A unique gem with multiple layers and architectural wonders, Helsinki is one of the world’s most extraordinary cities. Finland’s beautiful and intriguing capital is filled with all the usual Nordic treasures, such as contemporary architecture, a thriving art and culture scene, world-famous design, vibrant neighborhoods, and restaurants specializing in locally sourced, seasonal, and foraged ingredients.
Other reasons to visit include its lively bars and nightclubs, its extraordinary sea-facing landscape, the incredible ‘Rock Church,’ its many independent boutique shops and craft workshops, exciting museums, its progressive eco and vegan scene, the Art Noveau buildings, and very impressive food markets.
In such a city, you know they’ll have some equally exceptional places to stay, from high-design boutiques to sleek and modern; here are the best excellent and unusual hotels in Helsinki, Finland (in no particular order, they’re all exceptional!)…
Our Top 3 Best Cool and Unusual Hotels
1.
![]() 2.
![]() 3.
![]() |
The Folks Hotel Konepaja



Emanating a sense of urban roughness courtesy of the surrounding area, the central location of the Folks Hotel is prevalent amongst families with children, as well as business travelers.
Key to the hotel’s ethos, the staff is committed to being environmentally responsible, which manifests itself in the form of 100% renewable energy and a keen eye on the UN’s sustainable development goals.
The hotel boasts several unique paintings by Ville Leino, who is a vital part of Finnish folk culture. His works have been immortalized in the form of decorative pillows.
Laura Itkonen, a designer and artist who focuses on architectural ceramics and sculptural utility, has designed and executed ceramic murals for 47 rooms inspired by both the urban architecture of the area and the historical buildings in the Konepaja. Easily one of the most excellent hotels in Helsinki!
Pros
Trendy nightlife hub
Eco-conscious approach
Unique ceramic murals
Perfect for millennials and Gen Zs
Cons
Limited onsite amenities
Theme might not be for everyone
Hotel F6


Hotel F6, a converted government ministry building, sets a new standard for independent boutique hotels in Helsinki. The breezy feel of the tastefully furnished, spacious reception area puts guests at ease on arrival.
The outdoor terrace area in the hexagonal courtyard is decked out in a Moroccan riad style, and the 66 rooms all boast plush beds, elegant wooden floors, and complimentary bathrobes.
Some rooms are approached via the terrace, while others overlook the beautiful courtyard from French-style balconies. Cheerful greetings on arrival include an introduction to Runar, the hotel dog. Easy-going, amiable service is the successful aim of the hotel.
Pros
Stylish and unique boutique design
Located near attractions
Finnish home-style breakfast daily and fun bar
Free use of bicycles
Cons
Some rooms are a little dark
The breakfast menu is a little limited
Clarion Hotel Helsinki



This modern, chic hotel towers over the city from a refurbished warehouse. Its 16 floors boast 425 guestrooms, 15 meeting spaces, and a popular Kitchen & Table restaurant.
All guestrooms at this chic boutique hotel are stylishly decorated with designer furniture and a significant emphasis on comfort. From floor-to-ceiling windows to a rich breakfast table, the modernized rooms are perfect for couples, whole families, and solo travelers.
At the top of the tower, breathtaking views can be enjoyed in all three directions. There is a swimming pool, heated all year round, next to two saunas and a gym. All topped with inspiring downtown views.
Pros
Enjoy a stunning rooftop pool
Great views
Central downtown location
Upscale wellness amenities
Cons
Elevator wait times can vary
Potentially crowded rooftop
Noise from Skyroom Bar
Scandic Paasi



The modern and brightly colored local-history design theme of Scandic Paasi provides a distinctly cheerful and individual character, making the hotel stand out from the Scandic family to which it belongs.
Decorated in striking designs, the hotel pays homage to the colorful history of this salt-of-the-earth Helsinki district. The modernity of the interior, with brightly striped colored ceilings in the lobby, is in perfect contrast with the neighboring granite exteriors.
All rooms are furnished with modern Finnish design, with themes varying from ‘Leisure’ and ‘Conscious’ to ‘Spectacular.’ Tucked away in a quiet leafy square within the working-class districts of Hakaniemi and trendy Kallio, many tram lines and bus routes pass close by to the hotel, and the botanical gardens are just across the bay.
Pros
Unique local history design
Modern Finnish room themes
Tranquil Leafy Square location
Nearby botanical gardens
Cons
No on-site parking
Limited dining options
Some noise from the nearby area
Hotel U14



