I recently stayed at Hotel Katajanokka in Helsinki, and it’s easily one of the most unique hotels I’ve ever been to – it used to be a prison! 🏛️

From the outside, it still looks like a fortress, but inside it’s been completely renovated into a stylish, comfortable hotel. You still see the thick brick walls and some original features, but the rooms are modern and cozy.

Helsinki can be really expensive, so finding a hotel that includes both breakfast and dinner in the price was a huge win. The food was great too – breakfast had a good variety, and dinner felt more like a proper restaurant meal than a hotel buffet.

What I loved:

  • Great value for Helsinki with two meals included
  • Super friendly staff and a calm, relaxing vibe
  • Location is perfect – walking distance to the market square, ferries, and city center
  • That mix of history and comfort you don’t get in chain hotels

If you’re curious what it looks like, I wrote up my full review with photos here:

https://www.trip.com/moments/detail/helsinki-452-134605683/

If you want something a bit different from your usual hotel and a little extra value in pricey Helsinki, I’d recommend checking it out.

by CharacterBlood1949

5 comments

  2. The building itself is very intresting, and has an intrigueing history, and is rather nicely converted into the hotel it is today. Especially the inner courtyard on the other side with its bar, terrace and sometimes some live music performances is a nice experience, on some days you might be able to have your lunch there instead of sitting in the basement. The staff are for the most part friendly, but the same cannot unfortunately be said about the manager, clearly has an issue with the attitude.

  4. I walked past this place once. Now I have to go.

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