stylish accessories – the priciest room includes an electric fireplace. Many of the suites boast stunning views of the South Harbour, and the hotel is ideally located for sightseeing and excursions. For dining, there are three restaurants to choose from, and a Nordic-style afternoon tea is also served in the bar.