Steps away from the beautiful Esplanade Park and Market Square, Hotel U14 offers a contemporary, boutique experience bolstered by its inspiring décor, cozy ambiance, and upscale amenities.
Featuring 117 rooms, a joyous restaurant, a distinctive cocktail bar, a sauna, and a gym, the hotel creates a genuinely social place to meet, mingle, experiment, and enjoy.
The restaurant, Version, is a lively all-day eatery and bar with Californian-influenced dishes. The alluring interiors boast well-appointed details and a lush glass roof garden setting in which to wine and dine. The hotel is also a forerunner in Helsinki’s sustainability measures.
Pros
Chic boutique experience
Embraces sustainability measures
Explore the city easily with provided bikes
Vibrant dining and bar
Cons
Sauna availability might be restricted
Limited cuisine variety
Hotel AX


A place for relaxing and taking inspiration from bespoke design, Hotel AX is an entirely new kind of hotel. It is the gateway to a tremendous cultural experience and a totally diverse world saturated with gorgeous artwork.
The hotel’s restaurant is an urban meeting place that provides both classic and modern dishes and boldly combines spices and flavors from across the globe.
Here, it is not just a place to tickle the taste buds but also to get lost in the art that surprises, delights, and arouses emotions. The well-appointed guestrooms all contain an eclectic twist through their tailored décor and furnishings.
Pros
Floor-to-ceiling windows with great views
Inspiring bespoke design and art tours
Global flavors in the restaurant
Fabulous bar and cocktails
Cons
Limited culinary options
Niche art may not appeal to everyone
Marski by Scandic



Marski by Scandic crowns a perfect hotel vacation. It is an award-winning, vibrant city hotel featuring an eclectic Finnish twist in the heart of downtown Helsinki.
An experiential visit is guaranteed here due to the hotel’s fascinating décor, the atmospheric restaurant and bar, and the versatile events spaces.
All guestrooms are uniquely decorated with a timeless interior and decked out with double-thick mattresses and Marski’s high-quality bath products.
The modern, bright lighting and well-appointed color scheme make for a lush ambiance to accompany a blissful night’s sleep. The hotel rooms can easily accommodate a larger group of friends or a family.
Pros
Lively atmosphere in downtown Helsinki
Unique and captivating Finnish decor
Some rooms have their private sauna
Finnish dishes and great cocktails
Cons
Some outside noise
The open layout lacks some privacy
Solo Sokos Hotel Helsinki


Exuding tremendous character, Solo Sokos was built in 1931 as Helsinki’s tallest building and retains many charming Art details.
These include a rotunda skylight in the reception, a tight spiral staircase to the tower-top Atelier bar and terrace, and an original ‘cage lift.’
The guestrooms are decorated in bright, light tones and offer breathtaking city views. The Art Nouveau theme features in the wallpaper motifs and furniture of the Kylikki wing, which actually predates the central hotel.
In the clean-tiled bathrooms, you will find Thierry Mugler bath products, and the bedrooms feature memory foam mattresses and a selection of well-appointed pillows. Furthermore, the hotel’s bars are some of the best-known in Helsinki.
Pros
Historic Art Nouveau charm
Stunning city views
Luxurious room amenities
Vibrant area with popular restaurants nearby
Cons
Limited elevator options
Noise from the lively atmosphere
Some rooms are dated
Hotel Mestari


Boasting a cozy atmosphere, delicious Pinchas, and a welcome toast, Hotel Mestari will be opening in May. The tasteful décor and thoughtfully appointed furnishings offer a masterful experience.
The hotel’s sauna exudes opulence and luxury and is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The sauna menu is crowned by relaxation and is connected to a lounge where guests can cool off and enjoy delicious food and drinks.
In the fiery heart of Hotel Mestari, the Latin Bistro & Bar Maestro 51 combines the bewildering sophistication of the North with the courage and passion of the South.
Pros
Indulge in unique dining experiences
Great views from upper-floor terraces
Latin Bistro with a sophisticated fusion
Luxurious sauna escape available
Cons
Dining reservations needed
Sauna space might be limited
Hotel Haaga Central Park


