Best Hotels in Helsinki in 2026 Based on Our Experiences

Best hotels in Helsinki based on our experiences. We divided them into categories and there is definitely something for everyone!

If you have been following my blog you probably know that I was born in Finland and lived there majority of my life. Our family stays the winter in California but we spend all our summers in Finland. And since we always fly through Helsinki on our way to our summer house on the west coast of the country, we have gotten to know the hotels in Helsinki quite well.

As a travel blogger, I also get invitations to visit different hotels so I can tell you about them. I’m especially excited when I get to tour around a brand new hotel and see what their speciality is. And there are quite a few new ones that opened in Helsinki in 2025.

The best hotels are not always the most expensive ones! Every person’s needs are a little bit different, so I put the hotels in different categories.

Best Hotels in Helsinki in different categories

1. Our Overall favorite! Best for families: Home Hotel Katajanokka

We have stayed at Home Hotel Katajanokka several times and we love it! It is great for all kinds of travellers, especially for families. It was built into an old prison and the history is seen all over the building. Old prison cells have been converted into hotel rooms.

The breakfast and dinner is included in the room price as well as afternoon coffee. We had a dinner from the menu at their Linnankellari restaurant and can recommend that as well.

The hotel is located in Katajanokka, walking distance from downtown Helsinki. Trams stop right in front of the hotel and can take you anywhere in Helsinki. Also a ferry terminal is right next to the hotel.

Read our full review of Hotel Katajanokka from here.

2. Best Boutique Hotel; Hotel Ax

Hotel Ax is the most unique hotel that you can find in Helsinki. Their theme is art, and you can see it all over the hotel. Not only do they have art pieces in their lobby and rooms, but also the guests can make their own art there.

Hotel Ax is located in Jätkäsaari, in a peaceful area close to shops and restaurants. A tram stops right in front of the hotel and takes you to downtown in less than ten minutes. There is also a big public parking garage next to the hotel in case you have a rental car.

Read our full review of Hotel Ax from here.

3. Best location; Hotel Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Hotel Scandic Grand Central Helsinki is in the heart of the downtown Helsinki and couldn’t have a better location. It was built inside to the Helsinki Railway Station in its historical Art Nouveau building. Trains to all over in Finland including to the Helsinki Airport leave right in front of the hotel.

The best museums, restaurants and shopping streets are just few steps away. The location of a hotel can’t get any better than this!

The hotel is quite new, it opened in 2021 with many different types of rooms. This hotel is great for any business or pleasure travellers, and also families. They also welcome pets in some of the rooms. Their breakfast buffet was wonderful.

4. Best breakfast; Radisson Blu Aleksanteri Hotel

This hotel has hands down the best breakfast we have had in Helsinki hotels. It is served in a buffet and has a big variety of warm dishes, cold cuts and baked goods.

Their chef will make omelettes and pancakes based on your choosing, and they also have a fridge full of snacks in the lobby inspired by guests wishes.

Radisson Blu Aleksanteri Hotel is located in Punavuori close to many designer boutiques, galleries and restaurants. A tram stop is also close to the hotel. This hotel has both family rooms and pet friendly rooms.

Read our full review of Radisson Blu Aleksanteri Hotel and an amazing Rock’n Rose Room that we stayed in here.

5. Best Airport Hotel; Clarion Hotel Aviapolis

During the years we have gone through all of the airport hotels since there are very few connecting flights to our small hometown. Last summer we stayed in Clarion Hotel Aviapolis and it immediately became our favorite!

The hotel is beautiful and functional, and the rooms are very spacious. Their breakfast is excellent and it is included in the room price. They also offer an early bird breakfast if you are catching up on an early flight.

The airport is only a ten minute train ride away and the entrance to the train is a few steps from the hotel entrance. The train will take you straight inside the airport. The same train can be used to visit downtown Helsinki.

Read our full review of Clarion Hotel Aviapolis from here.

6. Best rooftop terrace; Clarion Hotel Helsinki

If you like to enjoy evening drinks with a view then Clarion Hotel Helsinki has you covered. And not only for drinks but their pool is also at the rooftop!

This is a modern hotel with two separate 16-story towers and a congress center. The towers are connected with a glass walkway and the pool is between the towers. The views on our morning swim were amazing and their sauna was also great!

Clarion Hotel Helsinki is located in Jätkäsaari not far from downtown. A tram stops right in front of the hotel and Kamppi Shopping Center is walking distance away.

7. Best luxury Hotel; Hotel Kämp

Hotel Kämp has been the most luxurious hotel in Helsinki as long as I can remember. It is the place where most world leaders and celebrities stay while they visit Finland. The Mannerheim Suite in Hotel Kämp is the most expensive room in the whole country.

Hotel Kämp is located in Kluuvi by the Esplanadi Park, and is close to all of the services. Best restaurants, cafes and shops are just around the corner. They also offer free parking and a free airport shuttle for their guests.

8. Most Exotic; Lapland Hotels Bulevardi

Lapland Hotels Bulevardi is a popular hotel with a Lappish theme. The rooms are decorated with reindeer horns and Lappish textiles, and many of them have their own saunas. Also their breakfast buffet serves Lappish delicacies and is included in the room price.

The hotel is located at Bulevardi in Punavuori. It is very close to the bus terminal, and the tram stops in front of the hotel. They offer a free private parking area for those who come with their own car.

9. most sophisticated; Hotel St. George

St. George is a design hotel which opened its doors in 2018. Their stylish rooms have a calming colour pallet and Spanish marble bathrooms. The hotel has its own bakery and spa. Their glass-covered Wintergarden Bar is a great place to relax after a long work day or a trip.

St. George is located in Kamppi, a walking distance from Kauppatori Market Place. Helsinki railway station is only a seven minute walk away.

10. Most budget friendly; Bob W

If you are traveling with a budget then Bob W is your place! There are actually several of them in Helsinki, and they are all relatively new. We stayed in the one in Kamppi, and it was close to everything. It was perfect for a family because the living room with sofa bed had a door and our kids got some privacy, and the room had a kitchen.

Bob W doesn’t have staff on site, so they use a keyless check in. Read the instructions in the confirmation email carefully and before your stay, they will email you the code to enter your room.

💕 Are you looking for something romantic? 💕 The Glo Hotel Art is perfect for that!

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There are so many great and unique hotels in Helsinki that it is hard to choose the best ones. Helsinki is pretty compact and no matter where you stay it is easy to get around by public transportation. There are no bad neighbourhoods or areas that I wouldn’t stay in.

Most of the hotels are also close to restaurants, shopping and all the different sites you should see while you are in Helsinki.

There are great tours and day trips from Helsinki, for example to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress which is a UNESCO Heritage Site or even to visit Tallinn Old Town for a day. Another great place to visit is Temppeliaukio Church which is built inside a huge rock.