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The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Helsinki

Explore Helsinki Cathedral and the bustling Finnish capital on a stylish city break
Explore Helsinki Cathedral and the bustling Finnish capital on a stylish city break | © Paula Rissanen Raining Stars Photography / Alamy Stock Photo

Helsinki, and Finland in general, is synonymous with being a winter oasis – yet there’s a lot to love about the charming metropolis all year round. The Finnish capital’s design and foodie scene are more than worthy of a Nordic city break, with a prime position on the edge of the Baltic Sea. For an authentic and comfortable stay, check into one of these glorious boutique hotels and places to stay in Helsinki – bookable with Culture Trip.

Lapland Hotels Bulevardi

Boutique Hotel

A bed and cushioned bench, and a bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, in a stylish hotel room at Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
Courtesy of Lapland Hotels Bulevardi / Expedia

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.

Hotel F6

Boutique Hotel

Seating with geometric patterned cushions and wood tables in the tiled courtyard at Hotel F6 featuring graphic and images
Courtesy of Hotel F6 / Expedia

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.

Hotel St. George Helsinki

Boutique Hotel, Luxury

A railing along the sleek indoor pool in the minimal chic spa at Hotel St. George Helsinki
Courtesy of Hotel St. George Helsinki / Expedia

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.

Noli Studios Katajanokka

Boutique Hotel, Apartment

Tables, chairs, couches and shelves with hanging plants in the stylish restaurant at Noli Studios Katajanokka
Courtesy of Noli Studios Katajanokka / Expedia

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, Helsinki

Hotel

A bed, desk with a rotary dial telephone and chair, and an armchair in a hotel room at Hotel Helka
Courtesy of Hotel Helka / Hotels.com

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.

Hotel Fabian, Fabianinkatu

Hotel

A couch with cushions, a table with a plant and a bed in a stylish hotel room at Hotel Fabian
Courtesy of Hotel Fabian / Hotels.com

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.

Hotel Finn

Hotel

Two beds pushed to form a double bed, a yellow chair, and green patterned wallpaper in a hotel room at Hotel Finn
Courtesy of Hotel Finn / Hotels.com

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.

Hotel Lilla Roberts

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Seating next to a fireplace, a horse statue and a reception desk in the funky lobby area at Hotel Lilla Roberts
Courtesy of Hotel Lilla Roberts / Expedia

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.

Hotel Rantapuisto

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Trees, flowers, a grill and chairs in the gardens around Hotel Rantapuisto all shaded by tall trees
Courtesy of Hotel Rantapuisto / Expedia

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.

Hotel Anna

Hotel

Two red couches, a desk with chair and a bed with a red patterned bedspread in a hotel room at Hotel Anna
Courtesy of Hotel Anna / Hotels.com

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.

Hotel Kämp

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

A stylish sitting area, with a coffee table and elegant couch, leading to a bedroom in a guest room at Hotel Kämp
Courtesy of Hotel Kämp / Expedia

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.

GLO Hotel

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

A corner couch with red cushions in a sitting area and a four-poster bed in a hotel room at GLO Hotel Art
Courtesy of GLO Hotel Art / Hotels.com

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.

Hotel Indigo Helsinki - Boulevard

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Chairs, potted plants and a TV on a bookshelf in a stylish sitting area at Hotel Indigo Helsinki - Boulevard
Courtesy of Hotel Indigo Helsinki - Boulevard / Expedia

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.

Hotel Haven

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

A patterned armchair, cushioned bench and large double bed in a stylish hotel room at Hotel Haven
Courtesy of Hotel Haven / Expedia

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.

For more options, discover our guide on the best hotels in Turku and book now on Culture Trip.

This is an updated version of an article originally written by Jessica Wood.

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