Designed for people who value the true art of urban exploration while wanting to relax and live comfortably, this independent and unique wellness hotel by Central Park is the perfect spot for respite.
After a hard day at work or hours exploring this incredible, historic city, the hotel’s spa, Finnish sauna, and the longest hotel pool in the town are ready to serve guests. All guestrooms boast warm tones and extensive amenities, inviting guests to relax amongst the high-quality bedding.
The restaurant’s dining philosophy is based on Scandinavian pureness and freshness, while the menu includes international portions with a lovely Nordic twist. Outdoor maps, bikes, and Nordic walking poles are available at the hotel.
Pros
Fresh Nordic-inspired menu
Popular breakfast buffet with hot and cold choices
Upscale amenities with pools and spa
Urban exploration hub for city adventures
Cons
Central proximity may cause noise
The restaurant menu is a bit limited
Scandic Simonkenttä



Here, we have a modern city center hotel located in Kampi, arguably the best location in Helsinki. The modern, spacious guestrooms have everything you need and want, including fantastic city views.
Guests can choose their room from a comprehensive selection based on the amenities they desire, such as bathtubs, saunas, or cozy balconies.
The hotel’s restaurant ‘Más’ is a relaxed meeting place, serving both locally and internationally-inspired dishes. The hotel further boasts two bars, including a rooftop bar and terrace.
The shopping centers of Kampi are located next to the hotel, with easy access via the inner corridor, and the city’s attractions, museums, and theatres are only a short walk away.
Pros
Magnificent vistas from rooms
Restaurant 'Más' offers diverse cuisine
Rooftop bar with panoramic allure
Varied amenities to choose from
Cons
Possible elevator wait times
Air Con can be temperamental
Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti Helsinki


Innovatively showcasing Finnish phenomena, this wonderfully revamped hotel greets guests with a Kultaranta room, Midsummer flowers on pillowcases, and deer shelves in the lobby.
The hotel is also a very diverse event venue, perfect for exclusive weddings, meetings, and exhibitions. Tasty meals with Finnish ingredients feature at the hotel’s restaurant, Bistro Manu, which serves guests with a masterly touch.
The hotel is located next to the Kamppi Shopping Centre, close to Parliament House, with quick access to local cultural events, shopping, and work meetings.
This hotel will be the perfect spot for those wishing to embark on an experience-rich holiday, a pleasant business trip, or an epic night of fine dining.
Pros
Steps from attractions and shopping
Environmentally friendly initiatives
Trendy decor and pet-friendly
Finnish culinary delicacy
Cons
Parking options are limited
Potentially crowded during events
Check-in can be slow
Hotel Klaus K


The aim to create an authentic, individual, modern living atmosphere with accommodating and discreet service is mainly successful at Hotel Klaus K.
The design theme, combined with references to the Kalevala (Finland’s national epic poem), adds to the character. The beds in the sumptuous and imaginative Sky Lofts feature high-quality mattresses and iPhone television links. All bathrooms are shiny, clean, and modern.
Fresh, healthy local ingredients, including juices, cheese, cold cuts, and house-made bread, feature in a delicious breakfast served in the lounge restaurant area. Located on the edge of Helsinki’s design district at the eastern end of the Bulevardi, guests can enjoy beautiful walks to Helsinki’s top attractions.
Pros
Unique Kalevala-inspired design
Prime location in the design district
Fresh local breakfast selection.
Modern and upscale bathrooms
Cons
Limited on-site amenities
Some rooms lack views
Some noise from outside
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki



