Hôtel Katajanokka

The hotel is full of history. It has been beautifully renovated and the walls could just talk.

Hotel Katajanokka was a prison up until 2002 when it was closed. The following five years were spent converting the property to a super nice hotel which opened in 2007. Between then and now it's undergone a series of renovation s of which I am not privy to the details. This year I went to Finland for the Steelfest metal festival. I went a few days early so I could explore Helsinki and I just had to stay in this place. My room was typical European single size, much smaller then USA hotels but still very nice. Very clean with a nice firm bed and comfortable pillews. The bathroom was sweet with a large rain-type shower head. The star of the show was the hotel itself. While it was fully converted, it left enough intact so it's previous life was apparent, particularly the prison staircases in the center of the hotel. In the bottom level near the restaurant they kept a cell intact for photo ops! Also on the bottom level they had a wonderful buffet for breakfast with cold cuts, cheeses, lots of breads, porridge, fruit, and the staples of eggs, sausage, and pancakes. They also had a dinner buffet with an entree, vegetables, breads, and several salads. All of this goodness was included in the room rate. One can't go to Finland without doing some sauna. The hotels sauna is open to guests on the weekend with separate hours for men and women. During the week guests can book sauna by the hour which is what I did. I managed about 30 minutes and it was brutally hot. I did enjoy it to some extent and could probably get used to it. Staff was wonderful and helpful with any request I had. All in all it was an amazing property and if I ever visit Helsinki again I will stay there.

The room was quite nice, the bed was very comfortable, and the soundproofing was excellent. Don't take the half-board option; the meals are just okay, and the buffet closes promptly at 8:00 PM.

Great experience; this hotel is highly recommended. The staff is very friendly and professional, breakfast and dinner are delicious, the rooms are spacious and quiet. We stayed here in early June 2026 and could not have had a better stay.

Really clean and cozy, a bit different hotel. Customer service is great. A few original cells were on display, creepy and interesting at the same time! The parking area in the yard greatly influenced our choice of hotel.

A former prison, parts of which are almost 200 years old, has been converted into a hotel. It boasts a unique atmosphere, a convenient location, good food, and fair prices. In the basement, you can still see an isolation cell in its original condition, and interesting historical photographs are displayed in the stairwell.

Good staff, which was evident in their positivity and willingness to serve, not forgetting the included morning coffee and buffet dinner