Connecting a hotel and office within the same premises, hotel VALO is an innovation of the world’s happiest nation and takes real estate responsibility to a whole new level.
VALO is a warm and cozy hotel for both business travelers and tourists and echoes an ethos surrounding both community spirit and responsibility.
Boasting a modern and stylish office and coworking space for companies with flexible space requirements, VALO invests in diversity, as well as sociality, strict focus, and cooperation.
Thanks to these innovative facilities and services, VALO solves enormous social problems. Great meetings and events here are much more than just beautiful and versatile spaces, with easy booking, modern technology, and excellent service to support your wellness expectations.
Pros
Chic and serene atmosphere for rejuvenation
High-tech and versatile spa and wellness centre
Innovative Workspaces for Digital Nomads
Modern co-working options
Cons
Air Con can be temperamental
Vibrant community can get audible
Hotel Helka


Founded by one of the oldest women’s organizations in Finland (YWCA of Finland) in the late 1920s, Hotel Helka was originally a haven for women, boasting a bakery, shop, café, and laundry room. As the world changed, so did the YWCA, and this women’s sanctuary became Hotel Helka.
The hotel has experienced a lot! Playing ‘Hotel Budapest’ in Gorky Park and featuring on Finnish television in 2015, the hotel has taken inspiration from its past to form this modern masterpiece.
The stylish interior is decorated with carefully chosen Finnish design classics such as Alvar Aalto and Artek, to name a few. The hotel’s 151 rooms across five floors combine design and functionality in a discrimination-free zone.
This hotel strives for good on a larger scale and continuously addresses profits from its operations towards empowering girls and women of all ages around the world.
Pros
Chic Finnish design ambiance
Complimentary Scandinavian buffet
Family rooms and free cots
Breakfast with organic and local products
Cons
Some outside noise
Some rooms lack modern amenities
Lapland Hotels Bulevardi


Lapland Hotels Bulevardi brings Nordic well-being to an urban environment. It creates a unique harmony in the rooms, which recounts stories from the extremes and beauties of nature.
The interior is stylish yet without futile fuss. Untouched nature and its clear, clean waters have always been the cornerstones of Nordic well-being – The soft steam of this hotel offers a novel relaxation and is the source of purity of mind, body, and soul.
The hotel’s Kultá kitchen boasts a modern a la carte menu bound by passion and northern roots. Beloved ingredients, such as reindeer and elk meat, burn-clearing turnips, and whitefish, are cooked on an open fire using a coal grill.
The majestic and beautiful North is deeply rooted in the core of the hotel’s restaurant.
Pros
Upscale Nordic elegance
Some rooms have private saunas
Lappish-style buffet breakfast
Authentic Northern cuisine
Cons
Spa reservations needed
Air con can be improved
Rooms on the smaller side
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki



Combined with a relaxed atmosphere, the décor of timeless elegance and the classic Art Nouveau style offers a first-class vacation experience.
This grand hotel has almost 500 timelessly stylish, charming rooms, each boasting unique views of either the National Theatre, the Ateneum Art Museum, the beautiful courtyard, or the green Kaisaniemi Park.
The hotel’s onsite restaurant evokes a warm, hospitable ambiance, and the Grand Ballroom banquet hall offers a unique setting for both small and large events. Local and long-distance trains, as well as the metro, stop right next to the hotel, and the connections to the airport are top-notch.
Pros
Housed in an early 20th-century warehouse
Unique city vistas from rooms
Convenient access to trains and metro
Onsite restaurant and onsite sauna
Cons
Pricey upscale amenities
Limited room variety
Hotel Katajanokka



Hotel Katajanokka is now a Tribute Portfolio hotel. It has a refreshingly authentic, welcoming character, belying its historic function as a 19th-century jail.
The prison theme layout, with the bars across room windows and the original stairways, does not compromise on comfort. The ‘jail’ concept is unobtrusive and adds a genuine, quirky charm.
Peace is among the advantages of those thick prison walls! Katajanokka is a subtle but charming residential area, as the enchanting art nouveau Jugendstil buildings and the onion spires of the Orthodox cathedral are on your doorstep, and the sea is very close!
Pros
Immerse yourself in 19th-century charm
Thick walls for a peaceful stay
Near the sea and iconic sights
Housed in a converted prison from 1837
Cons
The jail theme might not suit all
Parking is pricey
GLO Hotel Art



The carved granite arch and heavy ornate wooden main door are typical of the National Romantic style of the late 19th/early 20th centuries and rather unique for a Helsinki hotel.
GLO Hotel Art’s modern furnishings sit very well in the whimsical, mock medieval setting, so it is no surprise that this hotel has been tagged as Helsinki’s primary ‘Design Hotel.’
The guestrooms are in a modern annex adjacent to the granite fortress at the main entrance, and all comprise bright, comfortable en-suite rooms and a cozy ambiance, in keeping with the ‘design hotel’ tag.
The hotel’s bar, which also serves snacks, is nestled in the atmospheric Art Nouveau reception area. In contrast, the kitchen is located in the cellar and is open for a healthy buffet breakfast daily.
Pros
National Romantic style and granite fortress
Bar in Art Nouveau reception area
Smart en-suite rooms with comfort
Recognized as Helsinki's primary design hotel
Cons
Few amenities available
Guest Rooms in a separate annex
The kitchen is open only for breakfast
Hotel Rivoli Jardin



A pearl in the heart of Helsinki, Hotel Rivoli is tucked away in a quaint inner courtyard within the elegant city center. The refurnished rooms and the suite, which boasts a sauna, jacuzzi, and balcony, feature magnificent views over the Helsinki rooftops.
A mere block away from the classy shopping streets, the North and South Esplanades, and Market Square, a short walk takes you directly to all of the city’s gems.
Hotel Rivoli combines a comfortable terrace with a relaxing sauna experience, which is covered by a liquor license. Drinks, snacks, and dishes can be pre-ordered, and the staff are always on hand to cater to guests’ needs.
Pros
Prime city center location and great views
Reasonably priced room rates
Suite with sauna and jacuzzi
Sauna terrace with drinks
Cons
Small hotel with limited amenities
Limited dining options
Top 20 Coolest Hotels in Helsinki
In the table below, we have compared the top 20 cool and unusual hotels in Helsinki. You can sort the table based on different factors, like location, distance from attractions, price per night, and restaurants nearby:
Hotel Name Location Price Range (per night) Fitness Facilities Distance to Attractions (km) Nearby Restaurants
The Folks Hotel Konepaja 23 Aleksis Kiven katu $161-$460 Yes 2.1 3
Hotel F6 Fabianinkatu 6 $281-$423 Yes 0.55 3
Clarion Hotel Helsinki Tyynenmerenkatu 2 $163-$272 Yes 1.4 3
Scandic Paasi Paasivuorenkatu 5b $136-$209 Yes 0.95 3
Hotel U14 Unioninkatu 14 $256-$548 Yes 0.65 3
Hotel AX Välimerenkatu 18 $179-$261 No 1.9 3
Marski by Scandic Mannerheimintie 10 $178-$332 Yes 0.55 3
Solo Sokos Hotel Helsinki Kluuvikatu 8 $223-$365 Yes 0.6 3
Hotel Mestari 51-53 Fredrikinkatu $196-$595 Yes 0.55 3
Hotel Haaga Central Park Nuijamiestentie 10 $126-$173 Yes 4.0 3
Scandic Simonkenttä Simonkatu 9, Kamppi $184-$327 Yes 0.5 3
Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti Helsinki Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 4 $180-$450 Yes 0.5 3
Hotel Klaus K Bulevardi 2-4 $107-$448 Yes 0.6 3
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki 109 Mannerheimintie $116-$249 Yes 2.7 3
Hotel Helka Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 23 $169-$233 No 0.55 3
Lapland Hotels Bulevardi Bulevardi 28, Kamppi $295-$1044 Yes 0.6 3
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki 13 Vilhonkatu, Kluuvi $192-$558 Yes 0.7 3
Hotel Katajanokka, Helsinki Merikasarminkatu 1 A $196-$294 Yes 1.3 3
GLO Hotel Art Lönnrotinkatu 29 $129-$399 No 0.85 3
Hotel Rivoli Jardin Kasarmikatu 40 $123 Yes 3.2 3
Becky Moore – Owner, writer and photographer
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
I’ve been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic, The Times, Yahoo Travel, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Thrillist, British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur, express.co.uk, Wanderlust, Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and metro.co.uk. Find me on Linkedin or Facebook.
Related Posts